Comments on: That’s Edutainment: The Problems with CGI-Based Documentaries http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/dinosaur/2008/11/04/thats-edutainment-the-problems-with-cgi-based-documentaries/ Where Paleontology Meets Pop Culture Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:06:42 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Georgina http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/dinosaur/2008/11/04/thats-edutainment-the-problems-with-cgi-based-documentaries/comment-page-1/#comment-552 Georgina Fri, 01 May 2009 12:03:43 +0000 http://dinosaur.smithsonianmag.com/?p=231#comment-552 Blurring the boundaries between entertainment and information will allways cause issues with authenticity however at times graphics can be used in positive ways to aid a narrative however I do agree that the Walking with Dinasaurs documentary stayed mostly on the side of entertainment. I am currently researching the same concepts with archaeology and the use of new media, does any one have any comments? Blurring the boundaries between entertainment and information will allways cause issues with authenticity however at times graphics can be used in positive ways to aid a narrative however I do agree that the Walking with Dinasaurs documentary stayed mostly on the side of entertainment. I am currently researching the same concepts with archaeology and the use of new media, does any one have any comments?

]]> By: Adrian http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/dinosaur/2008/11/04/thats-edutainment-the-problems-with-cgi-based-documentaries/comment-page-1/#comment-255 Adrian Tue, 23 Dec 2008 19:14:44 +0000 http://dinosaur.smithsonianmag.com/?p=231#comment-255 Well I still think the concept behind the 'walking with' series deserves credit. Personaly I think the imersion experience that this format creates is worth it. How else are you going to experience a life time in the jurassic period or a few intimate moments with a gorgonopsid in the permian period? The problem for me the first time I saw Walking with Dinosaurs was that I actualy did not realised how much science really went in to it and how much scientists really know about these beasts. At the time, they had a great website acompaniing the series, wich explained the true science behind it and how the conclusions where reached (there was even a good reason about the way Diplodocus moves it's tail as it walks, wich I initially thought was just artistic licence!). That's when my wonderfull jurney into the world of paleontology begun. Regarding the new CGI programes however I think most are just cheap and dishonest atempts to make money of a very succesfull format. Anyone remember the raptor that was thrown in the air by an erupting geiser in'Dinosaur Planet'? That's what happens when the Discovery channel makes a program without help from the BBC. Well I still think the concept behind the ‘walking with’ series deserves credit. Personaly I think the imersion experience that this format creates is worth it. How else are you going to experience a life time in the jurassic period or a few intimate moments with a gorgonopsid in the permian period? The problem for me the first time I saw Walking with Dinosaurs was that I actualy did not realised how much science really went in to it and how much scientists really know about these beasts. At the time, they had a great website acompaniing the series, wich explained the true science behind it and how the conclusions where reached (there was even a good reason about the way Diplodocus moves it’s tail as it walks, wich I initially thought was just artistic licence!). That’s when my wonderfull jurney into the world of paleontology begun.

Regarding the new CGI programes however I think most are just cheap and dishonest atempts to make money of a very succesfull format. Anyone remember the raptor that was thrown in the air by an erupting geiser in’Dinosaur Planet’? That’s what happens when the Discovery channel makes a program without help from the BBC.

]]> By: Sean Craven http://blogs.smithsonianmag.com/dinosaur/2008/11/04/thats-edutainment-the-problems-with-cgi-based-documentaries/comment-page-1/#comment-175 Sean Craven Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:27:18 +0000 http://dinosaur.smithsonianmag.com/?p=231#comment-175 I really enjoy these shows -- but I strongly agree with the position stated by Ms. Metz. I'd go further. Walking With Dinosaurs had elements that were clearly and unmistakably incorrect right from the beginning but its smooth tone of authority was guaranteed to convince an uninformed audience that it was a real documentary. There's one simple solution -- for the shows to state clearly and repeatedly that they are speculation. A better solution would be to show the speculative process and include science-based criticism of the conclusions reached. I really enjoy these shows — but I strongly agree with the position stated by Ms. Metz.

I’d go further. Walking With Dinosaurs had elements that were clearly and unmistakably incorrect right from the beginning but its smooth tone of authority was guaranteed to convince an uninformed audience that it was a real documentary.

There’s one simple solution — for the shows to state clearly and repeatedly that they are speculation. A better solution would be to show the speculative process and include science-based criticism of the conclusions reached.

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