POACHER
POACHER exposes the world of wildlife crime through the dramatic recreation of the largest elephant poaching ring in the history of Asia.
It’s the story of law enforcement agents, ex-spies, computer hackers, biologists, and good samaritans who put their lives on the line to avert species extinction and combat the wildlife mafia – poachers, smugglers, dealers, and buyers. It’s a battle to stop a scale of slaughter that threatens to destroy millions of forms of life, and ultimately, our own fragile habitat.
Now Streaming on Prime Video
Based On Real People, Real Stories
Creator Richie Mehta worked closely with the real wildlife crime fighters who investigated and pursued this historic case, situated in South India. This detailed approach ensured the series featured the dramatic suspense of a real-life manhunt, while showcasing the interconnectedness and importance of this vital ecosystem.
POACHER was filmed in Kerala in the local language (Malayalam), spoken by people indigenous to Kerala. POACHER features a mostly indigenous cast from South India, and portrays various class perspectives and motivations with sensitivity. Each character is represented with deep empathy for their circumstance, as to avoid judgment based on socio-economic terms, with the clear villain being delineated as the greed of the 1% who are motivating the trade and exploiting the indigenous people living below the poverty line for profit.
The entire production of the series was an investment into the local infrastructure and capacity building of Kerala crew.
All supporting actors in the series (over 100 speaking parts) were cast locally in the region the series was filmed (Malayatoor, Kerala). 90% of our production crew is from underrepresented backgrounds, hailing from indigenous regions of Kerala.
Honoring Wildlife & Our Environment
The series gives voice to an often-ignored part of our world: the animal kingdom. POACHER used (ethical) cutting-edge computer animation to depict the animal kingdom’s response to the humn presence. Every animal featured in the series was animated. This designation resulted in awards and acknowledgements from PETA, Jackson Wild, and the Environmental Media Association.
POACHER also utilized Amazon Prime’s X-ray feature. Viewers can learn more about the contribution of each animal depicted on screen – their impacts on the ecosystem as well as the threats they face. Some of the native animals featured include: elephants, leopard, leaf bird, Malabar hornbill, civet cat, flock of teals, Nilgiri marten, lion-tailed macaque, slender loris, Malabar giant squirrel, bats, deer, python.
As environmental conservation is central to POACHER, production focused on respectful and sustainable practices. Production days were intentionally planned around daylight hours to capture natural light as much as possible. All lighting in the jungle was natural - no lights. All remote lighting and moving photography in vehicles was LED. Sound equipment utilized rechargeable batteries.
This carefully planned approach supported sustainability, reduced carbon emissions, and demonstrated an intentional effort to integrate eco-conscious practices into every stage of production from story to screen.
Mindfully Crafted, Independently Made
QC Entertainment fully financed POACHER independently in equity.
QC chose this project because of the exceptionally talented filmmaker Richie Mehta (his series "Delhi Crime" won the International Emmy for best Drama Series in 2019 - the only show ever from India), and because of the important subject matter.
The first three episodes of POACHER screened at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023. Amazon Prime Video licensed this project, and it premiered globally on Prime Video in February 2024. Poacher was the #1 OTT original series across India and several other Asian countries for four weeks straight, a monumental feat.
A Call To Action - For Us All
This dramatic wildlife crime series appeals to global audiences through the use of sophisticated genre storytelling, but also aims to encourage the perpetrating criminal networks themselves to stop their destruction – as many involved are unaware of the damage their individual work inflicts.
Through the use of drama, the consequential themes of POACHER have moved far beyond the forest – to homes where families have either turned a blind eye, or are unaware of the issues – to give a voice to the most silent victims on earth.
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Created by Richie Mehta
QC Entertainment production
In association with
Suitable Pictures, Poor Man's Productions and Eternal Sunshine Productions
Thank you to the Kerala Forest Department, Indian Forest Service, Wildlife Crime Bureau, Wildlife Trust of India, and all on the frontline who safeguard wildlife.
Streaming now Amazon Prime Video