ORANGE PLANET PICTURES | ANIMAL WELFARE & CONSERVATION AT OUR CORE
Orange Planet Pictures is focussed on pro-bono animal welfare and conservation film making. Over the last 20 years, we have exposed many global issues that are both worrying and egregious. Like the dog & cat meat trade in Indonesia, bear bile farming in China and Vietnam, rhino poaching in South Africa and Asian elephant abuse in Thailand.
Orange Planet Pictures provide access to all our films (for free), as well as links to initiatives, charities, and NGO's we are aligned with (typically within the films themselves)
It's our belief that high quality information and education are a pre-cursor to change, so will endeavour to shine a light on these issues for as long as we can. And if you're able to, please support our work at Ko-Fi. Thank you.
We retutn to the brick kiln donkeys in Egypt to follow up on this heartbreaking story.
The people and organisations working to transform the brutal lives of brick kiln donkeys in Egypt
The charities and organisations working to save rhinos from poaching in South Africa with insights and scenes never before seen on camera
The untold truth behind animal testing with Ricky Gervais and Dr Ray Greek
Exploring the terrible & heart breaking dog meat trade in North Sulawes, Indonesia
The remarkable life story of Jill Robinson, founder of Animals Asia and saviour of thousands of moon bears from the horrors of bile farming
The story of Cristina and Roger Lapis who have spent their lives rescuing and rehabilitating Romanian brown bears, building the countries only wild bear sanctuary
Cristina and Roger Lapis' second (but no less important) charity to rescue and rehome the thousands of Romanian dogs who would otherwise die on the streets
Mira has spent all of her time, money and resources saving hundreds of pet dogs abandoned on the streets of Egypt
In collaboration with the Hawk Conservacy Trust, this documentary follows their reserach in to nesting kestrels
In association with the Hawk Conservancy Trust, an insight in to their exceptional National Bird of Prey Hospital
Private Conrad Lewis was killed in Afghanistan. But his legacy lives on in the most remarkable way
Thousands of tourists see elephants as 'entertainment'. But there's a cruel, awful and sometimes deadly side to this appalling industry
Billy Thompson founded this remarkable place to create a home for any animal in need of a home. A remarkable achievement and without question, Billy’s life work!
In November 2023, Animals Asia opened a new rescue centre in Bach Ma National Park to rehome 300 bears still suffering in Vietnam’s bear bile farms, a historic step toward ending this cruel practice
Copyright Andrew Telling
Multi-award winning film production company specialising in animal welfare & conservation films. Shedding light on issues others fail to expose.
Copyright Andrew Telling
A TRUE CARBON NEUTRAL COMPANY
Orange Planet Pictures is a carbon neutral company. Working with Klima, we offset our carbon emissions by investing in tree projects, solar power initiatives and clean cook stoves in Ghana.
FILM PREMIERE
BRICKS
In 2024, we unveiled BROKEN—an award-winning documentary honoured as ‘Best Film’ by Geographic Magazine. This powerful film pulls back the curtain on a hidden world, revealing not only the brutal conditions faced by working animals, but also the haunting truth of life inside the brick kilns—where even children as young as ten labour in ignorance of animal sentience or suffering. BROKEN shines a light on the tireless work of Safe Haven 4 Donkeys, alongside the Atan Mobile Veterinary Team and the El Gesr Foundation. Together, they perform nothing short of miracles—snatching donkeys from the edge of death and restoring life and dignity in just hours. It’s heartbreaking, hopeful, and unforgettable.
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BRICKS is the next chapter. It digs deeper—into the daily, high-stakes decisions that determine whether a donkey lives in agony or walks free. It reveals a world where compassion fights cruelty, and where the teams on the ground model what true change looks like. Their endurance, empathy, and quiet heroism are a blueprint for how we can do better—for animals, and for the people who depend on them.
BRICKS
THE LONG WAIT TO DIE
THE LONG WAIT TO DIE
In March 2019, Peter Egan and filmaker Andrew Telling (Orange Planet Pictures) made the 7400 mile journey to visit North Sulawesi's cruel cat and dog meat markets to help shine a light on the horrors of the trade.
What they saw was truly shocking.
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This is an opportunity to watch the Global Premiere of 'The Long Wait to Die' and interact live with Peter Egan, Lola Webber ( Co-founder of Change For Animals Foundation ) and Andrew Telling (Director of Orange Planet Pictures)
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Whilst this 30 minute film features content that many will find disturbing there is no hands on live animal cruelty.
