The other characteristic of these vids is that they rely strongly on textual narration, usually in a bold, white font. This is no doubt a consequence of the underwater scenery, where lighter lettering is going to contrast better. But they rarely have a voice joining the unconnected sequences of charismatic megafauna.

Blue Horizons

New Agey music √
White lettering √

White people to the rescue √

Brown people harming the environment X


Back in the early days…we dubbed these video efforts “the sunset videos” (i.e. they always ended with a dramatic warning and a sunset shot over the water).

Why is it that nobody would think to produce a modern TV series with the look, feel, and content of “the Jack Benny Show” but we continuously try to reinvent Cousteau…?

• New Agey music √
• White lettering √

• Brown people harming the oceans √
• Absence of images of affluence √

• New Age music – √ check
• Stark white letters on dark background – √ check
• White narrator – maybe, probably
• Dark-skinned people exploiting the environment – √ check (minute 01:59)
• Little to no depiction of the affluence of western cultures and their consumption’s role in habitat degradation – √ check.

That was in both the 2 and 12 minute versions.