 Wildlife Film News
This is the 200th edition of Wildlife Film News! The 1st edition was published by founder Piers Warren in July 1999, I took over for the 144th edition in August 2011, and so I've got some catching up to do yet! Thanks to Piers and thanks to our loyal subscribers and members, both growing in numbers every month! :) Editor, Jason Peters |
Love Wildlife Film News? We want to improve the resource, so please subscribe via PayPal if you can! If some of our many thousands of subscribers were to give a small monthly or annual donation, we could invest that money in updating the site and newsletter, including our daily Paper.li newsletter too!! Thank you. :) |
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Welcome to our new full members from March! Richard Brooks - An experienced Underwater Cameraman, Photographer and UAV pilot based in Palau. Pre/Post Production, stock and fixing services offered via Lightning Strike Media Productions. Matthew Leiper - A recent graduate of the University of Salford with a Masters Degree in Wildlife Documentary Production. He has experience behind both the camera and the keyboard for filming and editing roles respectively and has talent as a narrator too! Dave Tarvit - An experienced camera operator/producer based in Perthshire, Scotland. There's basic FREE membership for all here or for a much more comprehensive listing, Profile Page and additional benefits, become a full member: Wildlife-film.com/freelancers or Wildlife-film.com/companies |
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To Celebrate our 200th Edition, we have 5 Comps!
2) Win a copy of Wildeye's newest publication Conservation Film-making: How to make films that make a difference by answering the following three-part question: 3) Win a copy of Jean Hartley's book Africas Big Five - and other wildlife film makers by answering the following question: 4) We are giving away two free full memberships to Wildlife-film.com for a year... One to a freelancer (saving £30) and one to an organisation (saving £100)! Email membership@wildlife-film.com now, with a brief message explaining why you'd like the free membership. (NB. Open to current members too... it will be aplied to your next year, when due, or levied against any fees already due!) The winning requests will be picked at random! 5) We are offering three month's free banner advertising to the first organisation that asks for it! Your banner could be displayed on all appropriate pages and in the next three WFNs (saving £150)!! Winners will be picked at random on the 18th of April and announced in WFN201 :) |
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Available Wildeye Course Places in 2016! Sound Recording in Northumberland :: 6–9 May 2016 – 1 Place Available (Register interest!) Visit the hompage for up-to-date availability on all courses: www.wildeye.co.uk |
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Wildeye have several course places available this year... Be sure to check them out!! There's at least one place available on Sound Recording in Northumberland with Chris Watson & Jez riley French, 6–9 May 2016, so if you're interested, please email courses@wildeye.co.uk to register your interest! This long weekend field meeting is an opportunity to practice and develop sound recording skills in the company of Chris Watson in his home patch of Northumberland. Audio specialist and artist Jez riley French will also be present throughout to share his experience, particularly with the use of extended field recording techniques including the use of non-conventional equipment such as hydrophones and contact microphones. More here! The next Wildlife Camera Operator Course, 17-19 June 2016 has places available... Whether you are hoping for a career as a professional wildlife camera operator or want to film wildlife as a fascinating hobby, this course will arm you with the knowledge and techniques to create stunning shots and sequences. As camera technology advances apace it can be difficult to know what equipment to use (and then how to use it!), with a high tutor to student ratio, this course is unique in content and value for money. More here! Last years' first Introduction to Conservation Film-making was a big sucess with very positive feedback from attendees... The nest dates 15-17 July 2016 have spaces, so join us if you want to make films that make a difference! There are many conservation and environmental issues that could be tackled effectively if only the people involved were informed or educated about the causes and solutions that could make a difference. Films and the Media are some of the most powerful communication tools we have, but we need to make the right films and distribute them to the audience \ decision makers \ community \ corporation \ law enforcers \ government bodies who can create that change. So how do you go about this? More here! Just £295, including all tuition, accommodation and meals! There's places available on the ever popular Introduction to Wildlife Film-making, 2–4 September 2016 - These weekends, in the heart of Norfolk, provide a unique hands-on introduction to wildlife film-making. The sessions cover all aspects of wildlife film-making with opportunities for practical filming work as well as advice about how to get started and what equipment to use. This course is the perfect start for those wishing to work in the wildlife film-making industry, whether as a camera operator, producer, researcher, script-writer, presenter and so on. It is also suitable for those wishing to pursue wildlife film-making as a fascinating hobby. More here! Again, last years' first Gorillas and Chimpanzees in Uganda trip went very well, so this it will undoubtably will again this year, 14-25 November 2016 – There are 4 Places Available! Join the Great Ape Adventure (A Wildeye /GAFI Project) - Trek to see/film wild mountian gorillas and chimpanzees in the forests of Uganda, whilst learning about and participating in conservation projects to protect our close relatives. A unique itinerary is planned to give participants an incredible opportunity to see wild great apes and engage in their conservation... More here! The second Audio Post Production Course wirh Pip Norton & Chris Watson, 16-18 December 2016 has availabilty too... This two-day course explores techniques of editing audio files on a computer and mixing soundtracks. Through demonstration and working on practical tasks you will learn how to create, edit, manipulate and improve sound recordings, and also how they can be effectively combined and mixed together to produce a soundtrack. This could be for a television or radio programme, for installations, movies, video games, CD/audio-file releases or for your own enjoyment. The course includes the creation and production of Foley sound and sound effects, how to record the perfect voice over/narration, and covers the growing area of multi-channel mixing. It is suitable for those who have already taken our Introduction to Wildlife Sound Recording course, or those who already have some experience of audio work. It will also be invaluable for video editors and producers who oversee the post production process. More here! Check out the homepage for up-to-date availability: www.wildeye.co.uk |
1) Win a copy of both editions of 
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Winners Announced for International Elephant Film Festival 2016 Winners announced at UN Headquarters on World Wildlife Day! The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and the Secretariat of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) teamed up in organizing an International Elephant Film Festival to raise global awareness of the various challenges facing the African and Asian elephants, as a highlight of UN World Wildlife Day on 3 March. The Festival received more than 250 entries into the film competition, which were reviewed by over 75 preliminary judges over six weeks before the short list was passed on to the final judging panel.
"These films connect us in a very personal way to wildlife, observed John E. Scanlon, Secretary General of CITES.” They inspire us all to make sure these magnificent animals survive in the wild. Congratulations to all of the finalists and category winners, and thank you for making this such a memorable World Wildlife Day." The high-level celebration at UN Headquarters attracted international diplomats and policy-makers as well as conservation, NGO & business partners and filmmakers and included UNEP Goodwill Ambassador/model Gisele Bündchen and Actress/Producer Kristin Davis, whose film Gardeners of Eden won the Elephant Hero category. The International Elephant Film Festival Winners are: African Voices
Elephants Without Borders, Afriscreen Films for BBC and Animal Planet Asian Elephants
Manas: Return of the Giants, Ammonite Ltd. and Kosmik Global Issues & Solutions
Explorer: Warlords of Ivory, National Geographic Studios for National Geographic Channels Elephant Hero
Gardeners of Eden, Village Beat Elephant Micro-Movie (under 5 minutes)
War of Space, Mays Entertainment People & Elephants
Naledi: Every Elephant Counts, Vulcan Productions in association with Off the Fence Science & Elephants
Minds of Giants, Vulcan Productions & Off the Fence Special Consideration to: Mike Birkhead Associates IEFF would also like to acknowledge Echo, the Elephants of Amboseli - the researchers who studied her family and the filmmakers who told their story forever changed how the world would see these remarkable animals.
