Working on Alien Worlds for Netflix was an extraordinary experience. The series is a fascinating blend of science and imagination, combining real-world biology with speculative alien life to explore what creatures might exist on other planets. Using cutting-edge CGI, Alien Worlds brings these imagined ecosystems to life, offering viewers a glimpse into the possibilities of extraterrestrial existence. As an editor, contributing to a project that merges factual storytelling with stunning animation was both challenging and deeply rewarding.
The Challenge of Animated Storytelling
Editing a series like Alien Worlds isn’t your typical post-production experience. With a significant portion of the series relying on animated scenes, the workflow was inherently different from traditional live-action projects. Animation requires an editor to think several steps ahead, as many shots don’t exist in their final form until late in the process.
One of the key elements of the workflow involved working with previsualization (previs) shots. Previs is essentially a rough, low-resolution version of the animation, created to map out the scene's structure, pacing, and composition. These placeholder visuals, which start out as simple illustrated still frames, gave us a sense of how the story would unfold and allowed the animation team to refine their work based on narrative needs.
However, editing with previs comes with its own set of challenges. For example:
Imagining the Final Look: As an editor, I had to visualise the finished shot and ensure that the pacing, transitions, sound effects and emotional beats worked, even when the previs lacked detail.
Timing Adjustments: Animation is incredibly precise. A single frame can make a significant difference, so we had to collaborate closely with the animation team at Framestore to ensure that each shot aligned perfectly with the story and voiceover.
Iterative Process: Editing animated sequences required multiple revisions. Each iteration brought the visuals closer to completion, which meant continually revisiting scenes to fine-tune the edit as the animation evolved.
Collaboration with the Animation Team
One of the most rewarding aspects of working on Alien Worlds was the collaboration between the the team at Wall to Wall and the animation team at Framestore. Communication was key to ensuring that the visuals and narrative aligned seamlessly. Regular meetings are important as it allows you to:
Discuss how scenes should flow and identify any potential gaps in the story.
Share feedback on how the previs shots were functioning within the larger narrative.
Brainstorm creative solutions for visualising complex scientific concepts.
These discussions often feel like solving a puzzle—figuring out how to combine stunning visuals with storytelling that felt both engaging and scientifically grounded.
The Intersection of Science and Creativity
What set Alien Worlds apart was its ability to balance speculative imagination with real-world science. Each episode started with factual biological principles, such as predator-prey relationships or the physics of flight, and then extrapolated those ideas to hypothetical alien ecosystems. This interplay of fact and fiction required a delicate editorial touch to maintain credibility while allowing the viewer’s imagination to soar.
For example, in one episode, we explored a planet with low gravity and dense atmosphere, where creatures had evolved to glide effortlessly through the air. Editing this sequence meant carefully balancing the narration’s scientific explanations with the animated visuals, ensuring that the fantastical elements felt grounded in plausible biology.
Lessons Learned
Working on Alien Worlds was a masterclass in adaptability and collaboration. It reinforced some key lessons that I carry into every project:
Visualize the End Goal: Editing with previs requires a strong sense of what the final sequence should look and feel like.
Collaborate Closely: Open communication with animators, directors, and producers ensures that everyone’s vision aligns.
Balance Creativity and Clarity: Even the most imaginative sequences need a clear narrative to engage the audience.
Pushing Boundaries
Alien Worlds pushed the boundaries of traditional documentary storytelling, merging science and animation to create something truly unique. Being part of this series was an unforgettable experience that reminded me why I love editing—it’s a process of discovery, creativity, and collaboration.
Whether you’re editing live-action or animated content, the goal remains the same: to tell a story that captivates, informs, and inspires. And with projects like Alien Worlds, the possibilities feel as limitless as the universe itself.
[UPDATE]
29 September 2021: Alien Worlds won the Emmy!
International creative studio Framestore has bagged News And Documentary Emmy for the series! The studio received the Outstanding Graphic Design and Art Direction: Documentary award. Huge congratulations to the teams at Wall to Wall, Netflix and especially to the hard-working animators at Framestore for this well-deserved award. 👏👏👏
Film and TV Editor Zoe Davis worked on Alien Worlds for Netflix in 2019. View the full cast and crew list here at IMDB.