 Wildlife Film News
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Happy hellos to our newest full members: VI Rental Bristol – Specialty providers of kit for natural history shoots. As well as being an approved supplier to the BBC, clients include major production companies, broadcasters, smaller independents and freelancers. |
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BWPA Call for Entries - Wildlife in HD Video – The competition opens today, 1st February A great opportunity to win a prestigious award, a stunning prize and receive nationwide exposure. Wildlife in HD Video sponsored by Sky+HD: www.bwpawards.org/page/hd_video This special award for Wildlife in HD Video will be awarded to the most inspirational and dynamic film (up to ninety seconds), which clearly illustrates the unique power of moving images as a medium for capturing British Wildlife. The winner will receive these stunning prizes: www.bwpawards.org/page/awards_and_prizes A Sky World HD package and a 3D TV Plus a Canon XA -10 Professional Camcorder The winner will be presented their award at the Awards Ceremony and launch of the touring exhibition at the prestigious Mall Galleries, London in September 2013. www.mallgalleries.org.uk The film will be on shown at galleries around the UK and featured in the stunning coffee table book, as a series of ‘still’ images. Raymond Besant won this film award in 2012 for his work capturing wildlife off the coast of his native Orkney. www.bwpawards.org/page/2012_winner_wildlife_in_HD_video
Read more about the competition on our 'Features' page and hear from Raymond Besant on his career and experiences on our 'Interviews' page... Also, check out the brand new BWPA website, redesigned for the 2013 competition! |
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Monthly Features: |
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Wildlife Violence by Richard Brock In the week of the tragic violent shooting at the school in Connecticut, USA, it so happens the following “wildlife” programmes were shown on Sky - National Geographic and Discovery, Animal Planet and often repeated several times. The titles say it all: “Snakeskin – Venomous snake attacks a family dog” “Bear Woman – A 21 stone mother bear charges a tree surgeon” “Ultimate Killers” “Untamed and Uncut” “Monster Bug Wars” ”Bite of the Living Dead” “Austin Stevens: Most Dangerous” “Hunt for the River Monster” “Killer Elephants” “City Shark Attacks” “Shark Attack Summer” “Sydney Shark Attack” “World’s Deadliest Animals” “Extreme Animal Attacks” “Killer Tigers” “Battle of the Swamp Pride” “Lion vs Cheetah” “Man v Monster – A Winged Killer in Indonesia” “Lion Ganglands” “Winged Assassin” “Mekong Flesh-Eater” “Man-Eating Menace” “Beast Man” “When Animals Bite Back” “When Fish Attack” “Amazon River Beast” You’ve probably got the idea. |
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"Joeycam" by Nigel Paine of SeeSense Miniature camera specialists SeeSense have supplied a Toshiba IK-HR1S 1/3” 1-CMOS High Definition camera system to enable natural history documentary makers AGB Films to record the early development of a Joey within its mother's pouch. The Toshiba camera, lens and specially modified light source was inserted into the tight and dark confines of Ella the Red Kangaroo’s pouch without harming the 1.5m mother or its Joey named Nigel. The camera was in the pouch for short periods of time so as not to disturb the animals.
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Sad loss of veteran Irish film-maker, Éamon de Buitléar We are sad to report that Éamon de Buitléar, 83, died at his home in Delgany, Co Wicklow, on Sunday the 27th of January.... He was Irelands' best known independent wildlife film-maker and was very much liked and well-respected. He dedicated his life to influencing public opinion and government policy on environmental issues, through his films books and engagement with the public. Read more here: www.bbc.co.uk and www.rte.ie See his Films That Make a Difference entry here: www.filmmakersforconservation.org/conservation-filmmaking/film-library/category-4-films/359-eamon-de-buitlear.html Comments from the industry: "So sorry to hear this sad news. Eamon was unique, remarkable. As a filmmaker and as a person. We will miss him, so much!" Angel Garcia-Rojo "Very sad to hear this. He was an excellent film maker and always a friendly face at festivals. As well as his many great achievements Eamon was a really nice chap. One of the world's true gentlemen and the world is now a poorer place without him." Mike Linley |
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Discounted Wild Pages: The Wildlife Film-makers' Resource Guide and Wildlife Film-making: Looking to the Future book offer Wildeye are offering two of their most recent books at a discounted rate if both purchased together: Wild Pages: The Wildlife Film-makers' Resource Guide is an essential piece of kit!
