"Planeta azul" (Rodríguez de la Fuente, 1968-1974): a laboratory for the modern nature documentary

Abstract

This article will analyze both the narrative strategies and filming material that was broadcasted in Planeta azul (1968-1974). Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente reviewed, selected and assambled the sequences from the documentaries that TVE decided to buy, but he did not film the sequences himself, so this limitation forces us to study just two issues. First of all, we can discover all the basis characteristics of the nature documentary from that time (big predators, human inteaction, impact images…). And, secondly, Rodríguez de la Fuente explored different ways to devised vivid montages playing with narrative structure, in order to get an entertained and scientific television programme. Later, this would be quite important to think over and make El Hombre y la Tierra.