How to Make Wildlife Films - Assignment Example

Analyse the content of a recent or current wildlife or animal series and how it has been filmed using specific techniques designed for its audience. With the popularity of cable TV & Satellite TV, channels like Discovery, Animal Planet and NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC which used to cater to a niche audience suddenly found their target audience across the world. The pioneer in this field was BBC which took the initiative to begin a series of documentaries filmed by Sir David Attenborough. This series revolutionized the way audiences all over the world approached wildlife. These wildlife specials held a very interesting and enthralling place in the living rooms of both young and old equally. These wildlife specials brought one face to face with animals and the portrayed them as not only predators and prey but also focused on the softer side of all animals and brought forward their inner maternal instincts, this helped people connect and see them in a different light. During the annual environmental conference “Vatavaran” held at Delhi in 2005, Ms. Sunita Narain said that “ guns, guards and fences have not saved tigers”,Richard Brock said “perhaps DVD’s, videos and films, could do the job. And they are a softer solution too”. This is exactly what these wildlife programs aim at and to a great extent they succeed in doing so too. The “Life series” was of a fifty minute duration and was a twelve part series. It was co-produced by the Australian Broadcasting Service and the Turner Broadcasting System. The Music was written and composed by George Fenton. The first of this twelve part series titled “The Trials of Life: A Natural History of Behaviour” was first beamed into hundreds of television sets all across the United Kingdom from 4 October, 1990. This was then telecast into almost 500 million homes across the globe. Throughout the series audiences were spellbound and impressed by nature photography, and were in awe of computer-generated simulations, which enabled them to see and understand enigma’s and extinct species like dinosaurs. This also helps them understand the earth and the planets much better. For the common man this was coming to terms with something that he would otherwise not be able to comprehend. -- Aldo Leopold said "The last word in ignorance is the man who says of an animal or plant, 'What good is it?' If the land mechanism as a whole is good, then every part is good, whether we understand it or not." (http://www.sa-naturecenter.org/conservation/quotes.html#spiritual) this techniques disperse ignorance and also help people gather information about what has passed to help make a better future, The techniques used to bring the world’s wildlife into our living rooms have improved over time and with experience, as well as advances in equipment. “The Wildlife specials” of BBC were a hit among the audience from their 1st screening with the Great White Shark featuring in the 1st episode in 1995. Though NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC channel also offers quality programs on wildlife, we are focusing today on the BBC’s shows covering Animal Planet. Initially the BBC screened its Wildlife special during holiday times to attract a family audience. During this period in 1997, the “Polar Bear” special in 1997 attracted 9.5 million viewers, as well as winning the 1998 BAFTA award for the best Factual Photography. The same year the “Leopard” special won the award for Innovation at the 1998 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. This was followed in 2000 by the “Tiger” special which won again won the award for the best Factual Photography. The series covered, in addition to the above, specials on the Crocodile[1997], Eagle[1997], Humpback whales[1997], Wolf[1997], Tiger[1999], Lions : Spy in the Den[2000], Grizzly[2001], Serpent[2002], Gorillas:On the Trail of King Kong[2002], Killer Whale[2003], Elephants : Spy in the Herd[2003], Smart Sharks:Swimming with Roboshark[2003], Bears:Spy in the woods[2004] Trel:Spy on the Wildebeest-The Journey[2007] & The Crossing[2007]. Tigers:Spy in the Jungle[in Production] In the course of filming wildlife footages, the camera teams has used many innovative techniques and equipment to capture never before seen footages of wild animals in their natural habitat. Some of these were pioneering work in this field, which in turn lead to more outstanding work in the films released later. In the fourth program, in the series of “life” titled “Hunting and Escaping” Cameramen Mike deGruy and Paul Atkins appear to be around the side of a killer whale while it throws itself around the water to get at a sea lion, camera techniques like this are ground breaking and the end result is just realistic. Underwater photography which was carried to a different level of artistry by Jacques Cousteau in his series “Secrets of the Sea”. In later works, the “creature cameras” as in the cameras fitted to the Eagles mentioned above, were used on other animals including Tortoises, dolphins and sharks. [Great white Shark picture courtesy Stephen Frink -Botswana Safari and Great White Sharks of South Africa-20-07-2003. http://www.stephenfrink.com/sf-reports/2003frink_africa] David Attenborough spend a lot of time and effort as well as money while researching these groundbreaking specials. In the article published in The Radio Times, October 1995,David Attenbourough speaks of his experience filming the desert ant in Tunisia. Techniques like the one stated below shows us how technology has becope so advanced that it has enabled us to film and see the life of the tiniest organisms on earth. Macro photography – to photograph insects like ants[photo featured courtesy Alex Wild,Department of Entomology,University of Californi. Notes from Underground, Digital Macro Photography of Ants in the Field] Some of the outstanding techniques used by wildlife photographers were, Aerial photography of eagles including micro cameras fitted to their heads, to provide an eagle’s eye view of the world. This lead to some ground breaking footages of eagle’s hunting rabbits and dropping tortoises from a great height to break their shells. The creators of the program on whales used a remote controlled airship to capture aerial footage of humpback whales. Infrared camera traps were used to capture the life of nocturnal big cats like Tigers & Leopards as well as Lions. There were footages of Leopards hunting Baboons and Lions hunting Water Buffalo in packs. Infrared cameras were also used to refine the techniques used for camera traps-which were used to photograph otherwise elusive creatures, and