Wildlife Film-making: Looking to the Future explores the future of the wildlife film-making industry Featuring contributions from many leading wildlife film professionals Edited by Piers Warren (Wildeye Principal), foreword by Neil Nightingale (BBC NHU) What does the future of wildlife film-making hold for us all?
Extract from the foreword by Neil Nightingale, Creative Director, BBC Earth: Wildlife Film News subscriber Offer – £20 for both books (a saving of £3.90) + reduced P&P Go here to get the deal: www.wildlife-film.com/shop-offer.html |
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36th IWFF Call For Entries - Late deadline, 8th Feb' The 36th annual IWFF Call for Entries, late deadline is February 8, 2013. The theme for the 36th IWFF is: A Global Vision: Edens Lost, Found & Saved Among the areas we will focus on at IWFF, the true Edens of the world, both land based and ocean based. What are the most critical issues, the most endangered species, the most challenging problems for which we must find solutions? And integral to all of these questions, are the films, television programs and ways in which we use, create and develop media that educates, inspires and ultimately may change the outcome. You are a critical part of the equation! 36th IWFF Dates: April 27-May 4, 2013 - Register Soon! 36th IWFF Call for Entries Packet |
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IWFF Employment News - Janet Rose to step down as Executive/Festival Director. After thirteen years at the helm of IWFF and what eventually became the International Wildlife Media Center & Film Festivals, it is time to say a heartfelt thank you and farewell from Janet Rose, as Executive Director... Read more here. The International Wildlife Media Center & Film Festivals, host of IWFF and Montana CINE Film Festivals, announces an open search for an Executive Director/Festival Director. This position is open until filled. IWMC/FF is headquartered in beautiful Missoula, Montana in the heart of the Northern Rockies. IWFF was the first and is now the longest running wildlife film festival in the world. In 2003, it became part of the International Wildlife Media Center, a year round media center and the first such center of its kind in the world. Shortly after, Montana CINE International Film Festival was launched whose focus is cultural and environmental issues through film. The goal of CINE is films that create dialogue on critical and contemporary issues. IWMC/FF is a not for profit, year round media organization whose mission is to promote awareness, knowledge and understanding of wildlife, habitat, people and nature through excellence in film, television and other media. Long-time Executive Director/Festival Director Janet Rose will be leaving soon for a Senior Director position with an international zoological institution involved in wildlife and marine conservation. She will assist in the ED search process and transition and will provide guidance and assistance to the new Director as preparations are underway for the 36th IWFF, which will be held April 27-May 4, 2013. The current Call for Entries runs through February 8. We are looking for someone who understands and embraces the mission of IWMC/FF; who has a deep comprehension of wildlife and marine conservation issues and a thorough background in media to take the organization into the future. We are seeking an individual with a strong commitment to the foundation we have built and has a vision for the future, who has a spirit that anything is possible and a can-do attitude. Qualifications: Background/knowledge of wildlife/marine/natural history/cultural and environmental issues; Experience and background in film, television, media and/or communications; Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal; Excellent administrative and supervisory skills; Experience with budgeting, fundraising, development & public outreach; Team player, ability to multi-task, good people person; The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of media with a special focus on wildlife and natural history Responsibilities: The Executive Director/Festival Director will help to develop, coordinate and lead this year round media-driven wildlife organization. The ideal candidate will oversee events planning, seminar and workshop development, the annual film entries and judging of films and awards recognition. The ED will be directly involved in and will supervise a variety of programs and projects including, but not limited to the two annual film festivals, a post festival touring program, the video lending library, year round filmmaking workshops and camps for youth, youth programs and outreach and will oversee management of the Roxy Theater rentals, a component of the Center and its headquarters. The IWMC/FF is headquartered in the historic Roxy Theater Facility, which is owned by IWMC. In addition, the ideal candidate will recruit, coordinate and supervise volunteers, interns and staff. To be considered and to apply: Please send a cover letter, resume and (3) references by email only to: iwff@wildlifefilms.org. A confirmation of receipt will be returned to you by email. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE! |
