UWA & The Explorers: Bridging Cultures and Showcasing Global Heritage
The UHD World Association (UWA) recently sat down in conversation with Olivier Chiabodo, CEO and founder of French production company The Explorers, to shed a light on a transformative project that combines storytelling and cutting-edge technology which connects humanity with its shared cultural, natural, and human heritage.
Chiabodo, whose role also extends to VP of UWA, has used The Explorer’s role as UWA consulting members to push for HDR Vivid and Audio Vivid standards for global adoption. His dedication to creating universally educational content underscores his belief that preserving and promoting the world’s treasures can inspire global unity.
The Vision for The Explorers
Olivier Chiabodo, a former doctor, drew inspiration for The Explorers from the profound similarity between the human body and the planet—both composed of 70% water and 30% saline. This analogy forms the foundation of a mission to celebrate and protect the Earth’s wonders.
“The World Heritage content is good because it’s very universal,” Chiabodo explained. Over the last decade, his team has captured stunning footage across land, sea, and air, mastering advanced techniques and adapting to the latest technology. With 8K resolution, Dolby Vision and HDR Vivid standards, The Explorers delivers breathtaking visuals that transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. Their app, available in 17 languages, has been downloaded 20 million times, reaching audiences on platforms like iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS.
Collaboration and Trust: A Partnership
A pivotal aspect of The Explorers’ success has been its collaboration with the UWA. Olivier shared the journey of building trust over the years, stating:
“We built a lot of confidence together between UWA and The Explorers. That’s very important. When you have more and more confidence, you can do more.”
This trust paved the way for groundbreaking advancements in the international growth of HDR Vivid and Audio Vivid standards, seamlessly blending technical innovation with immersive content.
In October 2024, the documentary Amazing China premiered on various Chinese platforms, including CCTV4, CCTV4K and CCTV8K. A collaboration between The Explorers and China Media Group, the film commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations between China and France. Through cutting-edge UHD, HDR Vivid and Audio Vivid technology, Amazing China offers a captivating exploration of the country’s rich cultural history. The film was broadcast again on TV5MONDE on January 28, to global audiences.
Through this partnership, The Explorers has elevated their global appeal of World Heritage content, using technology to enhance storytelling and promote cross-cultural understanding.
Focus on Quality Content
For Olivier, content remains the cornerstone of the project. “Content is soft power.” he noted. By focusing on educational content about World Heritage, The Explorers is cultivating a deeper appreciation for the world’s cultural and natural landmarks.
“It’s good for the quality of my content, and it is good for making education around the World Heritage. That’s the key,” Chiabodo said. This emphasis on education aligns with the project’s broader mission to inspire stewardship and connectivity.
Expanding Horizons in China
China represents an exciting frontier for The Explorers and Olivier aims to introduce millions of Chinese users to his universal content. His team is also developing documentaries that spotlight China’s unique heritage, from its cultural landmarks to its natural wonders.
By leveraging partnerships with Huawei, Tencent, and manufacturers like Hisense, The Explorers seeks to showcase China’s heritage to global audiences showing greater appreciation for Chinese technology and content innovation.
A Future Built on Storytelling and Connection
The success of The Explorers lies in its ability to merge cutting-edge technology with the universal language of storytelling. With a steadfast commitment to quality and education, The Explorers continues to inspire audiences worldwide, bridging cultural divides and championing the preservation of our planet’s most cherished treasures. Through collaboration and innovation, Olivier Chiabodo’s vision is creating a legacy that celebrates the beauty and diversity of humanity’s shared heritage.