Masters of the Air is a new TV series that accurately depicts the heroic efforts and sacrifices of the 100th Bomb Group during World War II, showcasing their participation in major missions such as D-Day and strategic bombings of Berlin.
The show places a strong emphasis on authenticity and attention to detail, with meticulous research, interviews with veterans, and state-of-the-art technology used to recreate the aerial combat scenes and explore the personal experiences of the crew members, including the effects of PTSD and the emotional toll of war.
Deep dives
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Masters of the Air is a new TV series created by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks as a follow-up to Band of Brothers and The Pacific. The show focuses on the 100th Bomb Group of the United States Army Air Force during World War II, also known as the Bloody 100th. The group participated in various missions, including D-Day and strategic bombings of Berlin and U-boat pens. The series aims to accurately depict the scale and challenges faced by the American bomber crews, showcasing their heroic efforts and sacrifices.
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The show places a strong emphasis on authenticity and attention to detail. The writers meticulously researched the historical events and interviewed veterans of the 100th Bomb Group. They recreated the aerial combat scenes using state-of-the-art technology and special effects to accurately portray the B-17 bombers in action. The show also delves into the personal experiences of the crew members, exploring the effects of PTSD and the emotional toll of war.
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The series introduces real-life characters from the 100th Bomb Group, such as Buck Compton, Bucky Egan, and Robert Rosenball. These characters, along with others, represent the determination, courage, and camaraderie of the men who served in the group. The show follows their journey from their arrival in England in 1943 to their participation in major missions, highlighting their individual stories and the challenges they faced.
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The production of Masters of the Air involved a massive effort from a large crew, including costume designers, production designers, and special effects teams. The attention to detail was paramount, with sets meticulously recreated and replica B-17 planes built to ensure accuracy. The show balances historical accuracy with dramatic storytelling, presenting the wartime experiences of the 100th Bomb Group in a way that captivates both general audiences and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Screenwriter John Orloff joins Dan to talk about the new WWII mini-series 'Masters of the Air'. It tells the true story of the 'Bloody Hundredth', an American bomb group stationed in England that fought in the skies over Nazi-occupied Europe.
A decade in the making, John explains how the show works to faithfully recreate the story of these airmen and the trials that they faced.
Produced by James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.
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