YOUTUBE ORIGINALS ORDERS "LAUDATO SI'" FROM OSCAR AWARD-WINNING OFF THE FENCE PRODUCTIONS

Feature-Length Documentary Based on Pope Francis' Environment Encyclical Will Debut on the Global Platform Early 2022

LOS ANGELES, CA, September 15, 2021 -- YouTube Originals has ordered "Laudato Si','' a feature-length documentary from the BAFTA and OSCAR(R)-winning production company Off The Fence, (My Octopus Teacher) produced in partnership with the Laudato Si' Movement and in collaboration with the Vatican. Set to debut on YouTube in early 2022, "Laudato Si' is based on Pope Francis's second encyclical and provides an urgent call to action on protecting our planet and each other.

"Sustainability and climate action are key areas of focus for our YouTube Originals programming," said Nadine Zylstra Head of Family, Learning and Impact for YouTube Originals, "Off the Fence's expertise in this space makes them the perfect fit to bring Pope Francis' critical message to our global audience."

"We are thrilled to be partnering with YouTube on this incredible project. Their reach will ensure everybody has access to the film and their creativity in content and form means a whole generation will be engaged with Laudato Si''s important message," said Leila Monks, Off the Fence's Head of Commissioning.

The documentary offers a breathtaking wake-up call and a humbling reminder of our responsibility as a society to come together in solidarity for the preservation of our planet. Following the personal stories of several characters deeply connected to the climate crisis, "Laudato Si'" calls on communities and individuals to lead change on the local, national, and international levels.

Currently in production, "Laudato Si'" is written and directed by Nicolas Brown, produced by Sam Barton-Humphreys and Off The Fence Co-CEO Ellen Windemuth, and executive produced by Off The Fence Co-CEO Bo Stehmeier and Tomás Insua. Susanne Daniels is Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. Nadine Zylstra, Head of Family, Learning and Impact for YouTube Originals and Lauren Vrazilek and Amina Wilson on the Learning and Impact development team oversee "Laudato Si'" for YouTube Originals.

"Laudato Si''" producer and Co-CEO of Off The Fence Ellen Windemuth also added, "This film is the place where people of many faiths convene with scientists to embrace Pope Francis's vision for the future of our planet. Our film will adapt this important message into a beautiful character-driven story, shot all over the world."

"Laudato Si'" is the latest addition to the YouTube Originals slate of sustainability programming which includes previously announced series: "Seat at the Table," which sends creator Jack Harries on a global challenge to give people around the world a seat at the table in the climate conversation ahead of the UN's Climate Change Conference (COP 26), "Brave Mission: Rewild the Planet" (previously titled "Stay Wild") where Brave Wilderness will transport viewers directly to the front lines of nature where the effects of climate change can be witnessed first-hand by their impact on wildlife and humanity, and "Shut It Off ASAP," where YouTube creators AsapSCIENCE leave their comfort zone in the city and head to a remote farm in the country to try their hand at going green, regenerative farming, and building a sustainable lifestyle.

About YouTube Originals:

YouTube Originals are award-winning series, specials and livestream events for YouTube's two billion active monthly users that entertain, inspire, connect, and educate audiences through authentic storytelling from YouTube creators, music artists and celebrities. By tapping into the platform's growing global community, fan engagement product capabilities, and innovative content, YouTube Originals amplify the most popular and unique aspects of YouTube. Fans can experience YouTube Originals content for free through the standard YouTube platform (ad-supported), or through a paid subscription to YouTube Premium, which adds ad-free, bonus/exclusive content, and early binge access to select programming. YouTube Originals are available in over 100 countries worldwide. Keep up with the latest YouTube news by visiting the global platform's official blog at https://blog.youtube/.

About Off the Fence:

Off the Fence is a leading non-fiction content company of global scale and reach, producing and distributing exceptional factual programming. Owned by ZDF Enterprises since 2019, and established in 1994, Off the Fence is a 360 factual content company. OTF develops, finances, produces and co-produces international non-fiction programmes across a range of genres including Natural History, Science, Travel & Adventure, Lifestyle, History, People & Culture, Crime and Feature Docs.

About Laudato Si' Movement:

Laudato Si' Movement serves the Catholic family worldwide to turn Pope Francis' Laudato Si' encyclical letter into action for ecological justice. Laudato Si' Movement's grassroots movement-building efforts draw on the combined gifts of nearly 800 member organizations and thousands of grassroots volunteers help bring the Laudato Si' message to life.