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When Greta Thunberg met Sir David Attenborough
Greta Thunberg and Sir David Attenborough have met for the first time (via Skype as they did not want to add to their carbon footprints) to discuss the climate crisis and share their thoughts on how to make an environmental impact.
Greta, who spoke to Sir David from Stockholm, was guest editing the BBC's Today programme on Monday 30 December.
The 19th NaturVision Film Festival will take place in Ludwigsburg from 16 –19 July 2020. As always, we will showcase the latest films around nature, wildlife and the environment, and in our international film competition the most outstanding documentaries will have the chance to win our prestigious awards and some generous prize money.
Filmmakers, directors and production companies can take advantage of our professional platform to present their films to both an interested audience and numerous visitors from the industry. Don’t miss out on this important industry gathering and popular public festival!
This year again we are offering a winter special for films submitted by 31 December: a 50% discount on the submission fee. So there’s no time to lose!
To avail yourself of this special offer, just enter WINTER SPECIAL 2019 in the "Discount" field when you register. Once your registration is verified, you will receive a separate confirmation with the discounted price.
There is no submission fee for the category "NaturVision Newcomer Award" (please provide a training certificate).
Wilderland Wildlife Film Festival is returning to theatres around the UK and Ireland in Spring 2020 after a hugely successful debut tour in 2019. Starting in Bristol on 1st March 2020 the tour will take in an initial 17 dates, including a London date at the RGS, before concluding in Northallerton on 3rd May 2020. The tour promises to share important and breathtaking stories from the natural world and tickets are available now from www.wilderlandfestival.com.
Selected from over a hundred entries from filmmakers around the globe, Wilderland Wildlife Film Festival is back for its second year touring the very best of the world's short wildlife films. These groundbreaking films will offer audiences unparalleled insight into some of the world's most incredible wildlife. A must-see for lovers of wildlife, film, travel, conservation and adventure - the brand new set of films will be announced in February 2020!
Wilderland Wildlife Film Festival is the brainchild of zoologist filmmakers Dan O'Neill and Isaac Rice, who in 2019 recruited some of the most acclaimed wildlife filmmakers to help judge a shortlist of over 50 short films that were submitted. These were then whittled down to the chosen 9 films that were seen during first ever Wilderland Wildlife Film Festival tour.
Submit your wildlife and conservation films through FilmFreeway
before February 1st to be considered by their industry leading judging panel: filmfreeway.com/WilderlandFilmFestival
Prince William unveils 'Earthshot prize' to tackle climate crisis
Move is hailed by Sir David Attenborough as ‘the most prestigious environment prize in history’
Prince William has announced what was described as “the most prestigious environment prize in history” to encourage new solutions to tackling the climate crisis.
The “Earthshot prize” will be awarded to five people every year over the next decade, the Prince said on Tuesday, and aims to provide at least 50 answers to some of the greatest problems facing the planet by 2030.
They include promoting new ways of addressing issues such as energy, nature and biodiversity, the oceans, air pollution and fresh water.
The prize, inspired by US president John F Kennedy’s ambitious “Moonshot” lunar programme and backed by Sir David Attenborough, promises “a significant financial award”, a statement said.
The Duke of Cambridge, a grandson of the Queen and second in line to the throne, said the Earth was “at a tipping point” and faced a “stark choice”.“Either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve,” he said. “Remember the awe-inspiring civilisations that we have built, the life-saving technology we have created, the fact that we have put a man on the moon. People can achieve great things.
“The next 10 years present us with one of our greatest tests – a decade of action to repair the Earth,” he said.
"The earth is at a tipping point and we face a stark choice: either we continue as we are and irreparably damage our planet or we remember our unique power as human beings and our continual ability to lead, innovate and problem-solve." — The Duke of Cambridge @EarthshotPrizepic.twitter.com/SfGaKY9qsG
Over the last ten years, the evidence that we face urgent challenges to protect the environment has become indisputable, and it’s clear that the time to act is now. Drawing inspiration from the concept of moonshots, which since the moon landing in 1969 has become shorthand to talk about the most ambitious and ground-breaking goals, Prince William announces the Earthshot Prize: an ambitious set of challenges to inspire a decade of action to repair the planet.
