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Wildscreen Festival 2020 goes virtual By Wildscreen
28th May 2020
Wildscreen, the UK-based not-for-profit conservation organisation behind the biennial Wildscreen Festival, today announces the 20th anniversary edition of the Festival will bring the natural world to the online world this October.
Seizing the opportunity for evolution in light of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the reimagined virtual event will be the most accessible Wildscreen Festival to date, with more people than ever before being able to tune in to its ground-breaking content and benefit from the events unrivalled networking opportunities.
Wildscreen’s patron, renowned naturalist David Attenborough says, “Never has communicating the threats facing our natural world and the bold solutions required to protect and restore it been so vital. Wildscreen, with its convening power is uniquely placed to support and challenge those who can tell the stories the world needs to hear and see.”
The online edition of the Festival, already slated for the 19-23 October, will include everything that the international industry expects from the genres’ leading event, including keynotes, masterclasses, sessions, commissioner meetings, film premieres and screenings with director interviews, and a new programme of one-to-one meetings.
Over 300 films will also be available over a three-month period between September to December, which will then be accompanied by all the industry content released during the Festival week from Friday 23 October.
Martha Holmes, Wildscreen Festival Advisory Board Chair and Head of Natural History at Plimsoll Productions, said,
“During these unpredictable and unprecedented times, never have amazing stories about nature been more needed.
Our vision for a virtual Wildscreen Festival in October 2020, not only reflects the times we are living in but opens our community up to more creators, bigger audiences and more buyers, enabling the Festival to reach them in their homes, offices and field stations.”
Lucie Muir, CEO of Wildscreen continued, “We already had plans for live-streamed content and networking events hosted in global hubs beyond Bristol during the 2020 Wildscreen Festival to reduce the environmental impact of the event and bolster greater access and inclusion across the industry. The pandemic has accelerated and focused us on those ambitions and gives us the opportunity to be bold and reimagine what a future Wildscreen Festival and industry could look like.
“Though we love Bristol and it’s our home, the pandemic has shown more than ever that we need to nurture and support natural world storytelling talent and audiences around the world and demonstrate leadership in democratising the industry.”
BBC Studios is also announced as Principal Sponsor.
Julian Hector, Head of the Natural History Unit and Wildscreen Board member says:
“BBC Studios fully supports Wildscreen’s bold and ambitious move online which will open the festival up to new voices and new audiences and continue to support the global wildlife filmmaking industry.”
Also announced today is the first keynote, an interview with Sky’s Group Chief Executive Jeremy Darroch.
Under his leadership, Sky has saved over a billion trees in the Amazon Rainforest, campaigned for healthy oceans and set the ambitious target for its business to become net zero carbon by 2030.
This week, the broadcaster launched three factual channels, including Sky Nature a dedicated home to natural history programming.
The week will also feature a virtual version of the Wildscreen Panda Awards. The celebration, to be held on 22 October, will reveal the winners of the most coveted prize in the global wildlife film and TV industry.
Full three-month industry passes for Wildscreen Festival will cost £125 ( VAT where applicable), with concessions offered at £50, to further Wildscreen’s mission to diversify the natural world storytelling industry.
We're excited to announce that this year's Wildscreen Festival is moving online! The reimagined event will include 300+ stunning films available from Sept with the @WildscreenFest industry fest happening 19-23 Oct. Tix will go on sale in July! More info https://t.co/B4JqeHOP63pic.twitter.com/SKwxKwAPXv
— Wildscreen Festival (@WildscreenFest) May 28, 2020
BBC Studios Natural History Unit is developing several new landmark productions following on from the recent success of Seven Worlds, One Planet and Primates.
They are looking for a number of experienced and enthusiastic Landmark Producers to become part of a pool to be appointed as and when work starts on the new projects.
Each Producer will be highly creative and organised, with excellent storytelling skills, visual flair and the ability to take an innovative, ambitious and imaginative approach to delivering outstanding content. They will have a clear and committed understanding of the constraints of budget and be a very good team player. The role includes involvement at every stage of the production process including research and pre-production; location and/or studio filming; and post production.
The competition attracted over 15000 entries from over 60 countries, with the Conservation Documentary Award given for a set of images and captions telling a bird-related conservation story in a photo-journalistic style.
Nick’s portfolio showed how nest boxes, rescue and ringing work are helping to support and monitor Swifts in the UK, whose numbers have declined by 50% in the last 20 years. His work was helped by Bradford-on-Avon Swift Group, Action for Swifts, Swift Conservation and several Swift enthusiasts across England.
BPOTY has just launched a new Bird conservation charity, Birds on the Brink partly funded by the competition, and in the month that Swifts, much loved summer visitors to the UK that have just arrived back from wintering in Africa, the charity’s first donation is to Hampshire Swifts to fund the installation of Swift nestboxes at Winchester cathedral.
Winning images on the left but see then larger with descriptions here.
BPOTY judge and member of the Birds on the Brink advisory panel Mark Carwardine shares his thoughts on the decline in the UK Swift population and announces the winner of the BPOTY Conservation Documentary Award 2020:
Photographer and film maker Nick Upton from the United Kingdom is the inaugural winner of the Bird Photographer of the Year Conservation Documentary Award for 2020. Nick supplied a fantastic series of images depicting the decline of the UK Swift population and the local conservation projects that are being undertaken to help halt the decline in Swift numbers. In this video Nick explains how he took the images:
Center for Environmental Filmmaking graduate students Beth Ebisch, Lia Nydes and Grace Eggleston are working on a film reflecting on the origins of Earth Day 50 years after its founding. Join us as we explore how it has influenced the evolution of the environmental movement since 1970. The final film is on its way, watch the trailer below:
We Are Writing The Climate Future of The Next Decade Now – David Wallace-Wells – Extinction Rebellion
"Every aspect of our lives will be touched by climate change, climate is not something that is happening elsewhere, it's not happening to other people, even if it may be hitting other populations more intensely then it's hitting the one you're in, it will touch every life and transform every life...," - David Wallace-Wells
Read: The Uninhabitable Earth: A Story of the Future by David Wallace-Wells
'A profound book, which simultaneously makes me terrified and hopeful about the future' Jonathan Safran Foer
Selected as a Book of the Year 2019 by the Sunday Times, Spectator and New Statesman
A Waterstones Paperback of the Year and shortlisted for the Foyles Book of the Year 2019
Longlisted for the PEN / E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award
It is worse, much worse, than you think.
The slowness of climate change is a fairy tale, perhaps as pernicious as the one that says it isn't happening at all, and if your anxiety about it is dominated by fears of sea-level rise, you are barely scratching the surface of what terrors are possible, even within the lifetime of a teenager today.
Over the past decades, the term "Anthropocene" has climbed into the popular imagination - a name given to the geologic era we live in now, one defined by human intervention in the life of the planet. But however sanguine you might be about the proposition that we have ravaged the natural world, which we surely have, it is another thing entirely to consider the possibility that we have only provoked it, engineering first in ignorance and then in denial a climate system that will now go to war with us for many centuries, perhaps until it destroys us. In the meantime, it will remake us, transforming every aspect of the way we live-the planet no longer nurturing a dream of abundance, but a living nightmare.
43rd Annual (First Virtual) International Wildlife Film Festival Award Winners Announced from IWFF
24 April 2020
Congratulations to the IWFF 43 award winning films.
We are pleased to announce the Award Winners for the 2020 International Wildlife FIlm Festival. The 43rd IWFF Awards were Announced Online, on Friday, April 4th.
Dancing with the Birds
Director/Producer: Huw Cordey, Silverback Films
Duration: 50min
A journey deep into the forest, following the glorious colours and curiosities of rarely seen birds-of-paradise, bowerbirds, and manakins as they show off in spectacular fashion in their search for a mate--much of which has never been filmed before. The film carries its own pedigree, narrated by the Emmy Award-winning Stephen Fry, who guides the viewer through this charming and playful documentary suitable for all the family.
Gajah Borneo Director: Shervin Hess
Duration: 5min
In a land ruled by the palm oil trade, a Borneo pygmy elephant calf comes to life in a stop-motion world made out of recycled paper.
Watson
Director: Lesley Chilcott
Producers: Loise Runge, Lesley Chilcott, Wolfgang Knöpfler
Duration: 1hr 40min
Part pirate, part philosopher, Greenpeace co-founder Paul Watson has dedicated his life to fighting for one thing: ending the slaughter of the ocean’s wildlife and the destruction of its ecosystems. This provocative film examines a man who will stop at nothing to protect what lies beneath.