Wildlife-film.com says very well done to all winners, with special congratulations to members Afriscreen Films & Ammonite for their very well-deserved wins! When congratulated on Twitter, Afriscreen said "The elephants deserve it!" - We say, so true. Winners were announced at a high level event marking the global celebration of World Wildlife Day at UN Headquarters in New York on 3 March 2016. Winning and finalist films will be showcased extensively throughout the world, through local screening events and broadcasts. “These amazing films speak eloquently to the importance of saving elephants while are still able to do so,” said Jackson Hole Festival’s Executive Director, Lisa Samford. “We’re eager to partner with organizations around the world to raise local awareness and engagement through free public screenings and events.” Samford drew particular attention to the decades-long anthology documenting Echo, the matriarch of Amboseli and her family, noting that the researchers who studied this herd and the filmmakers who told their story forever changed how the world would see wild African elephants. The organizers are particularly grateful to the final judges for their commitment of time:
For more information, please visit: www.internationalelephantfilmfestival.org See a video of the event here: webtv.un.org/search/un-world-wildlife-day-2016-–-the-future-of-wildlife-is-in-our-hands/4785064018001?term=2016-03-03
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British Wildlife Photography Awards 2016 - Call for Entries Deadline: 30th April! The awards recognise the talents of photographers practising in Britain whilst also highlighting the great wealth and diversity of British natural history. A celebration of British wildlife as well as a showcase for photographers and videographers, both amateur and professional. There are fifteen separate categories including animal behaviour, urban wildlife, habitat, animal portraits, marine life, the hidden secret world that lies in the undergrowth and a special award for Wildlife in HD Video. Also two junior categories - to encourage young people to connect with nature through photography. The competition is open until 30th April 2016.
2015 WILDLIFE IN HD VIDEO WINNER – 'The Last Seahorse in Studland' |
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Official Selections for 2016 IWFF Announced! Check out the A-Z official selections for the 39th IWFF! Animal Homes
- Ann Johnson Prum USA 2015
Congratulations to all, especially our full members named in bold! :) Full details here: www.wildlifefilms.org/official-selections/a-z
The 39th International Wildlife Film Festival will be held in Missoula, Montana from 16-23 April. See the Official Film Schedule here: www.wildlifefilms.org/film-schedule |
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The First Wildlife Film Festival on the Planet with Mike Steinberg by Eyes on Conservation Eyes on Conservation's Matthew Podolsky interviews IWFF’s current executive director, Mike Steinberg, discussing changes that have affected the festival since it was formed in 1977, particularly since his tenure started three years ago! Next year will see the organisations' 40th anniveersary!! See the episode summary: wildlensinc.org |
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2016 Science Media Awards - Call for Entries Open From the infinitesimal to the infinite, science plays a profound role in our daily lives in ways we can scarcely imagine! In the fall of 2016, we will celebrate outstanding media that best conveys the wonders of science to public audiences, at the Science Media Awards & Symposium (SMASH16), presented in partnership with WGBH in Boston, September 20-22, 2016. The Grand Helix Award Call for Entry Closes June 1 | Extended Deadline June 15 | Finalists Announced August 1 | Winners announced September 21
See the categories and enter your film here: www.sciencemediasummit.org/2016-categories.html Apply to be a Science Media Awards preliminary judge! |
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Mιnigoute Festival 2016 - Call for entries! Dear producers, We are pleased to remind you that the 32nd Festival of Mιnigoute will take place from 27 October to 1st November 2016 and that the deadline is 1st May 2016. We will welcome all your propositions of documentaries where the wild animals are starring (birds, mammals, fish, insects ) providing they wont have been screened before in another French event. There is no entry fee. You will find on our website the rules to be observed and the entry forms to be completed and to send us along with the DVD of the films submitted.