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The UK Wildlife Film School announces its' Wildlife Film Courses for 2013. Follow the links below to be taken to a specific film course, or visit our website at www.wildlifefilmschool.com 31-day course on ‘The Isle of Skye’ in May |
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AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5 at 7 PM – National Geographic’s Television Film War Elephants Free and Open to the Public
– No Reservation Required |
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Eco-Comedy Video Competition Spring 2013 $1000 prize! Sponsored by the Sierra Club and AU’s Center for Environmental Filmmaking The contest is open to anyone who prepares a short, funny video for YouTube, which communicates a clear message about climate change. Submissions must: Be humorous! Address the issue of climate change. We are interpreting the topic very broadly, so it includes topics like disasters, fossil fuels, clean energy, wildlife (like polar bears), politics, deniers, and so on. Reach a broad audience. Be an original production. Be less than three minutes (including titles and credits). Posted to Eco-Comedy Video Competition 2013 YouTube Channel at: www.youtube.com/user/ecocomedy2013. Submitted by 11:59pm Eastern Time Zone on Friday, March 1, 2013. There will be six judges representing the Center for Environmental Filmmaking, Sierra Club, the US Environmental Protection Agency, Mill Reef Productions, and EcoSense. The decision of the judges is final. Awards are based on overall merit of the entries. Judges reserve the right not to grant an award. The organizations listed above reserve the right to post submissions on their websites. Submissions that are not received by Friday, March 1, 2013 will not be accepted. The winner will be announced at American University on Tuesday, March 19 at the DC Environmental Film Festival at 7:00pm in the Wechsler Theater. For more information regarding submission guidelines and contest rules, visit: www.american.edu/soc/cef/eco-comedy-film-competition.cfm Questions may be addressed to Chris Palmer at palmer@american.edu. |
VI Rental Give It Your Best Shot 2013 Contest VI Rental is the new name for the Visual Impact Hire department. We would love you to celebrate with us so we've launched a photo contest on our Facebook page where you can submit pictures of yourself or your crew filming. The prize? £500 worth in credit with us to spend in 2013. You can submit as many entries as you want and get your friends and colleagues to vote. The entry with most votes will win. We are looking forward to your entries! Please visit the contest here: http://www.facebook.com/virental/app_254553244581393 Many thanks and good luck!! All the best, The VI Rental team |
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Hostile Environment training for freelancers! I am Rupert Godesen, the Managing Director of HASP Training, and we run courses to prepare media and professionals to work in hostile environments. I am looking at running a 2 day course soon in Surrey, sometime in February. The cost per person will be roughly £600 depending on numbers and run at the Artists Rifles Clubhouse at Bisley. Historically courses of this nature have been a couple of grand, spread over 5-6 days (50% of which is spent in the bar or your hotel room) and with a "like or lump it" attitude to freelancers who have to pay for it themselves. To overcome this problem I have designed a bespoke course which has shed the non-essential elements of the training, negotiated cheaper accommodation for the one night stay. Thereby reducing the cost but retaining the quality of the training itself. My background: Ex-British Army, I trained the BBC teams in the UK, Africa, Pakistan and India for 5 years and now run training for my own clients which include a number of freelancers.
