Wildlife films have dramatically improved over the last few years. We can now use image stabilization and smaller camera rigs to get closer and make the visual experience more cinematic. These techniques are perfected by the wildlife film producers and help create stories to show the world like we've never seen it before.
Another technique the BBC use is to speed up or slow down time with time-lapses and slow motion. One of the guys interviewed explain how they did time-lapses with film and how they had to set up a studio to shoot slow motion. Often, shots had to be retaken because it was out of focus or the subject moved out of frame and it was only evident once the negatives were developed.
We can now take time-lapses in camera and our phones capture 120 fps with ease. I enjoyed the video showing us how it used to be done and how the wildlife film makers do it today. These techniques have become a lot easier and a lot more accessible to master. What I think matters here is still the story you want to tell, and using the tools available to tell it. It's great to know we're seeing animals and plants live and grow in ways not possible before. And it will be the wildlife filmmakers that push the barriers forward.
Planet Earth 2 was one of if not THE best TV documentary programme I've ever seen. The humming birds were incredible, I'm glad I recorded them all.