Blue Planet II in Edinburgh and Glasgow ​

Blue Planet II is a landmark piece of film-making. With its scintillating footage of coral reefs and coasts, sharks and squid, turtles and tuskfish, it threw light on the incredible diversity of life on Earth and raised the profile of the various pressures on our oceans.

Indeed, since its first broadcast in 2017, a tsunami of interest has developed in helping better protect the marine environment, particularly in terms of plastic waste and climate change. 

At the helm of this iconic 7-part series was James Honeyborne, the award-winning Executive Producer formerly based at the BBC’s Natural History Unit in Bristol. 

Now, just over a year after its first broadcast, James is speaking for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) and sharing the behind-the-scenes stories and science from Blue Planet II which was, of course, narrated by Sir David Attenborough, himself a recipient of two of the RSGS’ most distinguished Medals and who first spoke for the Society 55 years ago.

As part of the talk, James will discuss the many breakthroughs in marine science and cutting-edge technology that were employed to explore new worlds in the oceans and reveal the very latest discoveries.

Commenting on the upcoming talk, James said: 

“It’s an honour to speak for the Royal Scottish Geographical Society, given its prestigious record of speakers. I hope my talk will draw listeners more closely to the wonders of life beneath the waves and to the continued importance of marine exploration today. 

“We all need a healthy ocean, it’s our planet’s life support system, so we’ll take a look behind the scenes at Blue Planet II and the impact it created – as well as the powerful responses of the audience to the issues raised.” 
 
The Open University, who are co-sponsoring this exciting talk, co-produced the series with the BBC, providing academic and scientific guidance to the programme makers.

Susan Stewart, Director of The Open University in Scotland, said:

“Blue Planet II was a stunning piece of work, visually but also intellectually engaging, prompting viewers to think about both the magnificent diversity of our oceans and the impact we, as humans, are having on them. Marine science is a fascinating area of study which Blue Planet II has helped to promote – the chance to hear from James is an opportunity not to be missed.”

James is speaking as part of the RSGS Inspiring People talks programme which also features BBC cameraman Doug Allan FRSGS who contributed to the original Blue Planet series.

Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of the RSGS, commented:

“In our highly digitised society, the availability of stunning high-quality film and television are increasingly important in inspiring people to care more deeply about the world around them and catalysing change – the legacy of Blue Planet II is a fabulous example of this.”

James Honeyborne will be speaking in Edinburgh in the afternoon and Glasgow in the evening of Wednesday 23 January 2019. 

Tickets are selling fast online, but 150 tickets will be available on the door for walk-ins. Tickets are £10 for Visitors, £8 for Tiso Outdoor Experience Cardholders and free for Royal Scottish Geographical Society (RSGS) Members, Students and Under 18s. 

Edinburgh: George Square Lecture Theatre, EH8 9LD,  2.15pm - 3.45pm.
Book tickets for the Edinburgh Blue Planet II event here. 

Glasgow: University of Strathclyde, McCance Building (301), 16 Richmond Street, G1 1XQ, 7.30 - 9.00pm. 
Book tickets for the Glasgow Blue Planet II event here. 

The Open University's free learning website OpenLearn has a wealth of information on the Blue Planet series, including the opportunity to order a free poster.