The Earthshot Launch film was made for the Royal Foundation by HTYT Films with thanks to:
• Silverback Films
• Getty Images
• Sky
• Our Planet
• Druyan-Sagan Associates
• Google
• BBC Earth
• North Design
• Nic Woinilowicz
• String and Tins
• Moving Picture Company
Chris Packham: Dead fox left at TV presenter's home
TV naturalist Chris Packham has posted a video of a dead fox which he said had been left outside his home in the New Forest.
He said the body of a male fox found in his backyard showed injuries consistent with being snared.
He said that when he speaks out about fox hunting "unpleasant things happen".
Earlier this year, dead crows were left on his gatepost after he led a legal challenge to halt the licensed shooting of crows.
In the video posted on Twitter the BBC Springwatch presenter referred to recent media reports involving foxes, including prominent lawyer Jolyon Maugham killing one with a baseball bat, and Boxing Day hunts with "foxes killed left right and centre".
It appears that if you oppose the cruelty and illegality of fox hunting and those who club them to death you don’t just get social media abuse . The body of a fox has been dumped at my house . . . @LeagueACS@RSPCA_official The police have been informed pic.twitter.com/z1G8GqFvu3
He said CCTV would be reviewed in an attempt to identify the culprit.
"It seems if you stick up for foxes, you get your comeuppance from people who still think it is a good idea to kill them.
"Wouldn't it be good if we could just stop this fox hunting once and for all. It's illegal but it carries on and when you campaign against it, unpleasant things happen."
A Look Back at Wildscreen 2019!
2020 Festival Call for Entries Coming Soon!
The Wildscreen Team have been busy throughout 2019!
They say: "We are very proud to have collaborated with so many organisations and individuals to produce some amazing events, share incredible stories and to strengthen our network and community throughout 2019. All on behalf of our amazing natural world.
We have been consistently supported by our industry and beyond throughout the year and we would like to take the opportunity to say a huge
THANK YOU"
Wildscreen will once again welcome the wildlife film and photography industry to the heart of natural world storytelling, Bristol, UK on Monday 19 - Friday 23 October 2020 .... All dates:
Jan 2020 - Wildscreen Call for Entry
April 2020 - Film and photography submission deadline
Late Deadline: January 10, 2020
Extended Deadline: February 1, 2020
Festival Dates: April 18-25, 2020
IWFF 2020 New Categories
Films eligible for the International Wildlife Film Festival's juried competition must have a central focus on non-domesticated wildlife species, natural habitats, or conservation. The jury’s chief concerns are scientific accuracy, ethical decisions made during production, and demonstrated efforts toward the betterment of our natural world. IWFF’s judging process prioritizes a robust representation of perspectives in every category. IWFF highlights both the best of this long-lasting genre as well as alternative approaches to storytelling.
Short Short - A short film under 10 minutes in length.
Short - A short film under 40 minutes in length.
Feature - A program 45 minutes or longer in length made for reaching audiences through theaters, the internet, or television.
Student - Any program made while the filmmaker was enrolled in an academic institution - finalists must verify enrollment.
Children’s - Any program that engages a deeper understanding of the natural world and wildlife in younger viewers.
New Vision - Any program that displays an innovative, forward-thinking approach to filmmaking within this traditional genre offering a new vision of what wildlife filmmaking can be and how these stories are told.
Living with Wildlife - Any program that focuses on the complex and interdependent relationship between humans, animals, and the environment.
Animal Behavior - Any program that includes especially notable footage of animal behavior that is rare, impactful in terms of our understanding of the natural world or was captured using innovative techniques.
Wildlife Conservation - A program with a strong conservation message that follows the future of a species, highlights newfound biological research, represents the scientific process accurately and presents solutions for the betterment of wildlife sustainability.
Sustainable Planet - A program with a strong conservation message that features inspiring activism in response to our changing planet. Films may address growing public awareness and education, experimenting with innovative solutions or profiling activism toward a more sustainable planet.
IWFF 2020 theme: IGNITE - This category changes year to year with the festival’s annual theme. This can mean to set ideas in motion, metaphorically igniting minds or submissions may focus on the more obvious theme of how fire impacts our natural world.
This incubator for science filmmaking compliments the 43-year-old film festival and cultivates the authentic exchanges that have made IWFF a long-standing leader on the film festival front. Missoula is the perfect setting for LABS. The stunning Montana wilderness, the highly regarded University of Montana Wildlife Biology department, an impressive number of conservation-based organizations and the exceptional film community that our home, The Roxy Theater brings with it are reasons why this program offers such an impressively unique experience. Prior fellows' experience ranges from emerging filmmakers, media-savvy scientists, journalists who work within a broad scope of digital media, and conservation-based still photographers.
