‘Planet Earth III’ – A Spectacular Testimony to the Amazing Life of Species
The highly anticipated nature documentary Planet Earth III, narrated by renowned British naturalist David Attenborough, takes an inspiring journey through some of the planet’s most diverse landscapes and wildlife habitats. The eight-episode project, the visually stunning series has captured the attention of audiences and critics alike worldwide. It has earned five Emmy nominations this year, including Outstanding Cinematography for a Non-Fiction Programme and Outstanding Storytelling for Attenborough, who continues to captivate viewers at the age of 98.
The documentary takes viewers on a fascinating journey through a variety of natural environments, including mountains, oceans, grasslands, caves and deserts. With groundbreaking filming techniques and cutting-edge technology, Planet Earth III offers a fresh look at the beauty and struggles of the animal kingdom. The series begins with David Attenborough at Downe Bank Nature Reserve in England, where Charles Darwin once walked and pondered his groundbreaking idea about evolution. From this iconic location, viewers are taken to a variety of animal habitats, observing how animals have adapted to their surroundings.
Filmed entirely in 4K, Planet Earth III features a range of camera techniques, including establishing shots, close-ups, extreme close-ups, time-lapses and slow motion. The production team used cutting-edge technology, some of which was developed specifically for the production. In the first episode, the production team used a camera mounted on a southern right whale off the coast of Argentina to track its movements. The crew combined aerial shots with narration, revealing the small population of the species.
The team also captured interactions between great white sharks and seals on the coast of South Africa, as well as the fascinating hunting tactics of garter snakes in shallow water. In one memorable scene, viewers witnessed the archer fish in action, using jets of water to catch prey by surprise.
Planet Earth III doesn’t just focus on the wonders of nature, it also addresses the dire impacts of climate change and human influence. In the second episode, viewers are introduced to a group of sea lions off the coast of Chile whose behavior has changed due to overfishing. Instead of foraging for food, they now wait for fishermen to catch fish and then swim into nets. This practice comes with great risk, as many of the sea lions cannot escape in time while the nets are being pulled back.
Filming a documentary comes with its own challenges. For example, when filming the sea lions hunting for anchovies, the production team had to work closely with local fishermen to ensure their safety. They also had to prepare the necessary equipment and diving gear.
David Attenborough reflects on how nature has changed more than ever in recent decades, noting that animals today face more challenges than ever. Through Planet Earth III, the filmmakers aim to send a message about the importance of protecting the planet’s ecosystems.
The project incorporates some videos of a young David Attenborough, when he visited Raine Island (Australia) to observe the largest breeding ground for green turtles, in 1957. More than half a century later, the naturalist reflects on the changes since his visit.
In the film, Attenborough reveals that 99% of the turtles on Raine Island are female due to record-breaking temperatures — a clear indication of the dramatic impact of climate change. In addition, rising sea levels threaten to completely submerge the island within the next 30 years.
The documentary’s soundscape is equally powerful, adding to the authenticity of the film. Birds chirping, waves crashing, and baby seal calls are interwoven into the soundtrack. These sonic elements enhance the immersive experience, bringing viewers closer to the natural world.
The production of Planet Earth III spanned five years, with the team travelling to 43 countries on six continents. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the crew collaborated with local filmmakers around the world to ensure filming continued.
Nick Easton, producer and director of the first episode, said that capturing the lives of the planet’s wildlife required deep knowledge and sensitivity. While the filmmakers’ primary role was to observe, they occasionally intervened, rescuing animals like sea turtles and seals caught in fishing nets — highlighting the new realities of filming wildlife in a changing world.
Critics have widely praised the work, with Rebecca Nicholson of The Guardian giving it five stars, calling the footage “breathtaking and surprising.” The Financial Times wrote: “Planet Earth reminds people of the overwhelming beauty of our planet.”
Planet Earth is a triumph of life on Earth while also conveying an important message: the need to preserve our planet’s natural wonders has never been more urgent.
