The Berg on CBC’s The Nature of Things brings Saint John filmmaking front and centre on the national stage. Produced by Hemmings Films, a division of Hemmings House, the documentary follows a single iceberg from its birth at Greenland’s Eqi Glacier to its journey through Newfoundland’s Iceberg Alley — a story captured through months of challenging, on‑location filming across the North Atlantic.
Icebergs are more than beautiful scenery; they influence global currents, shape ecosystems, and offer critical insight into a changing climate. The film reveals often unseen stages of an iceberg’s life, from calving and drifting through fragile marine ecosystems to ultimately breaking apart.
A Major Production Achievement for Saint John
To bring this story to life, the Saint John‑based team filmed in both Greenland and Newfoundland, capturing the iceberg from land, air, and even beneath the surface — with striking underwater and under‑ice sequences that showcase the immense scale of these giants
Producer Evan Ottoni of Hemmings Films helped guide the film’s multi‑year development, while director Christine McLean shaped its vision from the field through final edit. The documentary also features editing by SkyLer Michaels and an original score by Andrew Reed Miller, with further support from creative partners One Tribe TV, who helped bring the project from initial concept to international collaboration.
Saint John Storytelling With Global Reach
Founded by filmmaker Greg Hemmings, Hemmings House has built a reputation for purpose‑driven filmmaking rooted in Atlantic Canada but reaching audiences worldwide. The Berg continues that mission, pairing scientific depth with visual storytelling thanks to the work of director Christine McLean and underwater explorer Jill Heinerth.
Despite the international scope of the film, Hemmings House’s base remains firmly in Saint John, where the company continues to expand its presence in high‑impact documentary production.
Watch The Berg
The Berg premiered February 26 on CBC’s The Nature of Things and is now available to stream on CBC Gem and YouTube.
