Key facts
- Blue Planet III deliberately includes murkier, less polished footage to counter AI fakery.
- Producers confirmed no generative AI was used in the series.
- New technology includes the world's first underwater CCTV camera, 'stonefish' cam.
- The series highlights novel animal behaviors like dolphins using sea sponges to trap fish.
- Threats such as the climate crisis and plastic pollution are addressed.
The upcoming BBC series Blue Planet III will intentionally feature less polished, murkier footage to assure viewers of its authenticity in an era of advancing AI. Producers stated that elements previously excluded, such as plankton or boats in the water, will now be left in to demonstrate that the footage is "organic" and not AI-generated.
Jack Bootle, the BBC's specialist factual commissioning head, confirmed that "No gen AI was used in this series. Not a single frame." Executive producer Elizabeth White added that the deep-sea creatures filmed are "probably more remarkable than AI could imagine and it's completely real."
The series, narrated by David Attenborough, will also showcase novel animal behaviors captured with cutting-edge technology, including the world's first underwater CCTV camera, and will address environmental threats like the climate crisis and plastic pollution. Blue Planet III premieres on Sunday, November 1 on BBC1 and iPlayer.