www.menigoute-festival.org/lefestival/submitafilm/504 Best regards,
Adeline Louvet
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Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam 2016 - Call for Entries Wildlife Film Festival Rotterdam is open for entries until May the 1st. The Netherlands' main wildlife film festival will be held in the city centre of Rotterdam from 27 - 30 October 2016. We screen movies with a central focus on the natural world, but also critical and informative offerings on the environment and sustainability. We would like to invite both professional and non-professional filmmakers from anywhere in the world to participate. The competition is free of fees. Please visit our website www.wffr.nl for the submission form. Closing date: May 1st 2016 |
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Festival International Nature Namur 2016 - Call for entires Open! The registrations to our Professional Film Contest are open! You are a film-maker and you have directed a film about Nature (in a large sense)? Your film has a minimum duration of 5'? Don't hesitate and participate in our Professional Film Constest. If your movie is selected, it will be screened during the International Nature Namur Festival which will take place from 14 to 23 Octobre at the Acinapolis Cinema Complex and you will possibly win one of our 5 prestigious awards during the Gala Evening. Submission and rules on our website: www.festivalnaturenamur.be Registrations close on 1 May |
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Wildscreen Festival 2016 - Entry Deadline Extended by Two Weeks! The Wildscreen Panda Awards 2016 Call for Entries is now open until Wednesday 6 April! Submit online to be in with a chance of winning one of the world's most internationally renowned awards for outstanding achievement in the craft of natural world filmmaking and storytelling. Extended closing date for entries is Wednesday 6 April. SUBMIT YOUR FILM For more information, rules and guidelines, visit: www.wildscreen.org/panda-awards |
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Wildscreen presents: An insiders guide to becoming a wildlife filmmaker If you want to find out what it takes to break into the wildlife filmmaking industry, join Wildscreen in Glasgow on Thursday 12 May. With a line-up featuring some of Scotlands leading broadcasters, filmmakers, independent production companies and rising new talent, get the inside track on the natural world storytelling genre and how you can become part of it. Through a series of panel discussions, unearth what it takes to make a wildlife film, explore the diversity of crafts and roles involved in creating a masterpiece and get practical tips on how to start your own natural world storytelling journey. Speakers include:
Buy tickets here: www.eventbrite.co.uk |
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14th Matsalu Nature Film Festival Call for Entries Open! The 14th Matsalu Nature Film Festival CALL FOR ENTRIES IS NOW OPEN! Deadline June 1st. The festival will take place from 21st-25th September, 2016 in Lihula, Haapsalu and Tallinn, Estonia. Submit Online: www.matsalufilm.ee/en/regulations See the list of 2015 Winners here: www.matsalufilm.ee/en/archive |
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Call for Nature Film Entries for the Sondrio Festival 2016 (30th edition) Film entries are now open for: Sondrio Festival 2016 International Documentary Film Festival on Parks (30th edition, Sondrio, Italy, 7 13 November 2016). The film festival and competition focus on documentaries featuring aspects of National Parks, Nature Reserves and Protected Areas, with an extra category, for documentaries made in natural areas and dealing with the environment, its conservation, human activities, agriculture and sustainable development. Films selected for the Festival will be considered for the First Prize Town of Sondrio" (4,000 Euros), the Stelvio National Park Award (3,000 Euros) and the Lombardy Region Award (3,000 Euros), for films shot in the European Union. Entry forms and films on DVD should be sent not later than 13 May 2016. There is no entry fee. Visit: www.sondriofestival.it |
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Classroom in the Wild: Chesapeake Bay 2016 was a "great sucess" says Chris Palmer Report from Professor Chris Palmer following 2016 class: This years Classroom in the Wild: Chesapeake Bay was a great success, and featured a diverse group of students including graduate and undergraduate students from a variety of programs (both AU and non-AU), and working professionals from government agencies, National Geographic, and from as far away as Ecuador. Read more here: www.american.edu/soc/cef/classroom-in-the-wild-chesapeake-bay.cfm
Also read: www.theeagleonline.com/article/2016/03/classroom-in-the-wild-2016 |
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Support Modern Conservation: Madagascar from Team Candiru/James Dunbar Conservation documentary exploring the struggle to coexist in the world's top biodiversity hot spot. Team Candiru is a small, award winning production company based in Bristol. After producing documentary films about the UK's spiders, bees and other invertebrates, we are now turning our attention to conservation in the modern world. These are dark times for conservation. Year after year we are experiencing record losses in biodiversity, despite the tireless efforts of many individuals and organisations. But it doesn't have to be this way. Man and nature can co-exist, and we want to make a film that proves this - at a time and in a place where the stakes could not be higher. Your support will allow us to show the world that there is hope for us all.
Read more and support here: www.indiegogo.com/projects/modern-conservation-madagascar |
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Support To Catch a Macaw with Angela Prochilo & César Leite A film by Angela Prochilo about biologist Erica Pacífico and her brave efforts to protect the Lear's Macaw in Brazil. Cιsar Leite is the cameraman and fixer. To protect these rare endangered birds facing threats such as poaching and habitat loss, Erica and her team will go on a challenging mission to microchip Lear's Macaw chicks living high up on sandstone cliffs in Northeast Brazil. Working conditions are extreme and the timing for this expedition is critical - they must get to the chicks before they fledge the nests. Her mission is crucial to better understand the species biology, behaviour and environmental needs. This valuable knowledge can steer conservation efforts in the right direction to ensure the safety of their natural habitat and protect them from harm. Heroic conservation stories like Erica's deserve to be told. With your help, we can make this documentary possible!
