Blue Planet 2 case study

2. Genre- Narrative Events
• The narrative events in nature documentaries usually start
with an introduction from the presenter/narrator,
summarising the content that will be covered in the episode
and/or series as a whole. The storylines consist of several
mini-narratives that relate

3. Genre- Characters
• Nature documentaries normally have a presenter
taking the role of the teacher, they are made to
appear trustworthy and knowledgeable. Animals
are also another key character in nature
documentaries, they are typically personified to get
the audience to relate to them and understand
them. For example, the audience may feel
sympathy for an animal when they are under threat
such as the scene with the young birds that were
being hunted by the fish.

4. Genre- Iconography
• Iconography
• The iconography in nature documentaries are normally signs of life
through the focus on animals. The title sequence reflects the series
content through the use of related symbols.

5. Genre- Setting
• The settings in nature documentaries are usually denoted as being
the different animals’ habitats in the wild. This allows the audience to
see the animals in their true environment.

6. Genre- Technical and audio codes
• Establishing shots and close ups are highly used in nature documentaries,
the establishing shot sets the scene for the narrative content and close ups
are used for the shots of the animals so that the audience can see them
clearly. There is use of slow motion in nature documentaries to highlight
certain shots and dramatize them, these allow the audience to pay more
attention to a particular sequence, and this can be seen in Blue Planet 2
when the bird escapes from the fish. The use of a narration also known as
the ‘voice of god’ is used in Nature documentaries, this is demonstrated in
‘Blue Planet 2’ through the voice over by David Attenborough to anchor the
visuals. Other audio codes used in nature documentaries are the sound
effects for the animals and music. The use of music guides narrative events,
for example in a chase scene the music would become more dramatic and
quick, which can gain an emotional response from the audience.

7. Narrative
• The narrative in nature documentaries consists of several
mini narratives that link to the main narrative of the
episode. Each of these mini narratives support Todorov’s
theory of Equilibrium, Disequilibrium and New Equilibrium.
• The equilibrium is demonstrated through the use of an
establishing shot which sets the scene for the mini-
narrative. The audience are introduced to the setting, being
the lagoon in this example, as well as the characters, being
the birds. From this we learn that the birds are learning to
fly and they use the lagoon as a ‘training ground’.
• However this peace is quickly disrupted when the birds
begin to disappear into the water, this demonstrates the
transition into disequilibrium. To reinforce the state of
disequilibrium the editing and audio changes, the score
becomes ominous and threatening sounding, whereas the
editing becomes quicker when the birds are being attacked
by the fish.
•

8. Representation of Older Men
In 'Blue Planet 2' David Attenborough is being represented as the
teacher archetype which is stereotypically knowledgeable,
trustworthy and authoritative. This representation is constructed
through the selection and rejection of the codes.
The dress codes are smart yet casual, making David Attenborough
appear as a teacher. The setting is out on the boat rather than in a
studio. This challenges that belief that older people are frail.
The programme makes use of close ups of David Attenborough
which are shot at eye level, connoting the audience is equal to him.
The use of music is series and complex, supporting his class and
knowledge. His use of language is formal, factual and inclusive (we,
our, us). This connotes his taking on the role of the teacher while
involving the audience with what he is saying. He also talks about
technology and change which challenges the idea of an older man
who may be inept with technology and dislikes change. He uses a
direct mode of address which conveys trustworthiness.

9. INDUSTRY: Marketing and Promotion
• http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/blue-
planet-2-david-attenborough-bbc-documentary-series-a7589301.html
• Article announcing Blue Planet 2.
• https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/769570/blue-planet-2-ii-
start-date-release-when-how-watch-online-live-david-attenborough-bbc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pdlqV4fo68 Published on 6 Oct
2017
Trailers posted onto Youtube to gain interest and promote the programme.
(More than one trailer)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnOYpuKV4H4
• Previews for episode content released.
A free poster was made in conjunction with the OU, helping to promote
the OU as well as the programme. It as advertised at the end of each
episodes, aimed mostly at children however it would be the parents who
order it. OU helped to fund programme. Also reinforces one of the BBC’s
core values of education.

10. INDUSTRY: Distribution
• The programme started airing during autumn when
television audiences become larger due to sitting in
more as a result of the change in weather. Known as a
Flagship programmes.
• The programme can be accessed on BBC IPlayer, which
means that they can watch it on their devices after its
initially aired on television or while its airing On-
Demand. Also the programme can be recorded on
television using digital video recorders such as Sky.
• It can also be accessed by purchasing the DVD or Blu-
ray.

11. INDUSTRY: Industry Relegation
• The official regulators of the TV industry are known
as Ofcom, they insure that television services are of
high quality. Audience members can send
complaints to Ofcom.
• www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-
radio/blue-planet-2-bbc-accused-of-misleading-
viewers-by-planting-hundreds-plastic-ducks-
a8089731.html
• Blue Planet 2 has received unofficial complaints
that took place on social media, such as twitter.
Viewers spread their thoughts concerning a scene
of Blue Planet 2 that included several plastic ducks.

12. INDUSTRY: Global Appeal
• http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/blue-
planet-bbc-one-download-watch-china-stream-viewing-figures-
slowed-internet-a8051631.html
• “it temporarily slowed down the country's internet, due to a rush of
people attempting to download it.” – 80 Million viewers in China
• The series is due to debut in Canada and the United States on 20
January 2018
• Australia, the series premiers on Nine Network in February 2018, In
New Zealand, it premiered on 12 November 2017 on TVNZ 1

13. Audience Targeting

14. Audience Positioning
Episode 2: The Deep
The extra sections at the end of Blue Planet 2
titled, 'Into The Blue' shows the audience how
the episode was made, such as production,
revealing any 'secrets'.
This creates a trusting relationship between the
audience and the programme, which is normally
unusual in the industry. Usually when an
audience are shown how something was made
they are more distrusting of the messages.
Although the dominant position is preferred, the
programme content at the end makes the
audience question the text as they have seen
how it was actually produced for the programme
but still agree with the messages, making them
the negotiated position.