Overland
Director: Elisabeth Haviland James, Revere La Noue
Producers: Elisabeth Haviland James, Revere La Noue
Duration: 1hr 42min
Overland explores the complex bonds between three humans and the raptors they train and love. Lauren trains injured eagles to fly and hunt while scouring the world for falconry secrets. But a traumatized eagle which seems beyond repair pushes her to the brink. Giovanni left Rome for a solitary life in the countryside with his hawks. After a transcendent experience with an 800-year-old falconry book, he begins to question his life’s purpose. In Dubai, Khalifa is training to be the world’s best falcon racer. Now, with urban life encroaching, he must find a way to keep his fragile Bedouin culture from vanishing forever.
Lost Cities
Directors: Marita Davison, Jennifer Moslemi, Ruth Gates
Producers: Maria Davison, Jennifer Moslemi Lost Cities is an interactive film that reveals the incredible hidden world of corals. With its unique layout, non-linear narrative, and evocative design, Lost Cities imparts crucial information about the crisis corals face globally while pushing the boundaries of the traditional nature documentary. The experience is anchored by an expressive soundscape and narration by the late Dr. Ruth Gates, a visionary coral biologist. By exploring what lies beneath the surface, Lost Cities brings to light the surprising way the lives of corals are interwoven with our own.
The Love Bugs Director: Allison Otto, Maria Clinton
Producer: Caryn Capotosto, Jane Julian, David and Linda Cornfield
Duration: 34min
Over the course of 60 years, two married entomologists traveled to more than 67 countries, quietly amassing the world's largest private collection of insects. But as they grapple with Parkinson's in their twilight years, these two soulmates--married for 55 years--decide to give the collection away. This humorous and poignant documentary explores the love of nature--and the nature of love--and what it means to devote oneself completely to both. This film was shortlisted for a 2019 IDA Award in the Short Documentary category.
Spawning Hope
Director/Producer: Roshan Patel
Duration: 9min 46sec
Marine biologists are concerned about the genetic health of many endangered coral species. This short film follows a team of scientists as they attempt to use cryopreserved coral sperm to introduce DNA to new populations of elkhorn coral. If this technique works, it could have a lasting impact on how conservationists are able to protect and restore endangered corals from near-extinction.
A Walk Through The Land of a Thousand Hills
Director & Producer: Chema Domenech
Duration: 11min 11sec
Claver Ntoyinkima, a Rwandan park ranger, shares the secrets of Nyungwe National Park. Containing almost 300 bird species, over 1,000 plant species, and dozens of large and small mammals, Nyungwe is one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Twenty-five years after the horrific Rwandan Genocide, the park is now one of the best-conserved montane rainforests in Central Africa. As Claver walks through the forest, we discover the origins of his conservationism and the history of an ecosystem that has survived one of Rwanda's darkest periods.
The Story of Plastic Director: Deia Schlosberg
Producer: Deia Schosberg, Stiv Wilson, Megan Ponder, and Kyle Cadotte
Duration: 1 hr 29min
Depicting a world rapidly becoming overrun with toxic material, The Story of Plastic brings into focus an alarming man-made crisis. Striking footage, original animations, and archival material combine in this timely documentary to reveal the disastrous impact of the continued manufacture and use of plastics, shedding new light on a pressing global challenge which threatens the life expectancy of animals, humans, and Earth itself.
Hunting the Helmeted Hornbill
Producers: Tim Laman, Tom Swartwout
Duration: 12:27
The helmeted hornbills of Southeast Asia's rainforests are frequently poached for their casques, which, like elephant ivory, are carved into luxury objects. But these birds are treasures of avian biology--dedicated mates which risk their lives to raise their young. Conservationist Yoki Hadiprakarsa and photographer Tim Laman are on a mission to tell the story of this ancient bird before it's too late.
Tigerland
Director: Ross Kauffman
Producer: Xan Parker, Zara Duffy, Fisher Stevens, Ross Kauffman
Duration: 1hr 30min
Half a century ago in India, a young man rallied the world to save tigers from extinction. Today, the creed is carried on in Far East Russia. Directed by Oscar® winner Ross Kauffman (“Born into Brothels”) and produced by Oscar® winner Fisher Stevens (“The Cove”), TIGERLAND is the story about our relationship with one of the world’s most revered creatures
Sarika says "Sharing my perspectives on the Tigerland film and ways that the covid-19 pandemic might affect tiger conservation.
Please visit www.wild-tiger.org and stay up to date with my work by signing up for the newsletter. Wild Tiger is a US-based non-profit dedicated to conserving Bengal tigers and their habitats. Using the wild tiger to galvanize a greater engagement in conservation."
High school level field guide for a deeper dive into the film and on Tiger Conservation in India: DOWNLOAD PDF.
Going Nuts: Tales From the Squirrel World - For its' exceptional cinematography. Director: Yann Sochaczewski
Producer: Yann Sochaczewski - Altay Film
Duration: 50min
Squirrels are among the most widely recognized mammals. They gladly join us for our lunches in city parks, amaze us with their acrobatics, and entertain our children as cartoon squirrels on TV. Squirrels live in an extraordinary diverse range of habitats, calling cities, deserts, mountains, and the arctic their home. Some can fly, some can swim, some live in trees or underground, others love the snow or feel cozy in the hot deserts. This documentary explores some of the most fascinating squirrel species worldwide and shows how the squirrel family became so successful dealing with extreme environments and human neighbors.
#NatureNow - For its' environmental ethics and low carbon footprint. Director: Tom Mustill Producer: Andrea Walji
Duration: 03:39 #NatureNow is a personal and passionate call to arms from Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot to use nature to heal our broken climate. Made with no flights, recycled footage, and zero net carbon. Given away for free. Viewed over 54 Million times.
Join Director, Tom Mustill (#NatureNow) and Carrie Richer (IWFF Artistic Director) in a conversation about filmmaking, carbon footprints, wildlife film and working with Greta Thunberg and George Monbiot on #NatureNow.
See Animals - For its' clever & prescient connection to our current times. Director: Scott Wenner
Duration: 1min 53sec
A meditation on the beginning of the Sixth Extinction. Perfect for these pandemic-infused times.
Jury
IWFF says:
Thank you to our incredible 2020 Final Jury
Ronald Tobias, Katie Schuler, and Lisa Parks
With the exception of the Living in Wildlife category which was judged by Christopher Johns, Ronald Tobias, and Lisa Parks.
Jackson Wild 2020 Media Awards Call for Entry Extended!
Media today deepens understanding of the world around us, inspires commitment to protect and restore the natural systems upon which all life depends and empowers the radical changes that will be required to do so. Nature film’s equivalent to the Oscars®, the Jackson Wild Media Awards™ celebrate excellence and innovation in nature, science and conservation storytelling..
Call for entry will now close on June 1, with finalists announced on August 1.
Any film completed since June 1, 2019 is eligible to enter.
As isolation and social distancing become the norm, we hope that you and your loved ones are keeping healthy and safe. It’s been a shocker to say the least, and as you had to pull out of Kenya, or bring your shoot to a halt, we have been thinking hard on how we can mitigate the current circumstances and help you achieve your production deadlines.
What We’re Up To:
In the last 35 years that Viewfinders has been serving Natural History productions, we have been faced with challenges big and small yet none too big or small for us to solve. From getting crews safely embedded with the military in an anti-poaching shoot to getting a crew out of a civil war that started while shooting was ongoing, we have seen our fair deal of problem-solving. Sadly enough the current crisis seems like a war with an invisible enemy.
However, the show must go on! Budgets having been allocated and timelines set. We feel the pressure and disappointment of having to pull out midway through the shoot.
With this in mind, we have put together a team of experienced local wildlife cameramen and camera kit to help you achieve your deadlines. All our cameramen have filmed for international production companies, know the lay of the land and have experience with the latest gear.
At your word, we can get them filming for you.
To find out more on how we can make the current situation work to your advantage, please drop us an email on info@viewfindersltd.com or call +254717305750
Mammalz App is Now Live On the App Store – Download for Free to Enjoy Nature for this Generation from Mammalz
30 April 2020
The Mammalz iOS mobile app and web platform give people around the globe an innovative, highly interactive way to connect to nature and socialize while social distancing.