Read more and support here: www.indiegogo.com/projects/to-catch-a-macaw |
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New film by Bevis Bowden - The Tangled Tree Bevis has been filming on Exmoor and exploring the idea of a film that took the point of view of a single tree and all that happened in its immediate vicinity. This is part of his interest into the moving image equivalent of the 'transect'.
In other news, a film Bevis made on St. Kilda, Lesions in the Landscape, has now toured to Australia. Visit: www.bevisbowdenfilms.co.uk |
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Britain's Treasure Islands, from Warehouse 51 Productions Explorer Stewart McPherson travels 70,000 kilometres by RAF planes, ice breakers, freight vessels and the last working Royal Mail postal ship to undertake the first journey in history to all 14 UK Overseas Territories - Britain's far flung, little-known islands scattered across the globe. Through this intrepid adventure, we uncover the UK's surprising heritage of arid deserts, lush rainforests, diverse coral reefs, exploding volcanoes and icy glaciers to witness some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth; including many of the planet's largest concentrations of penguins, tropical sea birds, land crabs, sea turtles, reef fish, seals... With camerawork by member Simon Vacher! The first of four one hour episodes will premiere on Tues 12 April at 9pm on BBC Four in the UK.
More: www.w51p.com/production_house/file/Britains-Treasure.php |
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New magnolia species found on Arkive Photographs on the Arkive website have helped two naturalists who had never met and work around 200 miles (310 kms) apart to identify two previously unrecorded species of one of Earths oldest flowering plants: the magnolia. In 2010, Roberto Pedraza Ruiz gave Arkive a series of animal and plant photos he had taken in a life-rich cloud forest within eastern Mexicos Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve. One of the photos he donated was identified as being the magnolia, Magnolia dealbata, classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. But the image raised questions for Dr Josι Antonio Vαzquez, a botanist at the University of Guadalajara, when he came across it during a search of Arkives 16,000 free-to-view online flora and fauna fact-files. As Roberto explains: For Dr Vαzquez, the specimen in the photo seemed unusual and he requested that I sent him more pictures. So I made several more trips to the cloud forest, documenting the flowers and fruits of the trees until finally receiving confirmation that I had photographed not only one but two completely new species of magnolias. More here: blog.arkive.org/2016/03/new_magnolia_species_discovered |
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Two members win at the Rainforest Partnerships Films for the Forest Festival! Films for the Forest is an annual international short film contest created by Rainforest Partnership. Winning films are screened as a part of SXSW Film Festival Community Film Screenings. This year, two members won awards in the 'Shorts: Films Under 40 Minutes' category! 1st Place went to Paul Redman, director of Hope - Indonesias Dayak Iban.
and 2nd Place went to Leo Plunkett of EIA International, director of Ulin.
BIG congratulations to both from us!! :) Full list of winners here: www.filmsfortheforest.org/winners-2016 |
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GoPro for a Cause: Oceanic Preservation Society OPS is proud to announce their partnership with the GoPro: Be a Hero For a Cause campaign. GoPro will be matching all donations to OPS up to 50K! View this GoPro: For a Cause film that celebrates the impact photography and films like The Cove and Racing Extinction can have when a lens is focused on matters of global importance. With GoPro highlighting OPS's work, they hope to inspire more people to exercise their power to help change the world together we can make real difference.