KERATIN
In March 2023, actor and animal activist Peter Egan and and filmaker Andrew Telling (Orange Planet Pictures) undertook a 30-hour journey to the Zululand Rhino Orphanage in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Managed by a skilled team, the orphanage provides 24-hour care to rhinos that have all been rescued after the poaching-related death of their parents. "KERATIN," a powerful film, reveals the challenges faced by those protecting these animals, offering personal insights and revelations known to very few. Guided by Helping Rhinos, Peter witnesses the harsh realities of poaching, emphasizing the significant threat faced by rhinos.
The film delves into the lengths to which poachers go and explores the counter-initiatives implemented to thwart their malicious schemes. Notably, Peter is invited to participate in an anti-poaching process unprecedented in film history—ethical dehorning. This visceral procedure is both emotional and overwhelming, underscoring its essential role in the ongoing battle against poaching.
During his visit, Peter encounters Lulaboy, a baby rhino recently rescued from poachers. At the time of the documentary team's arrival, Lulaboy was small, unwell, and his life hung in the balance. The emotional journey unfolds as the film captures the efforts to rehabilitate and ensure the well-being of this vulnerable rhino. "KERATIN" stands out as a remarkable film on rhino poaching, offering a perspective never before seen.
Raw, real, and profoundly emotional, the documentary brings to light the urgent need for conservation efforts and the ongoing struggle to protect these incredible animals from the threat of poaching.
KERATIN
BROKEN
BROKEN
In October 2023, actor and animal activist Peter Egan and filmaker Andrew Telling (Orange Planet Pictures) embarked on a journey to the Al Gisa desert in Egypt with Safe Haven 4 Donkeys. There, he bore witness to the appalling cruelty inflicted upon the kiln donkeys by the brick kiln workers. Subjected to whipping, beating, and neglect, these donkeys toil tirelessly, hauling carts for 12 hours daily, all under the relentless Middle Eastern sun. The brutality is particularly egregious, considering that the natural temperament and physiology of donkeys make them susceptible to exploitation for easy and inexpensive labour.
This film serves as a poignant window into a largely unknown world. It not only reveals the harsh conditions these animals endure but also exposes the shocking reality of the people working at the kilns—some as young as ten years old. These individuals lack awareness of animal welfare, sentience, and understanding of the patient and enduring nature of these animals. Remarkably, the documentary highlights the exceptional efforts of Safe Haven 4 Donkeys, in collaboration with their partners from the Atan Mobile Veterinary Team and the El Gesr Foundation. Together, they perform extraordinary work, rescuing donkeys from the brink of death and transforming their lives from one of suffering to health in a matter of hours—an experience that must be seen to be believed.
Without the dedication of these compassionate individuals, many more donkeys would simply fade away, succumbing to the injuries endured in the harsh realities of the Egyptian brick kilns—malnourished, dehydrated, beaten ...and broken.
BLACK, WHITE & VIVISECTION
On 1st July 2019, actor, comedian and animal advocate Ricky Gervais met medical doctor, scientist and author, Dr. Ray Greek.
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It was due to be a brief and informal promotional piece.
But, what developed, was one of the of the most compelling and accessible anti-animal testing conversations we'd ever heard.
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So, we let the cameras roll...
BLACK, WHITE & VIVISECTION
JILL ROBINSON: TO THE MOON AND BACK
JILL ROBINSON: TO THE MOON AND BACK
Across China and Vietnam, over 10,000 Asiatic black bears (moon bears) are trapped in coffin-sized cages, enduring unimaginable pain for up to 30 years. Crude, often infected catheters penetrate their gall bladders to extract bile for traditional medicine, beauty products, and even wine.
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In 1993, Jill Robinson, a British woman with no wealth or privilege, took a stand. With intelligence and determination, she spearheaded an animal welfare movement that has rescued hundreds of bears, built two sanctuaries spanning 180,000 square meters, and set Vietnam on a path to end bile farming. Against political and social challenges, she proved that one person can make a difference.
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When Jill arrived in China in the early ’90s, only one animal rights group existed. Now, over 150 dynamic organisations are driving change, a shift often overlooked in the West. Thanks to Jill’s outreach, attitudes in Asia are evolving toward humane treatment of animals.
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Narrated by actor Peter Egan, with contributions from Lesley Nicol, Virginia McKenna OBE, and Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum, this is the powerful and deeply personal story of Jill Robinson—one of the world’s most inspirational animal welfare heroes.
LIBEARTY BEAR SANCTUARY, ROMANIA
In November 2022, we travelled to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Brasov, Romania.
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Actor and animal advocate, Peter Egan, met the founder Cristina Lapis.
