Following its premiere on BBC One in the UK, the series Planet Earth III was globally released late last year. Episode 6, titled “Extremes,” which features Sơn Đoòng Cave and Hang Va Cave, has been nominated for 2 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Cinematography for a Nonfiction Program and Outstanding Original Music for a Documentary or Special.
The Challenges of Filming Planet Earth III in Sơn Đoòng Cave of BBC
The film showcases extraordinary survival methods that animals use to endure in a harsh world. Planet Earth III explores “the greatest natural wonders on Earth that you are unlikely to see again,” according to David Attenborough, the 97-year-old British naturalist and director.
From mountains to oceans, from caves to deserts, life exists on the “edge of a knife.” In particular, Episode 6, “Extremes,” highlights the deepest part of Sơn Đoòng Cave – the largest cave in the world.
Filming for the BBC documentary took place from January 27 to February 19, 2022. The crew, led by producer Theo Webb, consisted of six members and production teams from the US and UK. They brought over one ton of equipment to showcase Vietnam’s natural beauty.
In early 2022, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the BBC team faced difficulties entering Vietnam as the country was still closed. They had to quarantine in a hotel for several days before they could enter the forest.
Filming inside caves like Sơn Đoòng, Hang Én, Hang Va, and Hang Nước Nứt was challenging due to the complete darkness. The team used advanced lighting and modern equipment to capture stunning visuals. They worked for over 20 days in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park to get the best shots.
Oxalis Adventure, the local partner, played a key role in supporting the BBC crew. They managed logistics with a team of over 100 staff members who worked hard for nearly a month. Oxalis also helped with obtaining permits from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You can read more about the challenge of filming at: The BBC returns to film Sơn Đoòng Cave for Planet Earth III
BBC Planet Earth III: “Extremes” Receives 2 Emmy Nominations for Cinematography and Music
BBC’s Planet Earth III has garnered five notable Emmy nominations. The episode titled “Extremes,” which features the awe-inspiring Sơn Đoòng Cave, is nominated for Outstanding Cinematography For A Nonfiction Program and Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special (Original Dramatic Score).
As reported by Luke Nelson in Variety, lighting Sơn Đoòng Cave presented a significant challenge. Nelson spent 17 days 700 feet underground in Vietnam to film the world’s largest cave. They utilized drones, DSLRs, and large cinema cameras, capturing scenes from the cave entrance to the hidden river and Doline 1 with meticulous attention.
From February 11 to 16, 2022, the crew focused on Doline 2. They spent 6 days exploring this area, highlighting its rich ecosystem and the Garden of Edam, a unique tropical forest beneath Doline 2. They also filmed high-rope traverses by cave expert Martin Holroyd and the impressive 90-meter-high Great Wall of Vietnam, a massive stalactite formation at the cave’s end.
The series also received a nomination for Outstanding Music Composition For A Documentary Series Or Special (Original Dramatic Score). Composers Hans Zimmer, Jacob Shea, and Sara Barone from Bleeding Fingers Music were recognized for their evocative score that enhances the series’ portrayal of the natural world.
The Emmys, often referred to as the Oscars of television, will announce the winners on September 15, 2024, on ABC.
The Role of the Sơn Đoòng Documentary in Tourism Promotion
Sơn Đoòng Cave has made several appearances on international television and film. In 2016, a documentary about Son Doong aired on ABC’s Good Morning America and won the “Documentary and News” category at The New York City Drone Film Festival. Subsequently, Son Doong was featured in Alan Walker’s music video “Alone, Pt. II,” which garnered over 390 million views, and in National Geographic’s “Son Doong 360” project. In 2022, the 100-minute documentary A Crack in the Mountain premiered at the DMZ International Documentary Film Festival.
Similarly, BBC’s Planet Earth III will showcase the unique beauty of Son Doong and other caves, drawing more tourists, especially international visitors, to Quang Binh. This exposure not only positions Quang Binh and Vietnam as premier travel destinations but also creates new opportunities to promote tourism.