Mammalz, a community-driven user-generated content platform for all things nature is now available on the App Store.
This free app offers a centralized place for today's generation of socially savvy nature content creators, scientists, and consumers to connect with each other and create a global community around anything that advances the human-nature relationship.
Mammalz supports all forms of media: live streaming, video, photos, 360/VR, and podcasts.
And, Mammalz goes way beyond the "like" button with engagement tools like live stream chat, comments, direct chat, and discussion boards, all designed to help people socialize, even when times like this require social distancing.
The global community on Mammalz is growing fast and so is the variety and diversity of entertaining and educational nature content being uploaded every day.
Live streamers take viewers along on their hikes and answer questions about the birds and plants they encounter.
A zookeeper hosts regular AMA (ask me anything) sessions via live stream.
Creators inspired by Steve Irwin upload short presenter-lead films with a goal to educate and entertain about the natural world. Science communicators take viewers into the field to demonstrate proper field biology techniques.
Filmmakers around the world share long-form documentaries about anything from conservation science, to wild harvesting a gourmet meal from the land.
Behind the scenes videos and outtakes bring viewers even closer to the action and into the in-the-know fold.
Wildlife and landscape photographers share their best work along with stories about getting the shot.
And throughout the Mammalz community, a high level of engagement between creators and their audiences is evidence of how much fun people are having while learning about the natural world.
Global Pandemic Spotlights Need to Understand, Respect, and Connect to Nature
As it becomes ever more clear from scientists that a disregard for nature and lack of understanding about how humans fit into the mosaic of the natural world has landed us in the current pandemic crisis, today’s launch on the App Store is even more timely and poignant.
The good news is that by simply using the Mammalz app, people can immediately begin to discover inspiring nature stories, unleash their creativity to share their own perspective about the natural world, and connect with a global community who loves nature as much as they do.
“The natural world is struggling with more human-inflicted chaos than ever before. Extinction rates are soaring, and the clock is ticking,” says Alex Finden, Mammalz Co-Founder and COO.
“Fortunately, there are millions of young people, scientists, storytellers, and nature fanatics who care, including us, but we haven't had an effective platform to communicate with...until now. We are Mammalz, and we're on a mission to advance the relationship between humans and the natural world in the most fun way possible.”
A Vision So Much Bigger Than an App – Mammalz Mission to Create Champions for the Natural World
The Mammalz mission is to promote a greater global public understanding of nature and the environment while acting as a bridge between science, media makers, and the public.
As the highly engaged Mammalz community scales to millions of users, the company intends to incorporate creative solutions to solve the natural world’s greatest problems. With recent innovation in data science, creating an augmented experience of nature that emphasizes education and promotes real-life engagement will become a reality. The vast amount of encrypted multimedia data will also allow Mammalz to accelerate the rate at which conservation scientists can decode, track, and put a stop to wildlife trafficking.
“More than ever, we need a safe place where we can be inspired by nature, a trusted place to communicate and interact with one another while sharing truthful, scientifically accurate information,” says Rob Whitehair, Mammalz Co-Founder and CEO. “We need to hear from multiple, diverse perspectives around the globe to widen the understanding of what nature means to the global community. This will help us gain not only more knowledge and understanding of life on Earth, but more compassion and empathy for our fellow humans. Welcome to Mammalz.”
The Mammalz Android app is planned for the future. To learn more about Mammalz, visit community.mammalz.com.
Founded by biologists-turned-wildlife filmmakers, Rob Whitehair and Alexander Finden, Mammalz is the “Twitch for Nature”; a mobile- and web-based media streaming and social platform dedicated to nature storytelling and driven by community. Whether you are a professional media maker, scientist, educator, artist, writer, or one of over 600 million nature enthusiasts across the planet, Mammalz provides you with the tools to personalize your experience, share your love of nature, and truly make a difference.
Mammalz, PBC is a Public Benefit Corporation founded in May 2018 and headquartered in San Diego, CA.
The Mammalz mission is to promote a greater global public understanding of nature and the environment while acting as a bridge between science, media makers, and the public.
Rob Whitehair, Co-Founder and CEO
Rob is a 20-year veteran of the natural history film industry. He is a multi-award-winning filmmaker, producer, and executive who has directed, produced and shot films for broadcast and theatrical markets worldwide. He is known throughout the industry for his vision, leadership, inspiration and his ability to take seemingly impossible ideas and turn them into a reality. Mammalz is the culmination of Rob’s dream to create a next-generation media platform that will connect people on a global scale through their love for nature.
Alexander Finden, Co-Founder and COO
Inspired by the underwater world, Alex is a highly creative, award-winning wildlife filmmaker, Divemaster, YouTube channel manager, Twitch content editor, and operational guru. He is known for being a master of details, turning ideas into actions, and keeping calm in the storm. Alex is fascinated with portable live-streaming technologies and plans to encourage outdoor streaming as one of the most popular content types on Mammalz.
Wildlife gardening during lockdown tips from Laura Turner at the Wildlife Garden Project
Without the option to nip to your local garden centre, it’s not as easy as usual to get your hands on all the plants and supplies you might normally buy. But there’s still plenty you can do, even if money is tight. We've teamed up with the British Dragonfly Society to bring you some tips on keeping your garden wildlife friendly whilst during lockdown.
How much does cinema shape our environmental ideology? – Katie Wardle
We don't usually watch fictional films with the intent to change our ideology on a subject, for this we may turn to a documentary. Anyone can be easily influenced and manipulated by the all-consuming world of cinema. Anthropomorphic stereotypes of wildlife in films like that of the Disney animation collection often skew the public’s perception of different animals and their natural behaviour with oversimplification.
Animals like sharks, wolves, bats and spiders have over and over again been depicted as the “monsters”, creating an irrational fear and overall negative public perception. On the other hand, animals like deer, rabbits, dolphins, bears and monkeys are rarely found to be anything other than giant-eyed, fluffy and cuddle-worthy creatures. They remind us of infant children: innocent and deserving of nothing but affection.
With Society constantly moving further away from nature, neither stereotype has been healthy for conservation, often leaving the audience as a “fan” of the anthropomorphised character rather than the animal itself, and later getting disappointed with the real thing when it does not live up to expectations.
Finding Clownfish
One of the most drastically negative conservation associations to film is Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo.
Want to make a difference? Watch & Share the Wildlife Winners & Losers Film Series produced by Richard Brock & largely edited by Gareth Trezise ... Use these films to help save the planet!
And the Wildlife Winners are…
I’m wildlife filmmaker and producer Richard Brock. For many years I worked for the BBC’s prestigious Natural History Unit alongside David Attenborough. My series “Wildlife Winners and Losers” looks carefully with well-documented evidence at these changes – past, present and particularly the future.
Using previously unseen footage from the recent past we bring the story right up to date and try to look forward as to the winners and the losers we might expect – and why. As far as I know, no one has done this so deliberately around the world with so many species and places. In the 80+ shortish films most recently finished in 2020 we find many examples of winners, or, at least those trying not to be losers!
The natural world is changing very quickly now. The clock is ticking faster and faster. Some species are winning, some are losing.
So, here FOR FREE are films to use as AMMUNITION to help save the planet:
Do you feel, increasingly, that there’s a new need to explain to people the plight of wildlife, and the planet, which we all depend on?
Now’s your chance, for free, to get the message out there around the world. Help distribute hope and knowledge with Wildlife Winners and Losers – how to turn losers into winners.
These films are yours to view and, please pass on – see Brock Initiative YouTube ... It’s a call to action! A unique opportunity to help the planet!
“We’ve been celebrating nature by bringing its wonders to the TV screen all over the world. Now that world is changing, faster and faster, and nature needs help. Films can do that, at a local level, be it with decision makers in the government or in the village.”
Richard Brock Founder of the Brock Initiative
What you can do:
choose subjects that inspire and interest you
watch the the films
share with as many people as possible – by as many means as possible!
use the series to inspire you to help save the planet
use the series to give you ammunition to help save the planet
Sir David Attenborough says:
“Richard’s interest in and concern for the natural world has resulted in the formation of the Brock Initiative. He and his team intend to reach people locally in order to make a difference on the ground. I wish him every success.”
We will be sharing Richard Brock's news there, including all things Brock Initiative and especially focusing on the Wildlife Winners & Losers film series!