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In this short but extraordinary encounter, he met the bears, explored the 69 hectare sanctuary and learned about the remarkable woman who started it all.
LIBEARTY BEAR SANCTUARY
600
'600' - THE MILLION FRIENDS DOG SANCTUARY
In January, we returned to Romania to follow the issues faced by The Million Friends and their ongoing work to rescue and rehome hundreds of thousands of abandoned dogs that exist on the street.
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Most are abandoned pets, no longer wanted and seen as nothing more than an unwelcome expense.
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Actor and animal advocate, Peter Egan, met the founder Cristina Lapis.
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In this short but extraordinary encounter, he met the dogs and explored the shelter to learn about the myriad of issues faced.
Copyright Andrew Telling
MIRA DOGS
Mira Dogs is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming dogs in Cairo. We have seen first-hand the good work they do.
Mira has an unending and mountainous challenge to rescue just some of the millions of pet dogs dumped on the streets of Cairo. It's an almost impossible task given the tens of millions that need help...but she does what she can with the meagre resources she scrapes together.
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An incredible woman with an unbelievable story to tell.
STORIES FROM THE FIELD - THE HOSPITAL
STORIES FROM THE FIELD - THE HOSPITAL
Working with the Hawk Conservancy Trust near Andover, we spent months alongside Cedric Robert, Manager and Collections Manager at the National Bird of Prey Hospital.
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This film offers a glimpse into the extraordinary work of Cedric and his team as they rescue and rehabilitate birds – some with little chance of survival having been found injured and distressed in the wild.
STORIES FROM THE FIELD - KESTRELS
This fascinating documentary has been filmed with the Hawk Conservancy Trust's UK Conservation Biologist, Dr Matt Stevens. Filmed in 2019, it will give you an insight to the wonderful world of Kestrels and the work to conserve them.
You can glimpse inside nest boxes, meet some of the youngsters that are living there and discover more about Matt’s very busy job of looking after over 1,000 nest boxes for the Trust.
STORIES FROM THE FIELD - KESTRELS
353
353 - THE REMARKABLE LEGACY OF
PRIVATE CONRAD LEWIS
On February 9th, 2011, Private Conrad Lewis became the 353rd British soldier to be killed in Afghanistan. Before his death, Conrad had adopted a stray Afghan dog called Pegasus. Peg was a friend, ally and soldier in her own right and when Conrad died, his father, Tony, began the task of repatriating her.
But relocating a dog from Afghanistan to the UK is an incredibly challenging task which is where Pen Farthing and his charity NOWZAD came in. In this compelling and emotional interview, actor and animal activist Peter Egan speaks with Conrad’s father, Anthony Lewis, about a period of his life that was devastating, challenging, and built around a single promise made to his son – in the event of his death, save Pegasus.
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All third party content has been used under Fair Use Copyright
THE ELEPHANTS OF NONG NOOCH -
A MODERN HORROR STORY
Every year, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock to elephant shows and attractions across the Far East—unaware of the brutal reality behind the spectacle.
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These elephants are "broken" — forced into submission through cruelty, making them compliant for profit-driven entertainment.
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But this isn’t just horrific for the elephants—it’s dangerous for tourists too.
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In some cases, it turns fatal. Helen Costigan knows this firsthand—her sister lost her life due to the appalling and inhumane practice of pajaan.
THE ELEPHANTS OF NONG NOOCH
THE RETREAT
THE RETREAT
MEET THE MAN WHO SAVES ALL THE ANIMALS
Nestled in the heart of Kent, The Retreat Animal Rescue is a sanctuary built on compassion, dedication, and the tireless efforts of volunteers. Founded by Billy Thompson, this remarkable not-for-profit charity provides a safe haven for animals in desperate need of care, love, and a second chance.
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For Billy, this isn’t just a mission—it’s his life’s work. Every penny raised goes directly toward the welfare of the animals, ensuring they receive the love and protection they deserve.
Because at The Retreat, every life matters.
ANIMALS ASIA
THE BACH MA SANCTUARY
In November 2023, Actors and Animals Asia Ambassadors Lesley Nicol and Peter Egan witnessed history in Vietnam. For centuries, Asiatic Black Bears were farmed for bile, enduring unimaginable cruelty.
Led by Jill Robinson, Animals Asia fought tirelessly, securing a ban on bear bile farming from 2026. With hundreds still caged, a bold solution emerged—the Bach Ma National Park rescue centre, a sanctuary for 300 bears awaiting freedom.
Opened on 17th November 2023, this milestone proves change is possible—with dedication, compassion, and relentless determination from Jill and her team.