triggered by wires setup on their regular trails. X-ray imaging was used to capture behaviour of snakes Wearing camouflaged clothing and mobile tents, as well as staying downwind of your subject and not wearing any scented aftershaves to reach within touching distance of their subjects without alarming the animals. Creating controlled environments which simulate actual conditions in the wild, but providing better access to the cameras and opportunities to scientists to study animal behaviour up close, as in the case of geckos mating, and chameleons catching prey with their tongues.. In the equipment used, we can see the innovations in camera technology leading to unbelievable footages of animals-big and small Probe cams used to film the lives of termites in their hill underground Critter cams- very small cameras fitted on top of an animal like a seal/tortoise to get its viewpoint. Crittercams were conceived in 1986 by marine biologist and filmmaker Greg Marshall who modeled it on a remora (or sucker fish) clinging to sharks and going with it everywhere without disturbing it.[In picture-A Hawaiian monk seal wearing a critter cam-courtesy NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC website] Infrared cameras used to film salamanders defending their nests in a dark hole, snakes hunting their prey [In pic Lions attacking an African elephant-courtesy BBC News/BBC ONE website] High speed photography used to capture high speed motion as in insects flying.[picture featured StephenDalton/Photoresearchers2008] Thermal Cameras were used to film internal body temperature differences of animals like the hot headed horned lizard sunbathing while safely buried in the ground [pictured Lion- courtesy David Derbyshire-Thermal-imaging zoo pictures reveal animals' hot and cold secrets - Last updated at 19:16pm on 5th February 2008. NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC photographer Michael “Nick” Nichols had the following pointers to would-be wildlife film makers to follow for getting the best results: Research the topic, the geography & animal behavior well before venturing to shoot, Have a viewpoint to convey, since all pictures are subjective and convey the cameraman’s view point. Do not intrude into the animal’s space and do not wear strong perfumes or clothes which distract the animal. Stay downwind of the animal. Piers Warren author of “Careers in Wildlife Film making” and “Go Wild with your Camcorder-How to make Wildlife Films” mentioned a few more in addition to the above Develop computer skills – in addition to basic skills such as using Microsoft word, learn those related to film making like image manipulation, desktop publishing, video editing etc, and readup about film production planning He summed up by saying “your experience and skill is more important than qualifications. But, any background knowledge/training you have in natural history and film production techniques would be to your advantage” The one common thing we see in wildlife programs are that besides the toil, sweat and money that goes into the making of each and every episode, the patience, endurance and the attention to detail by all the people and crew right from the concept to the execution of the program and the broadcasting of the same is not only meticulous but also impeccable. They keep in mind the fact that the wildlife they are filming are not exhibition but instead the animals are the lords of their habitat. Keeping in mind this respect for the animals and the need to adhere to originality, only increases the need and want for more better and sophisticated technologies and techniques to help, so that man does not infringe into the animals space and thus help in the conservation of all life as well as the planet. The wildlife programs, like the “Disappearing World” of Brian Moser on Anglia TV, helps in involving local people in presenting the programs which makes it easier to identify with especially if it deals with the particular problems wildlife of a particular area face. This could also help in lowering poaching rates of all endangered species. The quote of-Arthur Schopenhauer –“ The assumption that animals are without rights, and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance, is a positively outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity.  Universal compassion is the only guarantee of morality.” (http://www.weforanimals.com/quotations/animals-1.htm) holds very true and reflects the mindset of many a people all over the world. If we have to have a clear conscience that helps us improve our way of thinking and our approach to wildlife then we have follow what George Elliot said “ “Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticism” (http://www.weforanimals.com/quotations/animals-1.htm) this mindset will not only pave the way for us to co exist with our fellow creatures but also help us save our planet. This is why wildlife and nature channels all across the world are striving towards making better and more informative programmes REFERENCES 1. “Careers in Wildlife Film-making” – Piers Warren- Wildeye publishing – Feb 2006 2. “Go wild with your camcorder – How to make wildlife films” - Piers Warren- Wildeye publishing – Feb 2006 3. The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC website –http://www.nationalgeographic.com/crittercam/about.html, retrieved on 13/03/2008 4. BBC ONE – Battle in Botswana - Night-vision cameras capture lions hunting elephants -http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/06/sci_nat_enl_1163172024/html/1.stm. retrieved on 13/03/2008 5. Photo Researchers Picture Number: C5951- Stephen Dalton / Photo Researchers, Inc- Cockchafer or maybug (Melolontha melolontha) in flight http://db2.photoresearchers.com/search/C5951. retrieved on 13/03/2008 6. Alex Wild,Department of Entomology,University of California- Notes from Underground -Digital Macro Photography of Ants in the Field http://www.notesfromunderground.org/archive/vol101/features/newfolder/myrmecologicalphotography.html. retrieved on 13/03/2008 7. Thermal-imaging pictures make zoo's animals magic- Evening Standard -05.02.08.http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23435743-details/Thermal-imaging+pictures+make+zoo's+animals+magic/article.do. retrieved on 13/03/2008 8. Stephen Frink -Botswana Safari and Great White Sharks of South Africa-20-07-2003. http://www.stephenfrink.com/sf-reports/2003frink_africa/-retrieved on 13/03/08 9. “How David Attenbourough made the Trials of Life by Gareth Huw Davies was first published in The Radio Times, October 1995. 10. Vatavaran, 2005.Environment and Wildlife Film Festival, 21-24 nov, Delhi India Read More

