BBC admits new wildlife show Serengeti is ‘dramatised’

BBC admits new wildlife show Serengeti is ‘dramatised’ with several different animals appearing under the same name so they can show ‘more complex storylines’

  • The new show will air tonight on BBC One and will be narrated by John Boyega
  • Director John Downer admitted footage had been enhanced with other material
  • He stated that the names of the animals wont be the same each time they appear

The director of a new BBC wildlife show has admitted that it has been ‘dramatised’ with several animals having the same name and producers using previously shot footage to enhance their behaviour.

Series director of Serengeti, John Downer said that the nature of the series had led the production team to use memorable and appropriate names to identify the animal characters.

He also admitted that new footage had been enhanced by previously shot material, but highlighted that CGI had not been used throughout the production of the show.

The series is set to kick off this evening on BBC One and Star Wars actor John Boyega is set to deliver the story of an exiled lioness.

The new series will feature a range of animals from across the African savannah but some could have the same names 


John Boyega (right) will narrate the programme which will make its debut on BBC One this evening and is directed by John Downer (left)

The 27-year-old will assume the role of storyteller in the look at a year in the life of animals in the African savannah.

Animals featured in the story include Kali the lioness, Bakari the baboon and Tembo the elephant.

However, viewers might struggle to keep up with which animal is which as Downer said ‘the named characters aren’t always the same animal name every time they see them’.

‘Sometimes they are the same individual throughout but the more complex storylines are enhanced by behaviour captured of similar animals facing the same real-life challenges.

‘By using composite animals, united by the same name, it is possible to tell a comprehensive drama showing all the trials, disappointments and triumphs these species face.’

He added that the dramatised account aims to present a complete picture of an animal’s life that he claims ‘would be difficult to show any other way’.

Various camera techniques used for the show saw crew members getting up close and personal with the animals, allowing the audience to become ‘immersed in the action’.

One of the episodes will feature lioness Kali (above fighting with a warthog). The show has been created to show how animals face similar challenges 

CGI is not used during the show but some previously filmed material is used. Pictured above Cheetah cubs with mum on lookou

In a promotional interview ahead of the show’s debut tonight Downer said the events features were often covered on multiple cameras, providing different viewpoints of the animal world.

He said: ‘At times, the specially shot animal behaviour has been enhanced by previously shot material, to build a clear and dramatic narrative that reflects the lives of the animals of the Serengeti.

‘No animals were created using CGI but occasionally compositing techniques, which combine real footage, have been used to help the narrative and the dramatic flow of scenes.’

Source: Read Full Article