IWFF 2020 LABS will accept 12 Fellows into this highly competitive program and is tuition-free, lodging and meals are provided.
The Mill, its pool and the surrounding landscape in Dorset provide a microcosm of the English countryside now - from when it was built and used to provide power and food up to today, still milling after 1000 years.
Seven small worlds reveal glimpses of a surprisingly rich community. Welcome to those wonderful worlds featuring swallows, very cute harvest mice, ospreys, otters, kingfishers, swans,snakes, frogs and water - walkers.
A familiar sight in an English country garden - or even a window box. Their private life is truly extraordinary and to reveal it we follow bumblebees on their rounds as they visit many flowers for pollen and nectar.
The Queen takes great care of her young, but if we don't take care of bees and insects as a whole, we may face disaster worldwide.
“Planet Crunch” One year in the Life (or Death) of a Planet. Ours. The only one we’ve got. The Earth."
"In the autumn of 2019 a 16 year old Swedish schoolgirl came to England and there, supported by millions of people around the world, told us how it was, is and may become. Her name is Greta Thunberg. We will follow her already-famous progress across one year to major, crucial, pivotal conferences in China about global biodiversity; in Glasgow in Scotland about climate change worldwide and the famous international wildlife film festival “Wildscreen” in Bristol, England. These three major events are the culmination of Greta Thunberg’s and Sir David Attenborough’s efforts to save the planet. Or not. No less. The Crunch has arrived. And it now affects almost every aspect of our lives, wherever we are, whoever we are. Our story connects biodiversity; places; forests; farming; fishing; food; fashion; consumerism; waste; human populations; politics; big money/corporations; water (air–› glaciers–›rivers–› sea); plastics; energy; tourism; media; transport: the future; China – its impact on everything – it’s already in the room. The content and order may change.
I expect the book/film will be in about 20 book chapters/film sections. Book: 6 pages each chapter, total about 120+ pages – Film: 2 mins each section = about 40+ mins. They will be very available before, at, and after the three major events mentioned above. Ready by October 2020, and, hopefully, with great education potential for schools, and anyone, anywhere else…Forget Brexit! It’s comparatively unimportant."
Richard via brockinitiative.org/planet-crunch-book-film
"For 30 years, we’ve worked to tighten the net on the illegal poaching of savannah elephants in East and Southern Africa.
Now, with your help, we’re starting a new phase of work to expose and disrupt the international criminal gangs that are targeting forest elephants in West and Central Africa.
These investigations are difficult and dangerous, but we’re determined to do all we can to disrupt the criminal syndicates who run ivory trafficking networks.
We have a proven approach, but we urgently need your support. Please help us save the forest elephants of West and Central Africa, and other threatened species, before it’s too late."
Extinction Rebellion's meteoric rise has left many people -- including some of its founders -- wondering how they managed it, and whether the movement can maintain the momentum.
Whales have been turning up entangled, injured or dead in record numbers. A group of volunteers risks their lives to help disentangle these threatened animals.
Whales face major threats from plastic and fishing gear entanglements and have been turning up injured or dead in record numbers, with a 300% increase in humpback entanglements in the last five years. In a never-before-filmed sequence, witness a group dedicated to disentangling whales as they undergo the dangerous process of trying to cut free a whale trapped by a rope while not harming themselves or the whale.
Through a number of clues, wildlife filmmaker Tom Mustill is determined to find the whale that breached on his kayak in a viral moment.
Determined to find the whale that breached on his kayak in a viral moment, Tom Mustill enlists the help of the founder of Happywhale, a citizen science database that collects thousands of whale tail photos. A humpback’s life story is written in the unique pattern of scars on its tail flukes.
One of nature’s most elusive big cats, jaguars are rarely seen. In the Amazon, where it’s estimated that 70% of all jaguars now live, they live undetected but under pressure. WWF sent film-maker Emmanuel Rondeau on an almost impossible mission: to photograph a wild jaguar deep in the Amazonian jungles of French Guiana.
To begin his quest, Emmanuel travels deep into the heart of the rainforest to the Nouragues Nature Reserve. One of the largest areas of protected rainforest in the world, experts believe 80% of the wildlife living here is still unknown to science. Follow Emmanuel as he attempts to photograph a jaguar in its natural habitat, while learning about the threats they face and the importance of protecting their habitat.