To donate to this Cause please visit: gopro.com/goproforacause/ops |
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SeaWorld to stop breeding orcas following controversy - The 'Blackfish Effect'? The US theme park operator SeaWorld says it is ending its controversial orca breeding programme. The decision means the orcas currently at the parks will be "the last generation", the company said. SeaWorld, which has 12 parks across the US, has faced heavy criticism over alleged poor treatment of its captive orcas, also known as killer whales. Activists have called for the orcas to be released into the wild but SeaWorld claims they would likely die. "For as long as they live, the orcas at SeaWorld will stay in our parks," the company said in a Los Angeles Times op-ed. SeaWorld has previously announced that it will phase out live orca shows. It said on Thursday it would also also scrap plans for a $100 million project called "Blue World" that would have enlarged its orca habitat at SeaWorld San Diego. California Congressman Adam Schiff, who was behind an act designed to phase out orca captivity, said: "These changes are something that advocates have been urging for years and I think SeaWorld will find that visitors will reward their actions with a renewed interest in the parks." SeaWorld's shares rose as much as 6% in morning trading following the announcement. More here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-35829477 SeaWorld's treatment of orcas was highlighted in the 2013 documentaryBlackfish, which focused on a series of violent incidents involving an orca called Tilikum. The film also raised questions over the ethics of breeding programmes and practices such as the separation of calves from their mothers. Since the film was released visitor numbers have fallen at Sea World's main theme parks and its share price has halved. SeaWorld described the film as inaccurate, misleading and exploitative and launched a multi-million dollar marketing campaign to rebuild its reputation. Blackfish director Gabriela Cowperthwaite was quoted by HSUS as saying the decision to end orca breeding represented "truly meaningful change". |
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Star in The Wildlife Trust's 30 Days Wild Film! Last year, our 30 Days Wild film was viewed nearly 200,000 times across the world. This year, we want you to take part...
Fancy yourself as a television star? Want to share your love of the wild with the world? Or maybe you just want to be part of the UK's leading nature challenge? Upload your films here: dropbox.com/sh/rvw1yfcggccv7id/AAAOq0dVUxio_Bv-L5L_9x6Oa?dl=0 We're looking for you to send us your ideas for Random Acts of Wildness - in film form. In no more than 10 seconds, we need you to capture your favourite Random Act of Wildness on camera and upload it to our Dropbox account. Then we'll edit them all together to create a gorgeous, fun and funky film that captures just how amazing wildlife and wild places are - and why you should want to go wild this June. It doesn't matter how good (or bad!) the quality is - a camera phone will do just fine. If you've got footage from last year, that's great, but pick a sunny day if you'd like to film something new. Think about different perspectives, ideas and locations, and get creative:
Try to make sure that there's some audio, too - a short sentence saying what you're doing. Upload your films here. Find out more here: www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild/Film Also read: www.sussexwildlifetrust.org.uk/discover/30-days-wild |
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See how caring caring a mother earwig can be in this Dutch scene by Tim Visser The monther earwig cleans everything from underground after the birth of the earwigs, which usually number about 50 eggs. Of all the insects the earwig stays the longest with her offspring. This is very unique in the insect world..
Visit: www.timvissercreations.com |
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Go fly a kite by Sam Hopes A documentary about black kites (bird of prey) and the issue they face during the Uttarayan Kite Festival in Gujarat, India - kite strings.
Visit: www.samhopes.tv |
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Leonardo DiCaprio: This Is the Video Future Generations Will Be Wishing Everyone Watched Today Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio has advocated for a number of worthy causes, from fighting climate change to the importance of conservation. Now, with a single tweet, the planetary steward shines a light on the colossal environmental impact of animal agriculture.
In his tweet, DiCaprio included a link to a stunning video from Mercy For Animals, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing cruelty to farmed animals, and promoting compassionate food choices and policies. The 4-minute clip, with the tag-line This is the video future generations will be wishing everyone watched today, starts by showing the awe-inspiring, grandeur of our living, breathing planet Earth as well as its incredibly vast biodiversity. It then turns dark as footage rolls of crumbling glaciers and disappearing coastlines, and links these global catastrophes to mankinds insatiable appetite for meat. The video points out that animal agriculture and meat consumption is the number one cause of environmental destruction, species extinction and ocean “dead zones”. The agricultural industry has consumed one-third of all fresh water and has destroyed 91 percent of the Amazon. The video, however, ends on a good note. Its message, She is our mother, there is only one, she is dying, she can be saved, urges us all to help save our struggling ecosystems before its too late. Watch here:
The Hollywood superstar is also the executive producer of Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret, a searing documentary about animal agriculture and its contribution to environmental ill, as well as Big Ag turning a blind eye to the disaster in the making. Read more: ecowatch.com |
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150 Wild Buffalo Captured at Yellowstone!On March 8 and March 9, Yellowstone National Park organized a media tour of their Stephens Creek bison trap, where 150 wild buffalo were being held captive for slaughter and potentially quarantine. All of what you see taking place here is paid for with your federal tax dollars. Some of the footage was shot by Buffalo Field Campaign’s Mike Mease and some was captured by the park service’s GoPro cameras..