As we navigate our way through the climate crisis and current pandemic we look towards films that can inform and inspire ... It's not too late to save the planet and ourselves! Watch Meet Richard Brock ... The main man behind the Brock Initiative and his epic Wildlife Winners & Losers film series!!
Richard Brock is the man David Attenborough SHOULD have been. 25 years ago when I was at the BBC Natural History Unit... after a lifetime of filming the world and producing Sir David ... Richard traded in his BBC pension, picked up a camera himself, and travelled the globe filming, producing and appearing in a series about environmental issues. Issues that were very obviously assailing nature and all of us. Issues that others were content to sweep under the carpet and continue to promote the illusion, through carefully cropped and gorgeous imagery, that God was in his heaven and all was right with the world. Richard saw the reality and ACTED on it putting his money where his mouth was. I had the great pleasure of knowing him then ... much more of a gentleman than me... but with real fire and force of conviction. Look closely at everything In the Brock Initiative ... you’ll see wisdom and evidence that everything we are experiencing now ... was known about and could have been acted on a quarter century ago. I salute you Richard. Should be SIR Richard. Thank you for keeping on keeping on!
The broadcaster, naturalist and all-round living legend is celebrating another year.
He's been helping people develop a greater appreciation for the world around them throughout his epic career.
Here are some reasons why so many love him: bbc.co.uk/newsround/52589991
He says: "Dawn chorus recording from outside my home in south Glasgow - 4:30am till 6am on Sunday 3rd May 2020. We live next to a woodland area with a river, the build in the birdsong takes around 45min to reach its peak."
Fraser is a BAFTA TV Nominated composer, who has worked on a number of projects, including Attenborough's Life That Glows, Attenborough's Ant Mountain, Wild Shetland, The Magical Land of Oz (aka Austrailia: Earths Magical Kingdom) and more recently, The Octopus In My House.
Proudly South African – Stroop by SDBFilms wins prestigious SAFTA!!!
Huge SAFTA win for wildlife crime thriller STROOP! … the acclaimed film highlights South Africa’s shocking rhino crisis, becoming even more relevant during the global pandemic.
Two women left their jobs, sold their homes, moved in with their parents and worked for four years to make a film about Rhino Poaching… and the documentary – which keeps winning incredible local and international accolades – has now also just been awarded a SAFTA!
The South African wildlife crime documentary STROOP – journey into the rhino horn war, by director Susan Scott and television presenter Bonné de Bod, won the award for Best Natural History and Environmental Programme at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs) on Sunday night.
The acclaimed and multi-award-winning documentary is an epic investigation into the global trade in rhino horn and seeks to understand why so many of South Africa’s rhinos are brutally poached due to the fact that rhino horn is viewed as a cure for cancer and other diseases.
The two filmmakers shot hundreds of hours of footage, over four years, between Africa and Asia, following rangers, journalists, orphan rehabilitators, vets, activists, rhino owners and even wildlife traffickers and illegal rhino horn users in the notorious wildlife markets of China and Vietnam.
The film’s producer and presenter, Bonné de Bod was especially thrilled with the film’s 28th award win, noting that it marks a pinnacle for those in the South African Film and TV industry
Said de Bod: “Not only does the win shine a spotlight on the rhino crisis, but it is extremely relevant due to the current coronavirus global pandemic, as the film highlights Asia’s captive wild animal practices. It’s no secret that the novel coronavirus, which causes COVID-19, is of a zoonotic origin and even our own NICD has spoken about the initial cases coming from dealers and vendors at the wet market selling wildlife in Wuhan, China. The coronavirus has been a wake-up call around the world for us all to clearly see the dangers of human involvement in illegal wildlife trade.”.
The film’s director, Susan Scott, noted that this win was the inaugural award for the category Best Natural History and Environmental Programme and said: “I don’t think we quite grasp just how important it is that the SAFTA committee has created this separate category to highlight the success that our environmental and natural history films have on the world stage.”.
Naturalists flock to Chris Packham's DIY 'Springwatch' on Facebook
The presenter’s daily Self-Isolating Bird Club draws on wildlife footage caught by enthusiasts on mobile phones in their gardens. Packham calls it ‘Dad’s Army makes TV’
Lockdown day 10 in south-east London. A loud rhythmic tweeting is emanating from the cherry plum tree in my back garden. A great tit? Blue tit? I catch a glimpse; too small for a great tit, not as colourful.
I don’t know my birdsongs beyond the basics, but I remember a friend imitating calls to coax birds nearer so he could identify them. I have an idea and grab my phone and Google “coal tit song”. I press play and the rival tweeting produces instant results. Hopping from branch to branch towards me a delightful but agitated coal tit emerges and alights on a branch barely two metres away (I think it knows). Is it angry or amorous? My exhilaration at our proximity turns to doubt and guilt – I’ve used gadgetry to disrupt the natural world. What was I thinking? The coal tit flies off, its song tinged with irritation.
Clearly, playing birdsong on phones can produce results but could this be unethical? I decide to ask Chris Packham through the Facebook page he’s set up, the Self-Isolating Bird Club , which is crewed by thousands of nature enthusiasts.
IVFF VIRTUAL WORLD TOUR NOW SHOWING FOR A LIMITED TIME
Message from Shawn Stratton IVFF – Founder, Director:
We’re living in unprecedented times. The COVID-19 virus may have temporarily shut down our World Tour Screenings, your local Veg Fest, Expos, and visitation to the animal sanctuaries but it can’t extinguish our community!
For the last 2 years, the International Vegan Film Festival has brought some of the world's most relevant vegan-themed stories and visual artistry to theaters around the world. Connecting with friends and strangers alike at our theater screenings is at the heart of the World Tour, however with the current cancellation of the Tour we don't want you to miss out on viewing these important films. So, we are adapting and responding to “social distancing” to offer you 90 minutes of films from our World Tour screening, free of charge. This is our hometown, feel-good, theater experience, streamed into the comfort of your own living room.
Film and photo submissions are now being accepted for the 2020 Festival. Awards to be announced on October 17th, 2020. Submit your film here, and photos here.
PLEASE ENJOY THIS LIMITED TIME FREE STREAM OF THE 2019/2020 IVFF WORLD TOUR WHILE YOU ARE TUCKED SAFELY AT HOME.
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In these uncertain times, the International Vegan Film Festival is proud to bring the festival’s world tour to anyone, anywhere. with the spread of COVID-19 and the international quarantine, the world tour has come to a halt for now. From now until June 30, 2020, all films that were available on the world tour will now be free to watch here.
All films (except Planet Vegan) that were on the world tour are now available for free.
Films Included: The Farm in My Backyard, Canada - Directed by: Jo-Anne McArthur 0:00:30 Apollo: Rise of the Poly-Vegan Soldier, New Zealand Directed by: Amy Taylor 0:17:21 Coming Closer, United States Directed by: Meghan McClymonds 0:24:17 Casa de Carne, United States Directed by: Dustin Brown 0:29:47 THE DOOR, Denmark Directed by: Rasit U. Tas, Simon Sonne 0:34:27 Cow's Milk? Germany Directed by: Roxy Velez 0:38:57 Reclaim, Canada Directed by: Jo-Anne McArthur, Kelly Guerin 0:40:19 Gold Doesn't Rust: Animal Testing and its 21st Century Alternatives, United States Directed by: Dr. Theodora Capaldo 0:42:15 Pig Man, New Zealand Directed by: Amy Taylor, James Muir 1:05:44 Bucking Tradition, United States Directed by: Sharon M Boeckle 1:13:37 Diet Change Not Climate Change, Germany Directed by: Roxy Velez 1:22:37
Photo Essay Contest 0:32:17
The Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam have been showing nature films from past festival editions through their YouTube channel.
They say "We must all stay inside to contain the corona virus as much as possible. Unfortunately, we cannot change that. What we can do is delight you with beautiful nature films!
In the coming period we will therefore show various nature films on our own YouTube channel. We will let you know which films are online via our newsletter. Thank you to the filmmakers who contributed to this special WFFR Online - Corona edition! "
Lockdown Diaries of a Wildlife Cameraman – Warwick Sloss
Warwick says "I am a wildlife cameraman for TV and movies. I'm currently out of work and stuck at home due to coronavirus lockdown. I've been making these short videos, to keep myself healthy, happy and sane."
Primates is the definitive portrait of a hugely charismatic family of animals, to which we all belong.
