On delivering messages of dire need for action on precipitating problems before the storms come

Abstract

Blue chip and conservation filmmaking are the two styles most commonly applied to Natural History documentaries. The numerous threats to our oceans are among the most pressing problems of our time, and certainly these are Natural History stories. Yet neither of the established models of filmmaking has been able to effectively tell the story of our oceans in crisis. A "revolution" is in order. After contextualizing and analyzing exemplars, I will propose a new model which draws on the strengths of both blue chip and conservation filmmaking, but which would fit neither category as is. This new model, green chip filmmaking, holds my hope for filmmaking, my hope for oceans, my hope for our children, my hope for humankind.