Read more: ecowatch.com |
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ZooMoo premieres in China to wild success ZooMoo Animal Friends, a 60 part children’s series, premiered last month on CCTV14 in China to a massive 252 million viewers. Co-produced by ZooMoo Networks and CCTV, ZooMoo Animal Friends aired on prime time daily from 8 February 2016. It was the number one show in the country in its time slot in the 4-14 year old demo and, with a 2.27% audience share, won the top ranked show across the demo. The show was watched by 72.68 Million kids aged 4-14; the second largest group were 25-34 year old people with an audience of 41.94 Million. The series continues to air weekly, with more episodes in the pipeline. Mr. Zhuang Dianjun, head of CCTV Kids, says the ratings reflect the perfect matching of wildlife content with this age group and the appeal of the original characters. “In the trial screenings, we found Chinese kids loved the content, just as they love nature and animals. The ratings are validation of identifying that niche on our channel.” ZooMoo Networks Head of Programming Karin Simoncini was thrilled by the response to the Chinese adapted content. “We expected the series to do well, but to have such outstanding ratings on its very first outing was terrific. An audience of 252 Million unique viewers made of kids and adults is hard to beat.” Originally conceived as a standalone channel, ZooMoo was repackaged into 60 half-hour episodes co-produced by ZooMoo Networks, its creative team at New Zealand-based NHNZ, and CCTV. The series includes successful global ZooMoo show Lost!, as well as original Panda and Snub-Nosed Monkey puppet content, Chinese animation showcasing local stories and originally composed songs that creatively combine traditional Chinese and modern music styles. CEO of ZooMoo Networks International David Haslingden developed the channel in 2012, having identified a gap in the market for children’s programming dedicated to the animal kingdom. “It is remarkably satisfying to know that our uniquely created content is being seen by so many of China’s young. Our intention with ZooMoo is to engage young viewers with our wild world and to help them celebrate the animal kingdom.” ZooMoo is available in over 20 territories across Latin America, the United States, Asia and the Pacific. Visit: www.asia.zoomoo.tv |
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FOX Launches New NHNZ Programmes at MIPTV Fox will be launching the second season of NHNZs ocean wildlife series Our Big Blue Backyard alongside the second season of Wild 24, and a brand new series Extreme Animal Babies at MIPTV 2016 in April. Our Big Blue Backyard (5 x hrs) explores unique marine locations around New Zealands coastline, revealing the daily dramas, challenges and triumphs of the marine animals that live in these neighbourhoods - from iconic orca, penguins and sharks through to blue cod, snapper and crayfish and all in between. Wild 24 (6 x hrs) focusses on various characters through a day in locations around the world: New Zealand, Brazil, India, South Seas, the Equator and Australia. The new series Extreme Animal Babies (6 x hrs) reveals the characters of the worlds most engaging animal babies be they daredevils, family fighters, fussy eaters or troublemakers. The first series of both Our Big Blue Backyard and Wild 24 have been high selling properties, with terrific appeal to global audiences, says Foxs Vice President of Content & Marketing, Connie Hodson. Our Big Blue Backyard is a stunning production, with engaging storytelling and intimate access to marine animals in their natural habitats; we are excited to have our hands on the second season. Wild 24 combines a compelling narrative, with quality archive, giving an insight into the daily routine of wildlife around the world. And we have high expectations with the Extreme Animal Babies a delightful romp through the wild nurseries of the world. NHNZ Managing Director Kyle Murdoch says its hugely satisfying to have these series launching at MIPTV. Our production teams have been working around the clock to get these shows out the door, and its always rewarding to have such volume hit the market arena. Our Big Blue Backyard is being produced for TVNZ, funded by NZ on Air Platinum fund, and Wild 24 and Extreme Animal Babies are co-productions for Nat Geo Wild International. Visit: www.nhnz.tv |
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new release on Touchline from Jez riley French! march saw the release of Jez's my new album 'three scores' on the Touch label's digital Touchline series. The album features:
recordings from Italy and Iceland available as a digital download, with pdf artwork, here: www.touch33.net/touchline/jez_riley_french_1.html :) Listen to an extract here:
Visit: jezrileyfrench.blogspot.com & hydrophones.blogspot.com |
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A really wild interview with Chris Packham Rewildline Britain Director, Helen Meech, recently had a chance to interview TV presenter and rewilding advocate, Chris Packham, about his views on rewilding and hopes for the future. How is rewilding different from traditional nature conservation?
