Both a rip-roaring adventure and a heartwarming story of mankind discovering man's best friend, ALPHA evolved when a quest for a story that could transcend language barriers morphed into an idea to memorably dramatize the domestication of the wolf by early humans. Over many years, as a script was developed, and extensive research shone a light on a rarely recreated time in history, a universal tale of family, struggle, and companionship took shape – just one that was set 20,000 years ago.

The world looked different then but still held a recognizable majesty and starkness. Men and women were Cro-Magnon, but not the grunting figures so often portrayed in popular culture – their tool-making was sophisticated, creativity was essential, and tribes were like families, with their own complex hierarchies.