This book describes what is involved in producing a modern Award-winning natural history documentary film for international television viewing. 'Messengers of the Gods' is based on the crane family of birds, one of the oldest forms of wildlife with which man is associated. It proposes that conservation of populations is critical to our cultural well-being, as well as a tribute to the contributions these birds have made to human culture. Long-serving environmental scientist Dr Hugh Lavery, with prominent poet and film-maker Ken Taylor, travel through 18 countries in the quest for the scenes and stories that provide the narrative of a film employing the communication skills of leading artists, composers and actors. The book reinforces that the narrative nowadays is central to natural history film-making.