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The Ocean: One of the Greatest Sources Of Inspiration For TV and Film
To The Sea
It covers 71 per cent of the planet, helps to regulate the climate and provides us with most of the oxygen we breathe, so it stands to reason that people have a fascination with the ocean. The great expanse is packed with weird and wonderful creatures, but it’s also an incredible source of mystery and intrigue.
No matter where you look on the variety of streaming services available, you’re bound to find an ocean-themed title that appeals to your personality. Some are purely fictional, while others are factual and provide insight into the goings-on of the briny deep.
Sea-Themed Offerings are Abundant Throughout the Entertainment Industry
The impact that film and television have had on ocean themes can be seen throughout the whole entertainment industry. It’s particularly apparent in gaming, where there are titles like In Other Waters and Koral. The former received the Jury Prix Award at IndieCade Europe in 2019 and was lauded for its original premise. The latter was also unique in that players controlled a wisp in the ocean, allowing for a great amount of exploration.
Developers in the iGaming sector have also found that ocean themes are sure to attract players. For example, many people play Big Bass Bonanza slot game at Metaspins.– it’s one of the most popular games at the site. Its colourful visuals with plenty of tropical fish make players feel as if they are at the bottom of the sea. It has a relaxing atmosphere but also provides plenty of generous multipliers.
The Ocean Is a Prime Source of Inspiration for Fiction
Steven Spielberg has often been cited as one of the most influential directors of all time, and he can be credited with kickstarting the much-loved ocean genre in film. His 1975 classic, Jaws, was the first major motion picture to be shot in the sea. Its effect on the cinema industry was dramatic, and reviewers like Tripwire consider it to be the father of the modern blockbuster. The concept of a shark terrorising innocent beachgoers is a trope that has been seen in countless offerings in the decades since that release.
Anyone in the mood for deadly shark-themed content can find it across the numerous streaming services. On Netflix, there’s the choice of Great White or The Shallows, both of which feature people stranded and at the mercy of the massive ocean predators. HBO Max has Deep Blue Sea, a classic in the genre featuring Samuel L. Jackson. Then there’s The Meg on Amazon Prime, which features Jason Statham up against a Megalodon. The latter is a “cheesy thriller” according to RogerEbert.com, but it is still packed full of high-octane action.
Ocean films and TV shows aren’t always focused on sharks and sea animals, though. One of the other most popular themes is pirates. For people in search of swashbuckling adventures, HBO Max has a great new pirate show called Our Flag Means Death. On Netflix, there’s Black Sails, the stunning series designed as a loose prequel to Treasure Island. For Disney+ subscribers, there are all the Pirates of the Caribbean adventures to choose from.
Loads of Great Factual Offerings Too
Streaming platforms put a lot of focus on providing ocean-themed entertainment offerings, but there are also plenty of documentaries and real-world series that give viewers a true taste of what the ocean is like. Some are hard-hitting and make people think, such as Seaspiracy on Netflix. The documentary puts the spotlight on the fishing industry and is packed full of information that many may not be aware of.
For Amazon Prime subscribers, Sharkwater Extinction explores the shark fin industry and has been lauded for its powerful message. The platform is also home to James Cameron’s Deepsea Challenge, which centres on the legendary director’s love of scuba diving. On Disney+, there’s Dolphin Reef, which has been described as a live-action Finding Nemo. This offering is narrated by Natalie Portman, giving it that added authenticity and familiarity.
Because of the sheer scale of the ocean, there are endless possibilities for creating films and television based on it. The wider entertainment industry shows how popular the theme is, and there’s no chance of viewers’ fascination waning anytime soon.
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