From snow-capped mountains to dusty backstreets, flooded forests and open savannah, primates conquered the world.
In this definitive celebration of the animals you thought you knew, we look at the strategies monkeys, apes and lemurs use to survive in the most unexpected places.
Chinese culture was thrust under the spotlight of the world’s media after one of its wet markets was suggested as the origin of the coronavirus pandemic. But COVID-19 is not the first virus of its kind - nor is it likely to be the last. So why isn’t the media looking at the bigger - and more frightening - questions? Is there a much bigger global issue that the press is keeping silent about?
The next chapter of Dr. Jane Goodall’s life’s work unfolds in “Jane Goodall: The Hope,” premiering on Earth Day, April 22, at 9/8c on Nat Geo, Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo Mundo.
The two-hour documentary special will take viewers through chapters of Dr. Goodall’s journey in the 60 sixty years since her groundbreaking discoveries in Gombe researching wild chimpanzees, including her activism, creation of her non-profit organization [www.janegoodall.org] the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) and [www.rootsandshoots.org] Roots & Shoots youth program, along with her current efforts to inspire the next generation.
About Jane and JGI:
At age 26, Jane Goodall's discovery that chimpanzees make and use tools shook the foundations of modern science and redefined the relationship between humans and the rest of the animal kingdom. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) to inspire hope through action around the world and for generations to come. JGI is a global community-centered conservation organization that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall. JGI inspires hope through collective action and is growing the next generation of compassionate environmental stewards through our Roots & Shoots youth program, now active in 50 countries around the world.
Today, Jane is an author, advocate and public speaker, traveling an average 300 days per year sharing her reasons for hope and message that we can each make a difference to create a better world for all, every single day.
Coronavirus, ‘Plandemic’ and the seven traits of conspiratorial thinking
The conspiracy theory video “Plandemic” recently went viral. Despite being taken down by YouTube and Facebook, it continues to get uploaded and viewed millions of times. The video is an interview with conspiracy theorist Judy Mikovits, a disgraced formervirology researcher who believes the COVID-19 pandemic is based on vast deception, with the purpose of profiting from selling vaccinations.
The video is rife with misinformation and conspiracy theories. Many high-quality fact-checks and debunkings have been published by reputable outlets such as Science, Politifact and FactCheck.
As scholars who research how to counter science misinformation and conspiracy theories, we believe there is also value in exposing the rhetorical techniques used in “Plandemic.” As we outline in our Conspiracy Theory Handbook and How to Spot COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories, there are seven distinctive traits of conspiratorial thinking. “Plandemic” offers textbook examples of them all.
change coming out of excessive use of resources around the world, damage to the atmosphere — it has been snapping back and hurting us. It would be wrong to ascribe a human characteristic to nature, as if it’s coming for us. It is our excesses that have snapped back, whether we’re dealing with the global environment or killing and eating wildlife.
Learning these traits can help you spot the red flags of a baseless conspiracy theory and hopefully build up some resistance to being taken in by this kind of thinking. This is an important skill given the current surge of pandemic-fueled conspiracy theories.
"Our thousand-mile trip of a lifetime" by Vanessa Berlowitz
When Planet Earth film-maker Vanessa Berlowitz moved from Bristol to Botswana with her husband and young son to track elephants across 1,000 miles of African bush, she knew it would be an adventure. She just didn’t realise how life-changing it would be.
I woke to what sounded like a giant fire hose spraying against our tent wall. It was followed by a series of thundering farts, loud crashes and bangs. We were deep in the Botswana bush, miles from civilisation, and all that stood between us and whatever lurked noisily outside was a thin sheet of canvas.
Feeling for my glasses, I peered through the mesh of the tent door. There, inches from my nose, stood a giant bull elephant, his trunk sliding around underneath our groundsheet to hoover up something tasty he had found. And that fire hose? He’d used our tent, pitched helpfully under a fruiting marula tree, as a toilet.
Having worked at the BBC for 25 years on countless wildlife series with Sir David Attenborough, I thought I’d seen it all. But here, shooting for the Disneynature film Elephant – a documentary that would later be narrated by the Duchess of Sussex – was the first close encounter I’d had with these extraordinary animals in the wild. It would be the first of many.
Fifteen years previously, my husband Mark had just finished shooting scenes for the BBC’s Planet Earth series in Botswana with some local film-makers, Mike and TJ Holding. Over a sundowner, they had discussed making a feature-length documentary on the untold story of Africa’s last migrating population of elephants. Every year these elephants travel more than 1,000 miles through southern Africa in search of food and water. They must brave dust storms, swim across giant rivers, defend their families from predators and even give birth on the move. Keeping up with them would be challenging. The terrain is varied and unforgiving, and while elephants don’t need passports and permits to cross country borders in Africa, film crews do. It would involve some radical life decisions for it to happen, but we were determined. So in early 2016, with our seven-year-old son Cam in tow, we moved out to Africa.
With the TV industry on hiatus and recalibrating, is it still okay to think about climate change?
Concern for our climate has taught us to listen to the world both natural and constructed, and that world has been changed by COVID-19. Probably forever.
But that world has always been complex, which makes viewing issues in silo largely ineffective. So now we’ve just got one more thing to add into the mix – COVID-19.
Taking a singular view of climate change was never advised anyway because to fix it without also addressing social justice, community connections, planetary optimism and love for our natural and built environments would have been impossible.
The question is that in the context of COVID-19, should we consider climate to be the straw that broke the camel’s back, or as an integral component of the industry’s economic recovery? We must think carefully, as how we answer this question now is likely to become the result.
Let’s recap
… on television’s onscreen climate challenge.
Natural History has a role to play, but unless we mirror climate recommendations in programming like You Are What You Wear, DIY SOS, This Morning, Come Dine with Me, Queer Eye and An Idiot Abroad – we are toast.
Richard wrote this guest blog about wildlife, filming, butterflies, lockdown and children.
It was the end of March and I had been filming wildlife in the Kalahari Desert for the past five weeks. No shops, no crowds, and no pandemic here. But even so, the crew were being pulled back to the UK as borders started to close. Although a very sensible decision by the production company, if it wasn’t for family commitments, staying in the desert seemed much more appealing!
Back in London I was greeted by empty food shelves, a full-on year 1 and year 5 school curriculum to help facilitate, and quite rightly, two children demanding 100% of my attention, until, at least, I became too boring.
The reality of Lockdown in a 2 bedroom maisonette in South London after the infinite view across the Kalahari was hugely challenging, but the biggest trial came from my son, who, at 5 years, protested every day about leaving the house for any outdoor activity, of any kind. He was NOT going outside.
It was during one of these moments, when, if only for my own sanity, I decided to bring the outdoors in, in an effort to engage the 5-year old in the lost world of mud and mini–beasts.
There was also a macro scene of the forest floor I needed to film for an upcoming documentary series, so why not get the kids involved? I started to make a set on the front room table.
With Painted Lady caterpillars on order I set about collecting earth, branches, stones and fallen leaves and from outside and gradually the two children joined in. They were excited about bringing mud into the house - an opportunity to break the rules perhaps!
Gunjan is a freelance documentary filmmaker who focuses on making conservation mainstream. Her first independent short film, The Firefox Guardian, sharing the story about a bond between an indigenous woman and wild red pandas won multiple accolades with over 32 International awards and nominations across 13 countries including a student BAFTA nomination and an honourable mention at the UN headquarters, New York! Since then, she has worked on the conservation-adventure TV series, 'On the Brink', aired on Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, presented a digital short for BBC's Blue Planet II Live Digital Stories, highlighting olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings and climate change affecting their cycles. Wrote a book on the Habitats Trust Grants which highlights the work of grassroots conservationists across India. AND works as a bat rescuer, actively rehabilitating urban pipistrelles and fruit bats. She aims to tell impactful stories and give a voice to the voiceless through her craft.
So, she will be talking all about red pandas, filming in extreme conditions, challenges of filming an endangered species, Indian wildlife, and the responsibility of wildlife filmmakers.
Join wildlife TV presenter, Patrick Aryee, as we discuss the ins and outs of the wildlife filmmaking industry: how Patrick got started in his presenting career, his advice for others wanting to follow a similar path, and some incredible wildlife encounter stories thrown in there too!
