BBC films meerkats using new ultra-high definition 4K George Michael, the singer, has reportedly bought three of the sets from Harrods while a Gulf prince is said to have placed an order for six. For viewers seeking smaller and cheaper models, 55in and 65in versions are expected to be put on sale later this year. Survival is being filmed by the BBC's National History Unit (NHU) in Bristol. It is intended to explore how different animals respond to similar "trials and tribulations" at each stage of their lives. Mike Gunton, the NHU's creative director, said: "There's a new reality which those images give. I think it makes the images more engaging. You feel you can almost touch them and get into the heads of the animals. Clips from the early stages of filming were shown at a recent open day held by the NHU, including footage of a meerkat colony in the Kalahari desert. Filming in 4K at the eye level of the meerkats, BBC cameraman Toby Strong captured a single meerkat warding off a cobra as it approached the colony. "The meerkat was calling in recruits and there was this lovely moment when we pulled round from behind the cobra and you see the cavalry have arrived and one by one these meerkats all surround the cobra - you almost feel sorry for it," Mr Gunton said. Several films - including The Amazing Spiderman and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - are also being re-released in 4K.