Insider Secrets Revealed: 5 Mind-Blowing Discoveries from Life on Our Planet Clips & Conversation Event

Life on Our Planet is an exceptionally ambitious natural history program, narrated by Morgan Freeman, that chronicles the incredible journey of life on Earth, from its origins to the present day. From the earliest inhabitants of the ocean to dinosaurs and eventually human beings, this series delves into how life adapts and survives, alongside the ever-changing nature of our planet. Executive produced by the renowned Steven Spielberg, Life on Our Planet presents the captivating story of Earth's life in a truly compelling and dramatic narrative.

Our website had the privilege of attending a special presentation at Amblin, where we were treated to exclusive clips from Life on Our Planet. The event also included a panel discussion featuring some of the series' most crucial contributors. Filmmakers Dan Tapster, Alastair Fothergill, and Keith Scholey from Silverback Films, Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey from Amblin Pictures, VFX supervisor Jonathan Privett from Industrial Light and Magic, and scientific consultant Tom Fletcher were all in attendance. During the panel, these filmmakers provided invaluable insights into the creation of the series, revealing some of the significant challenges they encountered along the way.

Here are 5 things Our website learned during the Life on Our Planet event at Amblin.

It Was One Of ILM’s Biggest Challenges Yet

Industrial Light & Magic is widely considered the most influential visual effects studio in history. Initially established by George Lucas to pioneer groundbreaking special effects for Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, ILM has since been responsible for the astonishing visuals in numerous blockbuster films, such as Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, and Avatar: The Way of Water. Despite an extensive repertoire, venturing into the realm of a nature documentary resembling Life on Our Planet posed a unique challenge for the studio, as disclosed by VFX supervisor Jonathan Privett.

The remarkable aspect of this project, unlike anything ILM or I have encountered in our careers, is the collaboration with natural history filmmakers. The cinematographers involved did not have prior experience shooting drama; instead, their expertise lay in capturing various subjects in the field. As a result, there is an abundance of stunning long-range shots that truly impress.

Furthermore, this approach leaves us with no room to conceal anything. The film showcases lengthy, striking shots captured on an 800-millimeter lens, a task not typically assigned to visual effects companies. This unique requirement creates an intriguing atmosphere, intentionally deviating from the close and wide style typically seen in dramas. The drama in this film stems from the authentic behavior portrayed, the sense of complete immersion, and the feeling that one could have witnessed these events firsthand.

It Took 6 Years (And 3 Studios) To Make

The production of Life on Our Planet was a collaborative effort between three renowned film studios. Silverback Films, the creators of the acclaimed Our Planet, partnered with Amblin Entertainment and ILM to accurately depict various eras of life on Earth. Showrunner Dan Tapster highlighted the significance of the opening titles, emphasizing the dedicated team behind the six-year endeavor. Silverback Films, known for their expertise in natural history, joined forces with ILM, experts in visual effects. Additionally, Amblin, led by Darryl, Justin, and Steven, played a vital role in shaping the narrative with their unwavering pursuit of perfection. To top it off, the legendary Morgan Freeman added the final touch to the production.

The Series Took Inspiration From Game Of Thrones

Game of Thrones is not typically associated with the best nature documentaries, but the creators of Life on Our Planet drew inspiration from the fantasy epic to create a unique storytelling approach. Showrunner Dan Tapster reveals that Game of Thrones served as a major influence for Life on Our Planet, elaborating on this connection while introducing a clip from the show.

Dan Tapster: ...early on, we came to the realization that the narrative of life itself is akin to nature's own Game of Thrones. It represents the triumph of the underdog and the downfall of the dominant species. This realization completely transformed our approach to making the show. In this particular clip, instead of the Starks and the Lannisters, we have the cephalopods and the vertebrates.

There Will Be Easter Eggs

Amblin Entertainment movies are known to be cultural landmarks, featuring unforgettable lines and iconic vehicles. From "E.T. Phone Home" to the souped-up DeLorean in Back to the Future and the mesmerizing T-rex in Jurassic Park, these films have left a lasting impact. In their latest production, Life on Our Planet, Amblin tastefully pays homage to their past. When asked about a possible reference to Jurassic Park in the form of rippling water, Dan Tapster responded the following:

Dan Tapster: The series does have a few easter eggs, including nods to Jurassic Park and other films. We aimed to follow in the footsteps of Stranger Things by sprinkling these subtle hints throughout.

It Will Put Life In Perspective

Life on Our Planet explores the tumultuous cycle of species rising and falling, while also highlighting the resilience of life against all odds. This unique perspective sets it apart from other nature documentaries and adds depth to the series. Dan Tapster, discussing the series' opening credits, explains how they symbolize the grandeur of the overarching narrative:

The opening credits depict the Tree of Life, capturing its beautiful essence. It starts from a desolate void and a single stem emerges. As the stem grows stronger, the tree flourishes with towering branches, each representing different animal dynasties. Gradually, various animal groups emerge, including insects, amphibians, fish, and reptiles. However, the Tree of Life faces hardships as disaster strikes. One limb catches fire, while another freezes and crashes to the ground, symbolizing irreversible extinction events. Extinction is a crucial aspect of life's narrative, as we will soon discover.

Life on Our Planet can be streamed on Netflix starting October 25th.