Compass Light, Conover's small production company in Camden, Maine, started producing the series in 2004. 64 one-hour Sunrise Earth shows have been created in the first four years of production. The crew shoots with High Definition video cameras and the editors cut between multiple perspectives at a leisurely pace. The show is presented in real-time, with each shot lasting an average of 30 seconds[citation needed]. Each episode captures one sunrise from a certain location, such as Machu Picchu, Turkey or Scandinavia. Captions in the lower portion of the frame occasionally give information as to the location, time, and events on screen.

Compass Light was founded by director David Conover in 1992. Specializing in the creation of non-fiction documentaries, the company's work focuses on the discoveries of people in challenging and value forming situations, primarily outdoors and in a marine context.[1] Work includes productions for PBS Nova, The Science Channel, National Geographic Explorer, Discovery Channel, and HD Theater. Compass Light productions have earned the National Outdoor Production Award, a Blue Ribbon by the National Educational Media Competition, a National Academies Communication Award, and a nomination for an Emmy for Outstanding Director.