If you're interested please drop me a quick acknowledgment by email or a text on 07884001600, I will add you to the list of possibles (no commitment at this stage at all) and when I have sufficient numbers 6-8 people I will send you the costs. rupert@hasptraining.co.uk |
Wild Talk Africa back in Durban – 23rd-26th July In 2013 the Wild Talk Africa Film Festival will be moving to the lush coastal city of Durban, in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province of South Africa, commencing from the 23rd-26th July and we urge all delegates, filmmakers, producers, broadcasters and commissioning editors to make note of these dates in their calendars so as not to miss out on a truly African wildlife film festiva! The deadline for submissions is the 12th March, so make sure you have submitted your films before this to avoid disappointment. For info on how to submit, click HERE See the website for more: www.wildtalkafrica.com |
Volunteer Editor Opportunity at vEco An exciting opportunity has come up for a couple of volunteer editors to get involved with renowned primatologist and elephant expert Dr Ian Redmond's new project. It is an online virtual ecotourism concept that aims to launch in the summer at the same time as the 3D film 'Last of the Great Apes' with which Ian was heavily involved. The virtual ecotourism site takes you to the remotest ecosystem hotspots in the far flung corners of the globe to explore, discover and actually see all that the area has to offer. From 360 degree panoramic treetop views from gorilla and orangutan nests, geographic and wildlife facts and experts with information to share, to conservationists working in the field protecting the apes and highlighting their work on camera. Ian talks a lot to camera as he visits and shares the wonders of his natural exploits along the way. The footage clips are made up of Ian's catalogue of self-shot material archived over the years along with new stuff filmed on all trips from now on. The great apes are the main focal point of the project. It is a point and click experience with various tabs on screen to hit and open the information clip windows. See: www.vecotourism.org/news/ian-redmond-veco-ambassador The need is for a couple of volunteers in the Bristol area to pull out and clean up the small clips from his rushes that will then be used on the site. Some VO may be added and the clips are under direction from Ian and a couple of editors already working with him and therefore very familiar with the project. It is unpaid and casual which is great for anyone looking for experience alongside their daily job, a credible entry for any CV and of course a credit in the finished project. More importantly the project is a fitting tribute to the Great Apes and their environment and all awareness and revenue generated will be put back into the conservation of the ecosystems and apes covered in the project. Please register your interested by sending your CV and covering email to: news@wildlife-film.com |
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HOPE4APES at the Savoy, hosted by Sir David Attenborough Ape Alliance and the Great Ape Film Initiative (GAFI) cordially invite you to a spectacular gala dinner celebrating the power of apes on screen - in the company of the world’s leading wildlife film professionals and renowned ape conservationists. The evening includes a celebrity auction and live music and aims to raise awareness and support for the plight of world’s apes. Proceeds from this once in a lifetime event will help raise funds for pedal-power cinemas and education projects in ape range states across Africa and Asia. With your help we can take the conservation message to the remotest communities, changing thousands of lives while saving critically endangered species, giving Hope 4 Apes. Tables of 10 - £1,500, Individual tickets £150 The Savoy, London, 27th September 2013 at 7.00pm For tickets or more information: email hope@4apes.com visit www.4apes.com/hope or call +44 (0)117 962 5722 |
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Filming a 1,000 mile dog sledge race from Yukon to Alaska Member, Becky Hart, has been given a fantastic opportunity to go out with a very small film and photography crew to document a 1,000 mile dog sledge race from Whitehorse, Yukon to Fairbanks, Alaska from the 26th Jan to the 19th Feb 2013.
For more details of the expedition check out Yukon Quest Filming on her website - rebeccahartmedia.photodeck.com/yukon-quest & Facebook Page |
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EcoTales Under 18s Film Challenge! Are you a budding filmmaker? We are looking for talented young people to make a film about the way plastic impacts on our daily lives and the environment around us. You can tell your story about plastic any way you want to. All we require is flair and imagination? The issues surrounding plastic come in many forms, from the way we use it to the five giant plastic islands out at sea. Its affects on human health and the sea creatures that encounter it… We want to see it all! This film challenge is a celebration about getting important environmental messages heard in an interesting & imaginative way. Judges Announced So Far… Your film will be seen by our outstanding panel of judges. Simon de Glanville a renowned wildlife cameraman and photographer. Nicole Stott creative producer and currently Head of Development for Passion Picture’s Acadamy Award winning film department. David Allen award winning director. Have YOU got a story to tell? Let us know if you are entering or how your project is going. We are excited to hear all about your progress and ideas ecotalesentries@gmail.com. Read more on the blog: ecotales.co.uk or see: Facebook & @EcoTales |
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Kangaroo Dundee is a huge hit! Marvellous member, Tom Mustill, spent the last year or so in a dusty shed in the outback, making a film that has turned into a two part special and named 'Kangaroo Dundee' - the first part went out on BBC2, Saturday January the 26th at 8.30pm, and the second part will follow at the same time a week later - i.e. Feb' 2nd. The first part has recieved rave reviews (us included!) and lots of social media love (#KangarooDundee), so if you missed it, catch up on iPlayer before the second part airs tomorrow. Please like the facebook page: www.facebook.com/kangaroodundeefanpage (Joeycam by SeeSense, see above!) |
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New reel for 2013 from Conservation Media Check out this great new reel from member Jeremy Roberts/Conservation Media!