Thanks to our supporters, WWF is helping to protect these top predators by working with local communities and cattle ranchers to reduce conflict with jaguars and by safeguarding their habitat. We’re also using monitoring devices like camera traps to discover more about jaguars’ numbers, movements and prey. This information will inform the steps we take to help protect these enigmatic big cats for future generations.
Safari with Suyash - Season 1, is a five-part YouTube series which follows #WWFVoices member Suyash Keshari as he explores biodiversity-rich national parks around the world. This season will showcase tigers as the umbrella species in Bandhavgarh National Park, Central India, with a gripping tale of a tigress named Solo and her cubs.
Also: Our Planet | Netflix | Collaboration with WWF
Share the wonder of the extraordinary place we call home. Utilizing the latest technology Our Planet was filmed entirely in Ultra High Definition in over 50 countries. From exotic jungles to the deepest seas, open your eyes to the connections we all share. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
Over the past 12 months, Greta Thunberg has become one of the most recognisable faces of the climate change movement, and was even just named Time Person of the Year. Culminating with this year’s climate negotiations, I give my climate scientist take on the impact of her words, and some of the science behind their message.
Waking up to climate change | Australia's Bushfires – Climate Adam
As we usher in a new decade, two climate change questions need to be answered: what caused people to finally take action in 2019; and what will it take to start reducing global CO2 emissions?
Emma Thompson joins forces with Chris Packham in Christmas campaign against HS2
The Bafta-winning actress provides the voice-over to Stand For The Trees.
Chris Packham has joined forces with Dame Emma Thompson and Annie Lennox to warn of the “environmental disaster” they say will be caused by the HS2 rail line.
The Springwatch host has launched a short Christmas film called Stand For The Trees, which calls for HS2 to be scrapped and for the protection of 108 ancient woodlands along the line’s proposed route.
The film, directed by Ornette Spenceley, features music by Scottish singer Lennox and a voice-over by Bafta-winning actress Dame Emma.
Set in Jones Hill Wood, the woodlands which inspired Roald Dahl’s Fantastic Mr Fox, it follows an eight-year-old boy who encounters HS2 workers clearing trees close to his home.
CONVERGENCE, the latest film for Conservation Media's client, Conservation Hawks, toured the country with the 2017 Fly Fishing Film Tour. The film, which features Hilary Hutcheson, Travis Swartz (aka Hank Patterson), Els Van Woert, Simon Perkins, and Perk Perkins, is now opening eyes and touching hearts on YouTube as well. If you love to fish, and if you care about wild places and healthy landscapes, then CONVERGENCE is an absolute must-see. Take a few minutes and experience the northern Rockies with Hilary, Travis, Els, Simon and Perk. Then, when you’re done, be sure to stop by ColdWaters.org.
The London National Park City is officially the world's first National Park City.
The London National Park City is for everyone. Together we can make London greener, healthier, wilder, more harmonious places to live. Be a part of it by simply getting outside and enjoying London's great outdoors. Then take action to make a difference around your home, in your street or in your community. Visit nationalparkcity.london/make-a-difference for more ideas.
In July 2019 we released and signed the Charter of the London National Park City. An important document, the Charter sets out our aims, values and ways of working and explains how individuals, groups and organisations can take action together on our shared aims.
Also in July, London's first National Park City Festival celebrated London's new National Park City status with over 300 free events across the capital.
How to record immersive nature soundscapes – with George Vlad
Capturing nature and wildlife soundscapes isn't as easy as recording props in a studio. It's even more difficult if you want to record pristine nature, undisturbed wildlife or environments free of the human element.
In my experience the best approach is to use unattended "mini drop rigs". They're generally small and easy to hide but they don't compromise on recording quality. There are some caveats to this that I go over in the video.
I've tested a wide range of gear and the kit I mention in the video is what I prefer as it suits my workflow best. You can use whatever recorder or mics you have though, not just the Sony devices or Lom mics.
Many thanks to Stijn Demeulenaere for being an awesome companion in remote and sometimes dangerous parts of the world. We've talked extensively about these techniques and many other aspects of field recording.
Come along on the journey of three famous chefs, who are setting out to learn more about the ugly reality of our global industrial meat farming system and meet the people who are experiencing the consequences first hand.
