Picularities of the Production of Television Documentaries about Nature (Wildlife Films)

Abstract

Research methodology. The basis of the research is interdisciplinary, informational and systematic approaches. In the research, the following methods were used: historical, analysis and generalization – to determine the peculiarities of the production of television documentaries about nature.

Results. The format of natural TV documentaries and programs about nature is analyzed and features are revealed in the preparation and production of such a TV product. The process of wildlife films production can be divided into three stages: pre-production, production and post-production. Certain professionals are involved at each stage, but there always be one major member of the team who can perform several functions and roles at the same time – it is the producer. In addition to the producer, it is very important for the operator (camera-man) on whose shoulders the burden of the film process falls and on whom the completeness of producer's story depends on. And yet, depending on the outcome that needs to be obtained in the final product, other professionals in different fields are involved in the work. Following the history of natural television documentaries you can see that at the very beginning they were filmed in one genre, which was called the «blue chip» over time. But with the development of digital technologies and in pursuit of the support of viewers there is another sub-genre – «movies with the lead», which is cheaper in its production. Today such a sub-genre has got a lion's share of all the documentaries about nature which are on television.

Novelty of the research lies in the fact that for the first time in the national scientific space was investigated the nature of the filming process of the genre of wildlife films. As a result of the research, it was found that nature films have two functions: entertainment and education, and thus become one of the most important sources of information about nature in modern society and is a very important media product on modern television.

The practical significance. The results of the study broaden theoretical concepts of television documentaries about nature.

Key words: television documentary, natural films, cinema, television.