Welcome to #WildAndLIVE with your host Patrick Aryee ... He says:
‘WildAndLIVE’ is a brand new series of online conversations & live lessons that looks into the biology of the coolest creatures on our planet, and the awesome people that work with them. From wildlife experts to conservationists, biologists to wildlife filmmakers, they all have an incredible story to share with YOU!.
In the first episode I go through some of my most memorable interactions with animals, peregrines, skunks and a favourite of mine, the Northern White Rhino. Over the next few weeks we’ll also hear from other wildlife experts, including conservationists, biologists & wildlife filmmakers, all of whom have some incredible stories to share with you.
The best thing is that we’re going out LIVE, which means we’ll be able to answer any burning questions that YOU have about the natural world. You can join the live stream MON-WED-FRI at 11AM - All you have to do is hit that SUBSCRIBE button and click the SCHEDULED live lessons that catch your eye. We look forward to seeing you and thanks for watching!
Welcome the Earth Live Lessons with your Host Lizzie Daly - Biologist & Wildlife Broadcaster.
Tune into 20 minutes of daily earth lessons LIVE from around the world brought to you by some the most inspiring scientists, conservationists, wildlife filmmakers and more.
Starts on 18th March 2020. Broadcast LIVE every single day in March and April.
Netflix Releases Educational Documentaries on YouTube for Free ... IncludingOur Planet &Chasing Coral
For many years, Netflix has allowed teachers to screen documentaries in their classrooms: help.netflix.com/en/node/57695
However, this isn’t possible with schools closed. So at their request, we have made a selection of our documentary features and series available on our YouTube channel.
If you are a parent or teacher, please check the ratings so that you can make informed choices for your students and children.
Introducing new film 'The Sequel - What will follow our troubled civilisation?' + access to new Surviving the Future online course and interactive book!
(Facebook won't let us trim off the countdown, so skip to the 4hr mark for the start of the event!)
Welcome to our 'Surviving the Future' online event, available in full here, and beginning with the launch screening of BAFTA-winning director Peter Armstrong's new film 'The Sequel: What Will Follow Our Troubled Civilisation?'. Rare, in that it not only recognises the fundamental unsustainability of today's society but dares to ask the big question: What will follow?
Then stay tuned after the credits roll for conversation about just that with Caroline Lucas MP and stars of the film Rob Hopkins, Kate Raworth and Shaun Chamberlin, all of whom are involved, in their different ways, in reimagining civilisation. And in rekindling optimism in the creativity and intelligence of humans to nurse our communities and ecology back to health.
Or for more interaction, head to thesequel.net for details of two other new resources for these difficult times - an 8 week online course 'Surviving the Future: Conversations for Our Time' and the new online, interactive version of the late David Fleming's legendary 'Dictionary for the Future and How to Survive It'.
None should be barred from discussing these issues by finances, so enjoy the free stream of the film, the interactive dictionary is also currently free to access, and scholarships for the course are available.
Sky to launch documentary, natural history channels in May
Comcast-owned UK telco Sky has set a May launch date for two previously-announced factual channels focused on documentaries and natural history.
Sky Documentaries and Sky Nature will launch May 27 alongside Sky History, a co-branded venture between the company and A+E Networks.
The channels will include hundred of hours of factual programming, offering a mix of premium, original commissions and acquired content.
Sky Nature will feature landmark original series Wild Animal Babies (May 31), which follows Patrick Aryee and a cast of baby animal characters as they face their first days, weeks and months on planet Earth.
The channel will feature Sky’s existing David Attenborough collection and will be the home of Love Nature 4K’s programming in the UK, with shows including Gangs of Lemur Island (May 27), Africa’s Underwater Wonders (May 27) and Mysteries of the Mekong (May 28).
Join Rescue Doc Films on this incredible journey as we explore the plight of wild tigers and the effect that captive tigers have on their conservation.
Critics say the popular Netflix series and its directors lost sight of the conservation and animal welfare problems at the heart of the story of Joe Exotic.
More tigers live in captivity in backyards, roadside zoos and truck stops in the United States than remain in the wild. This phenomenon is driven by people like Joseph Maldonado-Passage, the star known better as “Joe Exotic” in “Tiger King,” Netflix’s hit documentary series.
Before his arrest and conviction, Mr. Maldonado-Passage was a major breeder and seller of tigers and other big cats. He churned out cubs for profitable petting and photo sessions, then disposed of them, legally or illegally, when they became too dangerous for play. Some were sold as pets to private buyers, some went to other roadside zoos for breeding and some simply disappeared.
“I call it the breed and dump cycle,” said Carney Anne Nasser, director of the Animal Welfare Clinic at Michigan State University College of Law. The cub petting industry, she said, is “creating a tiger crisis in America,” driven further by widespread animal abuse and a lack of federal oversight.
Many of the interview subjects featured in “Tiger King” say the story was presented to them as one that would expose the problem of private big cat ownership in this country, following in the tradition of many conservation-themed documentaries. Some in the film even say Eric Goode and Rebecca Chaiklin, the show’s co-directors and co-producers, claimed to be making the big cat version of “Blackfish,” the award-winning 2013 documentary that spurred widespread backlash against SeaWorld.
“Tiger King,” however, “is not the ‘Blackfish’ of the big cat world,” said Manny Oteyza, the producer of “Blackfish.”
Instead, big cats and the issues affecting them are completely lost in the show’s “soap opera-esque drama,” Dr. Nasser said..
Watch Your Back - Wildlife Filmmaking ... Sage advise from Darryl Saffer
No matter how carefully one interacts with wildlife, there is always an element of unpredictability. Trophy hunting has all but destroyed the magnificent bull elks in the western United States. The last of these amazing animals only find protection in the national parks and refuges. Filmmaker Darryl Saffer traveled to the Rocky Mountain National Park to film the rut and nearly became extinct himself. This episode was shot entirely with a Sony RX10 mk4 and Rode VideioMic Pro plus. Film and music by Darryl Saffer. Please support our public lands!
Scubazoo’s Team is a highly experienced and multi-talented bunch who love to film both on land and in water. Over the past 20 years, Scubazoo has been involved in hundreds of different film projects whether filming or handling all location management, for the likes of BBC, Discovery, National Geographic, ABC, CBC, CNN and many many more.
This is a sample of some of the underwater footage we have shot over the past few years.
Antarctica, climate change and a tale of two penguins
Jonathan Watts visits Antarctica with a team of scientists to look at how human activity and rising temperatures are creating winners and losers among penguins – and why this should be a warning to us all.
Welcome to the Antarctic, permanent human population: zero.
This is one of the wildest places on earth - and one of the most beautiful.
For nearly a year, we’ve been visiting some of the most special places on our blue planet, studying ocean life, and confronting those who threaten it.
And today, you’re joining us. On your VIP tour you’ll walk among penguins, get up-close with curious whales, climb to a hidden room on our ship - and lots more.
And the best part is, YOU choose where to go next. Pick from the options on screen, or just sit back and we’ll take you through the full tour automatically.
Air pollution has a huge impact on our health, especially when it comes to respiratory illnesses. Following a timeline from ancient Rome to 1952’s Great Smog of London and up to the present day, this video gathers top experts in air pollution to discuss the causes and solutions to toxic air.
The 36th "International Festival of Ornithological Film" will take place from October 27th to November 1st 2020 in Ménigoute (Deux - Sèvres - FRANCE).
Directors, productors, submit us your latest wildlife productions and come to share with a large and enthusiastic public, a moment of sharing, reflection and conviviality facing the environmental challenges of tomorrow.
Planet Earth, the Pandemic, and the Power of One ... Interview with Dereck and Beverly Joubert
Humans are not the only species suffering from COVID-19. If we are wise, we also won’t be the only ones to benefit when the pandemic ends.
“I’ll say this to anybody who thinks they can’t as a single voice make a difference: Some guy who ate a bat that had been in a cage with a pangolin in China sure made a difference.” It was a shockingly stark thing to hear in the middle of an interview with two wildlife filmmakers talking about Born Wild: The Next Generation, their beautiful new documentary series about baby animals.
But I shouldn’t have been surprised, really. The filmmakers behind the series, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, have been passionate environmentalists and conservationists throughout their careers. They created Great Plains Conservation, an ecotourism-funded organization that manages extensive wildlife reserves in Kenya, Botswana and Zimbabwe; they also founded two African animal-protection organizations, the Big Cats Initiative and Rhinos Without Borders. The Jouberts specialize in looking at our planet through a micro and macro lens at the same time.
