BBC's Kingdom Series Transforms Wildlife Filmmaking Experience

David Attenborough’s latest venture, the BBC series Kingdom, is revolutionizing the way wildlife documentaries are produced and experienced. By integrating techniques typically found in television dramas—such as cliffhangers and dynamic camera work—the series plunges audiences into the heart of wildlife action, reminiscent of the popular Netflix drama Adolescence.

With the boom of streaming platforms, there has been a notable surge in the production of natural history programs. This genre, largely popularized by Attenborough and the esteemed BBC Studios natural history unit (NHU), has gained a global following. From Apple TV’s adventure series The Wild Ones to Disney+’s Underdogs, narrated by Ryan Reynolds, and National Geographic’s offerings, the natural history niche is thriving but faces the challenge of evolving within a saturated market.

Kingdom zeroes in on four iconic African species—lions, leopards, wild dogs, and hyenas—inhabiting a riverine ecosystem in Zambia. The series aims to document, for the first time, the intricate interactions among these animals, particularly how the arrival of a wild dog pack influences the established dynamics of the area. This six-part documentary is poised to redefine standards in wildlife filmmaking.

The producers of Kingdom assert that their work sets a new benchmark in wildlife cinematography. They achieve this by utilizing an innovative mix of moving cameras and advanced drone technology, which allows for closer, more intimate shots of animal behavior without alarming the subjects. Felicity Lanchester, the series producer, remarked on the evolution of drone technology: "When drones first came out, filmmakers saw them as a replacement for helicopters to capture aerial footage. However, as they have become smaller and quieter, they now offer a unique means to capture intimate footage of wildlife."

Lanchester elaborated, "You can maneuver the drones alongside wild dogs, creating the sensation that viewers are running and navigating through the landscape alongside them—accessing areas where traditional filming methods would be impractical."

The NHU team strategically deployed drones to closely follow the animals while vehicles equipped with cameras anticipated the creatures' movements, allowing for seamless, continuous filming of the unfolding action. Although Kingdom was filmed prior to the release of Adolescence, executive producer Mike Gunton acknowledged that the blend of drone footage and moving cameras contributes to an immersive viewing experience similar to that enjoyed by fans of the drama series. Gunton stated, "It’s a crucial aspect of the visual storytelling; we’ve cleverly utilized technology to mask our presence. My hope is that viewers will think, ‘Wow, that’s an amazing shot.’ However, the primary objective is to immerse them in the action."

He continued, "Subliminally, the prevalence of moving cameras in drama series creates a feeling of being on set, and we aim to replicate that immersive approach here. Our team has taken this concept to an unprecedented level, setting a new gold standard for wildlife filming."

The narratives woven between the four species present a dramatic tableau, with each animal’s fate intricately linked to the others as they compete for territory and sustenance on what Gunton described as "the main stage" of the filming area. This Shakespearean drama prompted BBC Studios to conclude episodes with cliffhangers, effectively enticing viewers to return for the next installment.

The series captures the essence of wildlife conservation and the delicate balance of nature over an unprecedented five-year filming period—the longest ever undertaken by the NHU in a single location. This commitment not only showcases the intricate behaviors of these animals but also serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in wildlife conservation.

Kingdom represents a significant advancement in wildlife filmmaking, merging the compelling storytelling techniques of drama with the awe-inspiring realities of nature. By utilizing cutting-edge technology and innovative filming methods, the series not only offers viewers a front-row seat to the lives of these magnificent creatures but also highlights the pressing need for conservation efforts. As audiences engage with these riveting narratives, they are reminded of the interconnectedness of life in the wild and the importance of protecting these ecosystems for future generations.