Welcome to Conservation Media: the 21st Century Storytelling Resource for Conservation Profession |
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Monster croc doco reveals a classic fable for National Geographic Channels International NHNZ’s Monster Croc Hunt (WT Croczilla), a documentary produced for National Geographic Channels International, premiered around the globe during January 2013 on Nat Geo Wild. Monster Croc Hunt is a classic tale retold: a group of Filipino villagers hunt down a monster crocodile that has terrorized them for years, only to find that once captured they become enamoured with the monster. Executive Producer Craig Meade says the production team saw the story shift as the villagers, who were intent on destroying the crocodile which they thought had killed people from their village, developed a deep bond with the animal. And then the story really flipped when they found out that the crocodile was the largest in the world – with the potential to change the village’s fortunes. “The croc they captured was huge; a deadly creature. But once up close, the villagers realised that this beautiful and distinct creature needed to be protected and defended.” Monster Croc Hunt follows a group of villagers terrorized by a monster croc. The people would love to take the monster out, but its home in the Agusan marsh is a strictly protected Wildlife Reserve. Killing the saltwater crocs in this region carries a maximum jail term of 12 years. Working with wildlife officer and croc legend Ronnie Sumiller, the villagers set traps in the creeks near their village. The beast they trap and pull from the swamp is more massive than anything they’ve ever seen. Crocodile biologist Adam Britton officially certifies it as the Guinness Book of Records’ largest crocodile in the world. With a growing attachment to the crocodile, which the villagers call Lolong, and the potential to create a sanctuary for him in their village, the tables turn on the creature and the villagers are now determined to look after him. And Lolong becomes a great source of pride and income. The film was shot around the small Filipino community of Bunawan, which was on the outskirts of a region plagued with an on-going war against Islamic separatists. “While we were shooting, there was a war against Islamic militants just a few kilometres south of us. We had to have six armed men protecting the crew and more than once we had to avoid a route as there were guerrillas on the same path we were about to take. It made for a fairly hair-raising shoot.” See: www.nhnz.tv/news/article/150 |
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NHNZ dives under NZ’s oceans for original blue chip TVNZ series TVNZ has commissioned NHNZ to produce a six-part series on New Zealand’s oceans and the creatures that swim in them.
The series titled OceaNZ is now in production, and will be the first blue chip natural history series on New Zealand’s oceans ever produced.
OceaNZ executive producer Judith Curran says the production house is thrilled to have OceaNZ in production.
“Many broadcasters have strayed away from underwater- it’s a challenging film environment, so it’s just wonderful that TVNZ has taken the plunge. And we are probably the best company in the world for this particular production job, as we have really strong experience, we have great gear technicians ensuring our gear is purpose-built for the conditions and the creatures, and our teams are equally skilled under the water as they are topside.
“We have high hopes OceaNZ will be an incredibly iconic series for New Zealand. And the whole team’s excited and motivated by that prospect, as they also are by the chance to get their wet suits on in the name of a job!
“OceaNZ will reveal the stories of numerous creatures lurking beneath the surface in locations ranging from New Zealand orca’s home ranges in Northland Harbour down to the white shark feeding grounds surrounding Stewart Island. Each location will be explored from the perspective of a “neighbourhood narrative”; from the tiniest barnacles and sea anemones to iconic whales, revealing the daily dramas, challenges and triumphs of those who live in these watery neighbourhoods – almost like a “Coronation St” of under the sea.”
TVNZ commissioner Jude Callen says New Zealanders have been embracing the international natural history programming they have brought to primetime on TVONE.
“We very pleased to have an “up close and personal” look in our own underwater backyard and reveal the fascinating lives of some of our ocean creatures to this appreciative audience.”
OceaNZ is funded by NZ on Air’s Platinum Fund.