The release of Born Wild was timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, and that anniversary inevitably framed much of the Jouberts’ comments. But the tidiness of the calendar has been completely overwhelmed by the chaos resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The spread of the virus has brutally exposed many hidden vulnerabilities and interconnections: between people, between species, and between humans and the world they inhabit. An edited version of my conversation with Dereck and Beverly Joubert follows.
The COVID-19 pandemic is obviously a health crisis and an economic crisis, but you also regard it as a conservation crisis. How so?
Dereck: What we’ve been seeing over the past 50 years, in many ways, is a breakdown of harmony and balance between humans and the wild. Climate change coming out of excessive use of resources around the world, damage to the atmosphere — it has been snapping back and hurting us. It would be wrong to ascribe a human characteristic to nature, as if it’s coming for us. It is our excesses that have snapped back, whether we’re dealing with the global environment or killing and eating wildlife.
Beverly: We humans are responsible for what’s going on now. We’ve pretty much created this disease ourselves through all our abuses to wildlife. There were 54 different species being consumed in wet markets [where people can buy the meat from wild animals]. Those species are being killed in an inhumane way and in an unhygienic way. It’s no wonder that diseases come out of wet markets.
We need to pull back. We need to be very aware that climate change is also going to harm us. Whether it harms the planet is one thing, but it’s definitely going to harm us. I look at COVID-19 an example of what can happen. We might think we are godly and in charge, and yet this very small virus is affecting humankind in various areas, in all cultures, across the globe.
It’s Earth Day, meaning Nat Geo’s got a whole day of earth-friendly programming planned. Usually, the channel’s big finale is its live broadcasts from around the world, which bring viewers at home into contact with wildlife experts, endangered species, and once-in-a-lifetime moments, all in real time. That’s not happening for this year thanks to COVID-19, but the network is soldiering on, confident in its knowledge that what we could really use right now is a solid dose of adorable, romping baby animals. And, honestly, they’re probably right. With Born Wild: The Next Generation, Nat Geo’s animal experts bring at-home viewers into contact with baby lions, bears, and more, reminding us all that humans are but one small part of the puzzle that is Earth’s ecosystem. The A.V. Club sat down with three of the network’s Explorers—bear expert Rae Wynn-Grant and big cat experts Beverly and Dereck Joubert—to talk about why wildlife filmmaking is so important, and viewers at home can expect to see this year on Born Wild.
Altitude Media launches factual division with C4, Tigress alumni
Led by former Channel 4 International and Diverse Productions MD Paul Sowerbutts, Altitude Factual is a new division out of UK-headquartered Altitude Media Group.
Sowerbutts (pictured left) serves as managing director, and will be joined by Jeremy Bradshaw (right), founder of Tigress Productions, as head of natural history.
Altitude Factual’s focus will be on natural and human stories with a strong family appeal. It will produce long-running television series and feature-length documentaries and specials, and Sowerbutts and Bradshaw have traveled to Africa and Asia for projects already in development.
“Inhabitants of the Microworld” is a series of short videos produced by Science into Images that aims to show the enormous amount of organisms that inhabit the microscopic world that we cannot see with the naked eye.
These inhabitants are mainly protozoa, microalgae, microscopic animals such as tardigrades, nematodes or water fleas, as well as the initial stages of development of larger organisms, such as some mosquitoes. All of them belong to that part of ecosystems that we hardly ever pay attention to. They are many, many of them, and although they pass completely unnoticed by most of us, they are fundamental to the functioning of the biosphere as a whole.
The Inhabitants of the Microworld series is designed to serve as an educational resource to support teaching, however, due to the special circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic that is hitting our society these days, we have made it available to all those interested through our YouTube channel. We hope that both educators and parents and, especially, children and young people, can enjoy it and learn with it, and that this will help them to cope better, even if it is only in small pills, with the confinement to which we are forced.
From Science into Images we would like to ask you, if you like the series, to share it with the people you think might also like it.
Why Coronavirus won’t save the environment ... COVID-19 and climate from Ecosia
The way the world has responded to the Coronavirus is very telling of how the world could respond to the climate crisis. COVID-19 is a serious threat and governments were right to impose strong measures to fight the pandemic. But the fact that many governments reacted so drastically to the coronavirus outbreak proves that strong economies do have the structural, financial and political ability to react quickly to a life-threatening crisis.
Now that we know what’s possible, the corona pandemic actually gives us a unique and historical window of opportunity to make the structural changes needed to transition towards a fair and ecologically sustainable economic system. Unlike what happened during the 2008 financial crisis, this time governments should not aim to perpetuate a system that has proven unsustainable for both people and nature. Read more...
Here at Scubazoo we have been developing some free Wildlife Worksheets for people to print off and work through at home. Take part with your family – learn as you read through the wildlife fact file, then complete the worksheet, show your creativity and have some fun.
The worksheet will be uploaded weekly to our website (www.scubazoo.tv/education) for you to download. We will also include a link to take you to an exciting video with more information on the featured creature. You can also take the time to explore some of our other free videos on the site – packed full of interesting content and perfect to keep kids entertained and informed at home.
Have fun, and feel FREE to forward on and share with family, friends and educational bodies!
Don’t forget to show us your creative masterpieces by posting online and tagging @sz.tv with the hashtag #SZWildlifeworksheets.
The first featured creature is the bizarre Frogfish – did you know this fish walks with its fins rather than swims??
Download the Wildlife Worksheet here.
Don’t forget to watch and learn about each animal on our free www.scubazoo.tv online digital channel - Its Free! Its Fun! Its Educational!
Could this be the year of the documentary? Why factual features might dominate screens as a result of pandemic
With film sets and studios gone dark in the wake of the coronavirus, the documentary maker could be what saves us from quarantine TV viewing blues
We’re all watching more movies and TV shows during the current quarantine period, that is undeniable. Thankfully, there’s plenty to look forward to coming up over the next few weeks – a new series of Money Heist has landed on Netflix, the third season of Killing Eve comes to OSN’s Wavo later in the month and the launch of the regional Disney+ service this month has Star Wars fans salivating at the prospect of the well-received spin-off series The Mandalorian.
How long can this last though? Production on new movies and shows has already ground to a halt around the world. Film sets have gone dark, TV studios are eerily deserted and Hollywood stars including Tom Hanks and Idris Elba are among those to have been struck down by the virus.
So how will content be kept fresh enough to keep those with fully paid-up Netflix, Amazon, Wavo, Shahid, Hulu, Vimeo, Vu, Quibli and Mubi accounts, plus a top-end OSN subscription, too, from complaining that there is nothing on TV but repeats?
With thousands of hours of content currently accessible across the myriad platforms now available to TV addicts, it would have to be a very long lockdown for subscribers to them all to run out of things to watch, but we could soon be in danger of exactly that if sets can’t open up again and the cameras start rolling soon.
The solution could come from the often overlooked world of the documentary-maker. These unsung heroes of the cinematic world could save us from repeat fatigue for three main reasons.
Firstly, and most simplistically, because they can make films, even during a lockdown, and certainly quickly after it ends. The bread and butter of most documentaries is archival footage, which is in plentiful supply and doesn’t require leaving the house to access.
‘Hummingbird’ spy creature films millions of monarchs taking flight
An animatronic “hummingbird” equipped with a camera has been used to film a sea of monarch butterflies taking flight in their wintering grounds in Mexico.
The “spy creature” technology is the latest by John Downer Productions, a pioneer in wildlife filming, and is featured in the PBS NATURE series “Spy in the Wild.”
The series also makes use of other spy creatures to infiltrate groups of orangutans, meerkats, egrets, tortoises, sloths, cobras and hippos.
Immerse yourself in 30 Minutes of Birds in Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand from Darryl Sweetland
He says "Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an absolute paradise for nature lovers. I film there whenever I can, but I rarely set up hides with the plan of filming birds - I am normally waiting for mammals, but those endless hours of waiting in hides are helped along wonderfully by the bird life that so often turns up instead of the tiger or banteng that I am normally waiting in vain for. In this video I've put together 30 minutes of bird clips from Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary that I was lucky enough to film whilst waiting in my hide."
If you enjoyed this video, please consider subscribing to the channel, and don't forget to click on the bell icon to receive notifications of future clips.
