The Vergecast How Planet Earth — and the Netflix homepage — get made
20 snips
Nov 29, 2023 
Pat Flemming, Senior Director at Netflix, dives into the intricate world of content recommendations—unpacking how algorithms tailor the viewing experience to keep audiences engaged. Meanwhile, Theo Webb and Alex Walters unveil the innovative techniques behind capturing the breathtaking visuals of Planet Earth III's 'Extremes' episode. They share challenges faced while filming in diverse habitats, from caves to bird nests, and discuss the role of technology, like drones, in revolutionizing wildlife documentaries. A fascinating blend of tech and nature!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
More Gear, Not Less
- David Pierce theorized that Planet Earth III would use less gear, possibly even smartphones.
- However, producers Theo Webb and Alex Walters revealed they used even more specialized equipment.
Capturing Tiny Sounds
- To capture the sounds of pinhead-sized treehoppers, Alex Walters and the team used specialized piezo discs attached to microphones.
- These discs, placed on branches, revealed the insects' diverse communication methods.
Socks for Silence
- Filming a butterfly colony required minimizing disturbance, leading the crew to remove their shoes and work in socks.
- This was done to maintain the butterflies' energy and prevent them from flying off, ruining the shot.