![]() ![]() The BBC’s head of commissioning for natural history and specialist factual, Tom McDonald, said the programme would “deliver a new benchmark in natural history film-making. Showing a contemporary portrait of marine life, it will provide a timely reminder that this is a critical moment for the health of the world’s oceans.” Blue Planet II is taking its cue from these breakthroughs, unveiling unbelievable new places, extraordinary new behaviours and remarkable new creatures. He added: “New scientific discoveries have given us a new perspective of life beneath the waves. The executive producer James Honeyborne described the oceans as “the most exciting place to be right now”. The results include footage of newly discovered and never-before filmed creatures, including hairy-chested Hoff crabs, snub fin dolphins that spit water, and a tool-using tusk fish. The team have also used the latest marine technology, including two unmanned submersibles, allowing them to record footage from 1,000 metres under the Antarctic Ocean. These include ultra high-definition “tow cams” that can film predatory fish and dolphins front-on, and suction cameras recording the view from the backs of large creatures such as whale sharks and orcas. In a statement announcing his part in Blue Planet II, Attenborough said: “I am truly thrilled to be joining this new exploration of the underwater worlds which cover most of our planet, yet are still its least known.”Īs with both the original Blue Planet, which was broadcast in 2001, and both series of Planet Earth, the BBC’s natural history team have developed new camera technology and techniques to capture previously unobtainable footage. ![]() ![]() Planet Earth II debuted on BBC America on Saturday, with special content produced for Snapchat released the previous day. Budget cuts mean the BBC is now under even more pressure to sell its shows abroad. The original Blue Planet sold in more than 50 countries and a 90-minute edit was made for cinemas. At an annual showcase event last year held by BBC commercial arm BBC Worldwide, Attenborough was given a standing ovation by the assembled TV buyers, and Blue Planet II will be unveiled at this year’s event, which started on Sunday. More than 13 million people tuned in for the opening episode, and the series averaged an audience of more than 10 million.Īttenborough’s reputation should also help international sales of the programme, which is being made in partnership with BBC America, the German broadcaster WDR and France Télévisions.Īlthough Attenborough was replaced in the US version of the original Blue Planet by the actor Pierce Brosnan, his voice was used on Planet Earth II in the US, and he is seen as an asset in taking the show to overseas markets. Combining his practised insight with stunning footage captured using the latest technology helped Planet Earth II draw the largest audiences for a natural history programme for at least 15 years. ![]()
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