The same year the “Leopard” special won the award for Innovation at the 1998 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival. This was followed in 2000 by the “Tiger” special which won again won the award for the best Factual Photography. The series covered, in addition to the above, specials on the Crocodile[1997], Eagle[1997], Humpback whales[1997], Wolf[1997], Tiger[1999], Lions : Spy in the Den[2000], Grizzly[2001], Serpent[2002], Gorillas:On the Trail of King Kong[2002], Killer Whale[2003], Elephants : Spy in the Herd[2003], Smart Sharks:Swimming with Roboshark[2003], Bears:Spy in the woods[2004] Trel:Spy on the Wildebeest-The Journey[2007] & The Crossing[2007].

Tigers:Spy in the Jungle[in Production] In the course of filming wildlife footages, the camera teams has used many innovative techniques and equipment to capture never before seen footages of wild animals in their natural habitat. Some of these were pioneering work in this field, which in turn lead to more outstanding work in the films released later. In the fourth program, in the series of “life” titled “Hunting and Escaping” Cameramen Mike deGruy and Paul Atkins appear to be around the side of a killer whale while it throws itself around the water to get at a sea lion, camera techniques like this are ground breaking and the end result is just realistic.

Underwater photography which was carried to a different level of artistry by Jacques Cousteau in his series “Secrets of the Sea”. In later works, the “creature cameras” as in the cameras fitted to the Eagles mentioned above, were used on other animals including Tortoises, dolphins and sharks. [Great white Shark picture courtesy Stephen Frink -Botswana Safari and Great White Sharks of South Africa-20-07-2003. http://www.stephenfrink.com/sf-reports/2003frink_africa] David Attenborough spend a lot of time and effort as well as money while researching these groundbreaking specials.

In the article published in The Radio Times, October 1995,David Attenbourough speaks of his experience filming the desert ant in Tunisia. Techniques like the one stated below shows us how technology has becope so advanced that it has enabled us to film and see the life of the tiniest organisms on earth. Macro photography – to photograph insects like ants[photo featured courtesy Alex Wild,Department of Entomology,University of Californi. Notes from Underground, Digital Macro Photography of Ants in the Field] Some of the outstanding techniques used by wildlife photographers were, Aerial photography of eagles including micro cameras fitted to their heads, to provide an eagle’s eye view of the world.

This lead to some ground breaking footages of eagle’s hunting rabbits and dropping tortoises from a great height to break their shells. The creators of the program on whales used a remote controlled airship to capture aerial footage of humpback whales. Infrared camera traps were used to capture the life of nocturnal big cats like Tigers & Leopards as well as Lions. There were footages of Leopards hunting Baboons and Lions hunting Water Buffalo in packs. Infrared cameras were also used to refine the techniques used for camera traps-which were used to photograph otherwise elusive creatures, and triggered by wires setup on their regular trails.

X-ray imaging was used to capture behaviour of snakes Wearing camouflaged clothing and mobile tents, as well as staying downwind of your subject and not wearing any scented aftershaves to reach within touching distance of their subjects without alarming the animals. Creating controlled environments which simulate actual conditions in the wild, but providing better access to the cameras and opportunities to scientists to study animal behaviour up close, as in the case of geckos mating, and chameleons catching prey with their tongues.. In the equipment used, we can see the innovations in camera technology leading to unbelievable footages of animals-big and small Probe cams used to film the lives of termites in their hill underground Critter cams- very small cameras fitted on top of an animal like a seal/tortoise to get its viewpoint.

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