Listen: Amazon jungle sounds - calm night in the rainforest from George Vlad
Sounds of the Amazon rainforest at night - at first listen this seems like a thick wall of sound but once your ears get accustomed to the busy-ness, layers start to emerge. You'll hear sounds like fog drip, soft wind and occasionally deadfall. On top of that the piercing chorus of insects is constant, multi-layered and continuously changing. As a final touch, several birds call every now and then, their plaintive wails echoing around the thick undergrowth. What else can you hear?
Recorded in the Amazon rainforest with Sony PCM M10 and Lom MikroUsi/Bubblebee Windbubble drop rig. Check out his video on mini drop rigs to find out more:
In addition to producing our own films, we create visual stories to help the work of others. From concept to delivery, we think up bright ideas, write scripts, shoot video, record sound, create graphics and produce visually rich, compelling films that inform and inspire.
"Rewilding is about speaking to hearts and opening minds."
Mat Larkin, Head of Filmmaking.
In 2018 we met up with Colin Murdoch, a west coast deer stalker who gave us his perspective on rewilding in The Voice. Colin then asked to turn the tables and on a blustery December morning in Lochcarron, he posed some challenging questions to our Director, Peter Cairns.
Discovery Channel links with Explorers Club on $1 million scientific grant
American pay-TV network Discovery Channel has partnered with The Explorers Club, a non-profit world leader in exploration, to launch a grant that will fund “the next frontier of explorers.”
The Explorers Club Discovery Expedition Grant will consist of a US$1 million fund dedicated to advancing “significant exploration and scientific discovery.” The program will allow explorers to share their scientific findings and discoveries across an array of scientific journals, as well as via Discovery Channel’s linear and digital platforms.
Selected finalists will be chosen by an independent panel of accomplished explorers, researchers and academic scholars, in conjunction with The Explorers Club and Discovery.
Interested parties may find the pre-application process here.
This Earth Day, stay in and explore the beauty, drama and spectacle of our natural world with 50 incredible natural history moments from BBC Earth based on what you've been liking and sharing.
Female Warriors Fight Poaching in New James Cameron Movie & David Attenborough is Teaching Kids About Wildlife Online – LIVEKINDLY News
This week's LIVEKINDLY news: James Cameron's new documentary was just release about the world’s only all-female anti-poaching rangers unit. Pamplona, Spain, has cancelled its annual “Running of the Bulls” event due to the coronavirus pandemic. Courteney Cox and Leonardo DiCaprio speak out against the illegal wildlife trade.
The coronavirus has forced six meat giants to close processing plants across the US. The dairy board calls upon the government as milk supply exceeds demand by at least 10% in the U.S. Sir David Attenborough is teaching quarantined kids about geography and animals for the BBC.
KFC China launched vegan chicken nuggets—made by major U.S. meat producer, Cargill. Starbucks China adds Beyond Meat items to its menu. Luxury parka brand Canada Goose is finally ditching virgin fur.
'You can hear into the distance': Wildlife sound expert Chris Watson on how coronavirus has changed the world
With flights grounded and roads clear, he says the coronavirus outbreak is the perfect chance for people to listen
For most people in the UK, life under lockdown comes with a long list of disadvantages and a much shorter one of things to be grateful for. But Chris Watson believes he has found one.
During his career the wildlife sound recordist has travelled to some of the world's most remote locations, with David Attenborough's wildlife documentaries among his many achievements.
Now, like the rest of us, the 66-year-old is compelled to stay at home in suburban Newcastle, but it has not stopped him capturing what he describes as “astonishing” soundscapes in his back garden.
With flights grounded and roads clear, he says the coronavirus outbreak is the perfect chance for people to listen more carefully to the world around them and re-engage with nature.
“Because of the lack of or reduction in noise pollution, we're hearing the world like people heard it decades ago,” he says.
“You can hear into the distance, because normally a lot of the detail and subtle sounds – and that includes birdsong, of course – gets lost amidst a mush of traffic noise particularly in urban areas.
“Now, we can listen to and engage with sounds that were previously masked. A couple of months ago you wouldn't have heard them. Now is the perfect time, because it's spring, so all the birds are singing.
“You've only got to take a walk through a park and you can experience the wealth and richness of birdsong. You don't have to go to a tropical rainforest – you can just walk slowly and listen.
"It gives you a whole different experience, even in places that we're all familiar with.”
BBC controller of factual commissioning, Alison Kirkham, is leaving the post to join the Apple TV Plus UK team as head of unscripted.
She will report to European creative director and former Channel 4 topper Jay Hunt, and is slated to begin her post in the summer, taking oversight of unscripted original series and film projects for Europe.
Kirkham, who headed commissioning for formats and features before taking on the role of factual chief in 2015, first joined the BBC in 2005 as an executive producer.
During her tenure, the pubcaster picked up 40 BAFTAs for its factual content, and aired such highlights as Planet Earth II and Blue Planet II.
Mammalz is a community-driven user-generated content platform for all things nature. Mammalz offers a centralized place for today's generation of socially savvy nature content creators, scientists, and consumers to connect with each other and create a global community around anything that advances the human-nature relationship. Mammalz supports all forms of media: live streaming, video, photos, 360/VR, and podcasts.
And, Mammalz goes way beyond the "like" button with engagement tools like live stream chat, comments, direct chat, and discussion boards.
Founded by biologists-turned-wildlife filmmakers, Rob Whitehair and Alexander Finden, Mammalz is the "Twitch for Nature"; an iOS app and web-based media streaming and social platform dedicated to nature storytelling and driven by community. Whether you are a professional media maker, scientist, educator, artist, or one of over 600 million nature enthusiasts across the planet, Mammalz provides you with the tools to personalize your experience, share your love of nature, and truly make a difference.
In the future, Mammalz will be adding monetization tools similar to Patreon right in the app. This will allow organizations, scientists, and content creators to generate funding for their projects from the community who follows their content.
Lelanie Jacobs Cajiao – an avid conservationist, former qualified field guide in the Kruger National Park, International Public Speaker, Bespoke Tour Operator and a Child of Africa.
“Africa is my heartbeat, my soul, a place that makes my heart grow young” – Lelanie Jacobs Cajiao
Mya-Rose Craig – a 17 year old British Bangladeshi birder, naturalist, conservationist, environmentalist and nature activist with a desire to be a presenter in nature, factual and entertainment TV.
She has appeared on Springwatch, Countryffile, The One Show, Tweet of the Day plus many news programmes.
She is passionate about birds and has blogged since she was 11 years old under the name of Birdgirl, which has now had over 4 million views.
Nerys Grivolas – a Film and TV Composer, Composer for TV Shows, Radio and Web Ads, along with YouTube shows. She also works as a Songwriter and Orchestrator/Arranger. She composes Film Music in a wide range of instrumentation (orchestral, electronic, world or combination).
She has scored the music for films, wildlife and historical documentaries, adverts, TV series. Nerys holds an MA (Master of Arts) from Oxford University and studied Composition and Orchestration for Film & Television at Berklee College of Music, Boston where she was awarded a Music Scholarship.
As a conservation and science communicator, Sonny uses visual storytelling to cultivate a passion for the world, persuade people to protect it, and encourage them to explore.
He has over eight years of experience as a video producer with a demonstrated history of creating content for conservation, science and engineering, social justice, and tourism. Sonny possesses skills in all aspects of video production from concept development, production management, and shooting/editing.
Taylor Turner – A Seattle-based Director of Photography, Cinematographer, Camera Operator.
A biologist-turned-filmmaker and now a director of photography for conservation and wildlife documentaries with experience working on a variety of high-end documentaries including short-form, feature-length, and blue-chip natural history docs. Production background spans from researching, directing, and shooting to editing and final delivery.
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Membership fees help to keep the site going too ... Your support is much-needed! Hoping to relaunch the site this year ... Updated for the new decade ... Will be looking for help from all over the world!!
Since the late 1990s Wildlife-film.com has been the leading source of information for the wildlife filmmaking industry worldwide. For over twenty years the site has been Google's number one ranking site for 'wildlife film' and related searches. Our site is viewed in over 195 countries. Our newsletter, Wildlife Film News, is read every month by thousands of people involved in wildlife filmmaking - from broadcasters and producers, to cameramen - we encourage readers to submit their news. We also serve as an online resource for industry professionals and services. Find producers, editors, presenters and more in our Freelancer section, and find out about festivals, training and conservation in Organisations. We encourage amateur and professional freelancers to join our network and welcome all wildlife-film related organisations to join our team.
