Wildlife Filmmaking

Introduction to the course:

This course will give an introduction to wildlife film production. The participants will be split into teams to produce a short wildlife film. Each participant will learn every skill a budding wildlife filmmaker may need: development of ideas, directing a shoot, camera operating, sound recording, editing and screenwriting. These, in combination with familiarising participants with the techniques and the patience required for successful wildlife filming, will provide a greater understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The course is set on Samos and/or Ikaria, two idyllic islands in the Eastern Aegean Sea and will be hosted by award-winning filmmaker Sam Rogers.

Introduction to the site:

The islands of Samos and Ikaria offer a unique opportunity to enter uncharted filmmaking territory. The Aegean Sea is one of the most important marine ecosystems on the planet, and these islands are brimming with stunning locations including ancient forests, dramatic coastlines and unspoilt wildernesses.

Archipelagos will bring the filmmakers face-to-face with the incredible animals that call these islands home. There are numerous stories waiting to be told, for example, about Eleonora Falcons, the world’s second rarest falcon species, which live in the unpopulated islets in the Aegean. Whether it’s the hundred-strong breeding colonies, or the young falcons in their nests, these birds never fail to give filmmakers a chance to capture incredible behaviour on camera. There are also various species of buzzards and many protected bird species that use these islands as a stopover on their migration routes.

The filmmakers could take part and film, marine mammal research surveys. There are 4 species of dolphin in the region, some are well-established with resident pods. It is possible to track these animals using state-of-the-art equipment and observe them bowriding and feeding. Filmmakers may even be lucky enough to observe adult dolphins training their youngsters. A little known fact about this unique stretch of the Aegean is the presence of the mighty Sperm Whale. The sea between Ikaria, Samos, Chios and Turkey is an important migratory route for this animal – participants could explore the behaviour and biology of this little studied population.

The team could also head inland in search of the rare chameleon found on Samos, or the Rough-Tailed Agama endemic on both islands. Participants might also want to delve into the environmental issues that are pushing this spectacular wildlife closer to extinction. Such issues could be presented through the views and experiences of local communities.

Aims:

This course will provide participants with an action packed introduction to wildlife filmmaking. They’ll learn the creative and practical skills necessary to produce their own wildlife films. Participants will become familiar with industry standard camera equipment and editing programmes, whilst generating their own ideas and learning the essential elements of storytelling.

Topics covered:

• Getting the idea:

One of the most important areas of wildlife filmmaking is coming up with fresh ideas, or a new perspective on age-old stories. To get a clear idea about what stories have been told and how contemporary wildlife filmmakers are telling classic stories with a new perspective, the group will watch and discuss timeless natural history documentaries and recent wildlife films. Each wildlife filmmaker must find the perfect subjects in their environment, so the team at Archipelagos will brief the group on where to find the best stories in and around the beautiful islands of Ikaria and Samos. The participants will be split into small teams and will develop a number of ideas to be pitched to the whole group. The 3 best ideas will be produced as 5-minute films.

• Screenwriting:

Although with nature documentaries it is impossible to know exactly what footage one will manage to get before going out on the shoot, due to the fact that animals don’t take direction, it is important to have an idea of the direction of the story and consequently what footage will be required. For each 5-minute film a shot-list will be produced. From this shot list the rough script for the film will be written, this will later be perfected during the edit and will finally be recorded as voice over, which will help tell the story clearly and succinctly.

• The Shoot:

Each team will be provided with a broadcast-quality camera and sound kit. Every member of the crew will be taught how to operate this equipment, providing them with the tools they need to tell their stories. Recording clean usable sound is one of the most important aspects of a film shoot – full training will be given on broadcast quality sound recording equipment. When it comes to camerawork, the filmmakers need to understand how to film a sequence and to ensure they will have the footage to tell their story in the edit. On location each filmmaker will be given the opportunity to operate the camera, record sound and direct the shoot. In some films it may be essential to record interviews with experts or some members of the Archipelagos team, the filmmakers will be taught how to film and conduct interviews. Archipelagos will be on hand to provide any assistance required.

• Post - Production:

Once the participants have filmed their stories it’s time to get to the edit suite. The filmmakers will be using Final Cut Pro, an industry-standard editing computer package. They will be shown how to operate Final Cut Pro and will learn how to edit their story with power and economy. It is now that the filmmakers will hone their scripts that will support their pictures and help tell a clear story. They will be provided with a catalogue of library music for use in their finished films. During the editing process there will be a number of viewings; this is when the crews show each other their films and learn how to take constructive criticism. The 10-day course will culminate with a celebratory screening and meal in a local Greek Taverna.