In 2011's first Season, first episode of Frozen Planet (you can watch it on Netflix), about 35 minutes in, there is a Seal lying on a bit of floating ice, minding its own business, with a seemingly out of place bit of blood on the ice, not too near the Seal.
^The BBC's Frozen Planet mixed footage. Photograph: BBC
From the beginning of the episode, I have been in awe of the incredible shots that have been showcased, which lead me to think about how difficult, let alone expensive it would be to get these shots.
Continuing to watch the scene play out, I had a sinister thought, which I hope is not true, but I started to question how that blood got there. There was no sign of a dead animal or wound on the Seal, with a connecting trail of blood.
Was the blood put there?
^The BBC's Frozen Planet mixed footage. Photograph: BBC
The blood could have been slingshotted there, amongst other dead fish, which fell into the sea, in order to alert the Wales of the location of the Seal, in order to capture the hunt. I'm not saying it was, but it made me think that although its probably not the case here, it could be the case elsewhere.
The Killer Wales start circling, up close shots, unbelievable camera angles, close ups and underwater divers work to build up the picture from all angles, documenting the Seal's demise in uncomfortable detail.
^The BBC's Frozen Planet mixed footage. Photograph: BBC
It began to become easy to believe that these documentaries could be made a lot easier if they could be controlled somehow. Otherwise, it may take weeks to get a perfect shot, with everyone and everything in the right place and at the right time.
I'm sure the creators of the series love animals, have most likely donated to animal welfare charities etc. and do good for wild and sea life, but I am wondering if this could happen in some documentaries, with the animals suffering as a result, and begs the question, should we watch these types of documentaries?
I am sure this is just a mix of footage and the blood is from the Seal itself, but it begs the question if this happens in industrial practice or not. If it does happen, how is it regulated?
The BBC was called out before for a scene showing Polar Bears from a Zoo link, whilst not stating so, but I really think that's not an issue at all.
I've been starting to think of the animals as unwitting, and unwilling actors, forced into a play for our consumption.
^The BBC's Frozen Planet mixed footage. Photograph: BBC
I really hope this is not the case and if anyone has heard of industry malpractice, please comment below.