New HBO Original Documentary ‘Wild Wild Space’ Features Planet’s Origin Story and Space Industry Trajectory
Planet Labs (NYSE: PL), a leader in Earth observation, announced its participation in HBO’s new documentary ‘Wild Wild Space.’ Directed by Ross Kauffman and inspired by Ashlee Vance's book, the film delves into the origins, vision, and growth of Planet Labs, showcasing their satellite technology and its impact on global issues like deforestation. The documentary features interviews with co-founders Will Marshall and Robbie Schingler, highlighting their journey from NASA to creating a company that images the entire Earth daily. The documentary premieres on HBO on July 17 and aims to inspire future scientists and entrepreneurs.
- Participation in HBO documentary showcases Planet Labs' technology and vision to a broad audience.
- Potential increase in brand visibility and credibility through association with a high-profile documentary and Academy Award-winning director.
- Highlighting Planet's mission and use cases may attract new customers and partnerships.
- Exposure might inspire budding scientists and entrepreneurs to engage with Planet Labs' work.
- No new financial metrics or performance data provided in the PR.
- The documentary's subjective portrayal may not lead to direct financial benefits or stock performance improvements.
(Photo: Business Wire)
Directed by Academy Award-winning director Ross Kauffman, ‘Wild Wild Space’ is inspired by the book ‘When The Heavens Went On Sale’ by New York Times bestselling author Ashlee Vance. The film focuses on the rivalry between two visionaries and founders of contesting rocket companies, Chris Kemp and Peter Beck. According to the film synopsis: “The stakes rise as they race against time to deploy commercial satellites for prestigious clients, including Planet Labs, led by visionary Will Marshall, encapsulating their shared goal — to redefine space, one satellite launch at a time.”
The film sheds light on the intriguing revolution happening in New Space and the audiences experience both the excitement and challenges – including spectacular rocket explosions and the building of a space company through the eyes of those who built it. Marshall and Schingler share personal stories from their time at NASA and early days of Planet, including discussing their passion to use satellites to combat global deforestation. Planet satellite imagery is also featured throughout the film, helping to bring the use cases to life and emphasize the critical value it is having around the Earth today.
“Working on ‘Wild Wild Space’ was an exciting and unexpected opportunity for us! From visiting our former NASA stomping grounds, to welcoming the crew to Planet’s headquarters, it was an honor to participate,” said Will Marshall, co-founder and CEO of Planet. “Thank you to Ashlee Vance for writing this book, and to HBO, Ross Kauffman, and the entire production team for transforming it into a compelling film that captures the stories and characters so well. I hope that this will inspire budding scientists and entrepreneurs to have ambition to use their skills to help address the biggest challenges facing the planet.”
"It was nerve-wracking to see our backstory and early days of Planet on the big screen," said Robbie Schingler, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Planet. "But all of it happened, and more, and Ross and the crew did an amazing job picking up from Ashlee's book and bringing the story to life. I look forward to the sequel and to also highlight how Planet and our partners accelerate a more sustainable, secure and prosperous world."
Both Marshall and Schingler attended the film premiere at the DC/DOX Film Festival on June 15. ‘Wild Wild Space’ debuts on HBO on July 17 and will be available to stream on Max.
Special thanks to Director Ross Kauffman, and Producers Amblin Entertainment, HBO Documentary Films, Hyperobject Industries, Zero Point Zero Production Inc., and Ashlee Vance for their work on this film.
About Planet
Planet is a leading provider of global, daily satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. Planet is driven by a mission to image the world every day, and make change visible, accessible and actionable. Founded in 2010 by three NASA scientists, Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites. Planet provides mission-critical data, advanced insights, and software solutions to over 1000 customers, comprising the world’s leading agriculture, forestry, intelligence, education and finance companies and government agencies, enabling users to simply and effectively derive unique value from satellite imagery. Planet is a public benefit corporation listed on the New York Stock Exchange as PL. To learn more visit www.planet.com and follow us on X (formerly Twitter).
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240704368163/en/
Planet Press
Claire Bentley Dale
comms@planet.com
Planet Investor Relations
Chris Genualdi, Cleo Palmer-Poroner
ir@planet.com
Source: Planet
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