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World’s largest natural sound archive now fully digital and fully online. “In terms of speed and the breadth of material now accessible to anyone in the world, this is really revolutionary,” says audio curator Greg Budney, describing a major milestone just achieved by the Macaulay Library archive at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. All archived analog recordings in the collection, going back to 1929, have now been digitized and can be heard at www.MacaulayLibrary.org |
News from the engraved glass label There will be a new release by member Jez riley French - 'movere (estonia)' will be available as a limited cd issue on february 11th. It's likely to sell out quickly, so if you would like to reserve a copy do let him know. It features 3 pieces involving field recordings made in Estonia, wood, paper, metal, fingers, coil pick up's, salt. In addition, several earlier releases by JrF (some with additional tracks), now sold out as cd's, are available from the engraved glass bandcamp website as free / donate downloads, with all profits going towards funding future releases by other artists: |
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2nd International Forest Film Festival - Deadline extended until the 22nd of Feb' To take part in the International Forest Film Festival, your submission can be up to 2 minutes long, about your own relationship to the forest. For more details, please visit: www.un.org/esa/forests/film |
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Wildlife cameraman Richard Matthews on filming great white sharks Member, Richard Matthews from Wild Images stakes out a whale carcass to get eye-level with feeding great whites to get a great sequence for the BBC NHU's Africa: Cape, episode. Listen to him talk about his experience in Africa: Eye to Eye
The first five episodes of Africa have aired in the UK and USA, next week is The Future (Wed's 6th of Feb' BBC1 9pm in the UK) where David Attenborough comes face-to-face with a baby rhino and asks what the future holds. |
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Natural History Tasmania 2013 reel from Max Moller Check out member, Max Mollers' new Natural History Tasmania 2013 reel, full of beautiful landscapes and wildlife from his part of world! |
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A Curtain Call for AnimalTheory from past editor, Natalie Gilbert I'll be leaving human-animal studies to one side whilst I focus on writing my first work of fiction, but I hope this blog and my work on Viral Pandas will leave behind an interesting point of reference for others interested in the field of anthrozoology. Full story at nataliegilbert-animaltheory.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/curtain-call.html. |
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Act Right Now! Learn More About North Atlantic Right Whales at Whales.org |
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A Distributor Needed!! Please contact Gil Arbel at: gilarbel@hotmail.com. |
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2th NaturVision Film Festival – from 18-21 July 2013 – Call for entries! It’s that time again! The preparations for the 12th NaturVision Film Festival have begun, and we are very much looking forward to your film submissions! We welcome any films that deal with the subjects of nature, wildlife, the environment and sustainability, and were completed after 1 January 2012. But of course we are also looking forward to receiving film formats aimed at children and young people, and we will be awarding prizes for outstanding camera work and films with a particularly well-worked story! For pupils and students submitting an entry in the Newcomer category, there is a reduced entry fee of €20. Please note that each entrant should decide for themselves which category/-ies their film is to be entered in. For more details visit www.natur-vision.de/en/the-festival/categories.html We request all entrants to register on our website at www.natur-vision.de/en/the-festival/film-registration.html Closing date for entries: 18 March 2013 |
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XV International Wlodzimierz Puchalski Nature Film Festival – 12-16 June 2013 In June 2013 Lodz – located in central Poland – will host the 15th International W?odzimierz Puchalski Nature Film Festival. The Festival’s tradition dates back to the nature films of Wlodzimierz Puchalski and Karol Marczak. It has been organised since 1980. We would like to invite you to take part in this nature film holiday where you will be able to experience the wonderful atmosphere of discussions about the world of nature and plenty of additional events. You can submit Your production to the contest until 18th of March 2013. The awards amount to Euro 12,000. All the necessary information can be found on the Internet – www.wfo.com.pl or you could write to us on e-mail: wfo@wfo.com.pl |
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Sale of Canon XL H1 HD This is the original model with SDI & Gen lock. The camera body condition is good plus, perfect apart from the base plate area. The supplied HD 20X 5.4 to 108mm L lens has had hardly any use and is mint. 42 tapes have been put through the camera which is in perfect working condition . The camera comes in the original box, complete with all original equipment, plus extra battery. Some equipment has never been used. The following extra items are included in the sale :-
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