MbShea@PWP@English@UMCP

Abstract
This is an outline for a ten-part documentary series on dinosaur paleontology. Herein I provide suggestions for the themes, content, and presentation style of each episode, made with the intention of highlighting recent advances in the field for potential documentary viewers. The first episode as planned is a primer for the rest of the series, explaining what dinosaurs are and their origins. The second episode discusses the question of dinosaur metabolism, a topic that remains contentious in some aspects but is central to understanding dinosaur biology. The next seven episodes explore dinosaur diversity, each episode covering different branches of the dinosaur family tree. The final episode places the themes of the preceding ones into a temporal context, explaining how changes in the Earth impacted dinosaur evolution over time, culminating in the end-Cretaceous mass extinction that wiped out most dinosaurs (besides birds). I justify my suggestions for series content with brief explanations on their scientific importance and possible appeal to audience members. At the end of this document, I provide tips on how to avoid misconceptions and pitfalls common in previous efforts in producing dinosaur documentaries.

WC = 185

Reader’s profile
A disgruntled (and poorly-informed) producer who only values the product’s financial success and does not realize the contributive potential of effective science communication

Reader’s response
This document is essentially worthless. Too much weight is put on this thing you call science and dry facts. Feathered dinosaurs? Bah, the audience will not watch this show just to see a bunch of chickens. Besides, aren’t dinosaurs all dead anyway? Everything we claim to know about them is mere speculation. This means that we should have free rein with their portrayal and, to ensure our success, we should fulfill our audience’s expectations and play things safe. Do things similar to what previous documentaries have done – that means dramatic, in-your-face imagery of monstrous dinosaurs. These things were basically dragons for crying out loud. We don’t need anything more than a veneer of science. Hook the audience with dinosaurs, and the spectacle alone will reel them in.

A -- sadly, the reader you describe is often in charge of science edutainment. Still, I really like your guide. If you end up at Smithsonian for grad school, you have opportunities to rethink some of this content for exhibits, perhaps. That would be fun to see happen.