Harp Seal Mum & Pup 'Kiss' – Wild Life: The Big Freeze with Bertie Gregory
In a colony of 1000s, harp seal mothers use this kiss to identify their pup and make sure they’re feeding the right one. From the day they’re born, harp seal pups only have 10 days before their mothers head north with the males. In this time, they must feed enough to become strong and healthy, and learn how to swim.
Wildlife filmmaker Bertie Gregory brings us on a blizzard-filled adventure to the edge of the Canadian Arctic, where a unique group of hard-core animals have figured out how to thrive. But our changing climate means their lives are changing faster here than anywhere else on the planet. Wild Life: The Big Freeze joins Bertie as he walks with polar bears, gets into the middle of a wolf pack, and dives under the sea ice with harp seals for incredible in-the-moment experiences.
Apocalypse Cow: How Meat Killed the Planet, C4 — a radical take-down of food farming
British writer and activist George Monbiot on how the food industry is destroying the living world
Vegetarians and virtuous eaters should be warned that any feelings of smugness or superiority will quickly dissipate on watching George Monbiot’s radical take-down of food farming. Those free-roaming chickens and blissfully wandering dairy cows take up far too much land, for a start. A scientist proposes that one day his grandchildren will be amazed and disgusted to learn that human beings actually used to eat eggs. Even idyllic organic farms have too great an environmental footprint, when the growth in the human population is taken into account. “The food industry is destroying the living world,” Monbiot proclaims. More here: ft.com
In a provocative documentary, environmental campaigner George Monbiot argues that the biggest problem driving us towards global disaster is how we feed ourselves, particularly on meat
Dr Adam Levy ... AKA Climate Adam – A science filmmaker and presenter, having made everything from documentary to animation for Nature.
He's also a climate scientist and communicator, and have created his own YouTube channel dedicated to explaining climate change in playful and engaging ways.
Gil Arbel – A wildlife filmmaker, above & underwater cameraman & a wildlife film expedition leader.
For the last 20 years Gil has traveled the world documenting the most beautiful, rare & remarkable wildlife on Earth. From Israel to Tonga, Africa & South America.
Working with the BBC, National Geographic & Discovery channels, he has brought to the screen some of the most unforgettable wildlife scenes.
Jason Roehrig – A bourgeoning award winning natural history filmmaker and photographer, Jason Roehrig applies his passion for conservation and adventure to create media that not only tells a story, but ensnares, educates, and enthralls his audience.
After graduating with a degree in biology, Jason worked as a field biologist mapping and protecting endangered habitats, wetlands, and water systems as well as a nematologist at a major agricultural research firm. Once realizing that he could use his background to make a larger splash in conservation efforts in conjunction with media, Jason enrolled in the MFA program Science and Natural History Filmmaking at Montana State University. Since then, he has journeyed across continents and oceans, using his knowledge, skills, and adoration for the natural world to share all the wonders that are worth saving. From endangered toads in Death Valley to bioluminescent glowworms in the South Pacific, Jason believes that everything has a story to tell, and by sharing them, promotes their longevity.
Working alongside other very talented and passionate filmmakers, Jason has had the pleasure of working for the BBC Natural History Unit, National Geographic, PBS, History Channel and a wide range of other independent production companies based worldwide.
Special Skills Include
FAA Certified Drone Pilot - Phantom 4 Pro with knowledge of Inspire 2
High-speed Cameras – Phantom 4K Flex, etc
Specialist Camerawork – Macro, Night-vision/Thermal & Motion Control Timelapse
Elliot Connor – a Sydney, Australia-based budding wildlife film-maker, assistant/runner, wildlife photographer and conservationist looking to use his skills to help the natural world.
He says: "Stepping off a Qantas aeroplane in the Sunshine Coast airport of Queensland, AU, I paused and the happiest moment of my life washed over me. I had been invited by the legendary photographer Steve Parish to attend a weekend masterclass of his (for free), lodging in his studio over the weekend. For a young aspiring photographer of 15, it doesn't get much better than that!! In a mere 48 hours, my skills received the upgrade of a lifetime, and I left with an inspiration that still burns within me.
Several years hence and I'm rapidly gaining recognition as a stills photographer and wildlife conservationist, continuing my mentorship journey with the best as I forge my own path into the filmmaking industry. Building on my deep-set love for and appreciation of the natural world, I seek always to capture the essence of the wildlife that shares our planet, to illustrate its longstanding connection with us as human beings, and in doing so create a new meaning for the words 'Human Nature.'"
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.