Read more here: www.rewildingbritain.org.uk/magazine/an-interview-with-chris-packham
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Music Box Buys Nature Documentary Seasons by Winged Migration Filmmakers Music Box Films has bought the U.S. rights to Seasons (Les Saisons), the latest documentary from filmmakers Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud. Perrin and Cluzaud were the co-directors of 2001s Winged Migration, which was nominated for an Academy Award, and 2010s Oceans. Seasons has opened in France to strong box office. Music Box Films plans a fall release in the U.S. More: www.variety.com |
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Plimsoll preps 'Camp Zambia' for SVODSVOD services Love Nature and Smithsonian Earth have partnered with Deadly Instincts producer Plimsoll Productions to launch 'Camp Zambia,' a two-year natural history project aiming to capture the breadth of African wildlife in 4K. Read more: Realscreen.com |
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Plimsoll Productions ups three
UK indie Plimsoll Productions has elevated three senior members of its creative team, including Martha Holmes (pictured, left), Kate Beetham (center) and Karen Plumb (right). Holmes has been upped to head of wildlife, where she will continue to focus on landmark wildlife series including ITV’s Life at the Extreme with Davina McCall, Discovery’s Predators Up Close and Nat Geo’s Deadly Instincts. Prior to joining Plimsoll, Holmes served as series producer with the BBC Natural History Unit and is credited with producing such series as the BAFTA-winning Blue Planet and Life in the Freezer.. Read more: Realscreen.com |
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Golden Gate, BBC Earth to produce 3D "Cuba"
BBC Earth and producer-distributor Giant Screen Films have partnered with San Francisco prodco Golden Gate 3D to produce a large format film on the island nation. The film will provide audiences with a three-dimensional venture across Cuban landscapes, while also heading under the ocean’s currents to explore coral reefs. Additionally, the feature-length documentary will take viewers on a natural history and cultural journey into the heart of Havana as seen through the eyes of Cuban artists, historians and scientists. More here: Realscreen.com |
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TVF International sends "Wild City: Singapore" abroad
The London-based distributor has sent the Beach House Pictures-made blue-chip wildlife series Wild City: Singapore (pictured) to broadcasters across the UK, Europe and Australia. Wild City: Singapore journeys across the island city-state to explore hidden wildlife hotspots. The docuseries, narrated by David Attenborough, surveys the country’s interior as well as its inaccessible coastline and islands. More here: Realscreen.com |
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Gordon Buchanan: from Springwatch to wrestling giant anacondasHe’s spent 20 years filming the world’s wonders, but the presenter has just faced his toughest challenge yet: living with hunters in the Amazon and Kalahari. Gordon Buchanan has just got out of hospital. With malaria. Yes, the man who makes his living chasing lions, wrestling giant anaconda and hauling crocodiles has been brought down by that most tiny of beasts – the mosquito. “I’m not going to say I think I was dying,” he tells me, “but I imagine people who are dying feel a lot like that.” In his current documentary series,Tribes, Predators and Me, Buchanan joins the world’s most remote tribes to observe how they live alongside nature’s most deadly predators. He joins a Waorani family in Ecuador’s Amazon jungle as they hunt for anaconda as part of a strength-giving ritual, visits the bushmen of the Kalahari who live among lions, and travels up the Sepik river in Papua New Guinea to learn how the Ngala call and hunt for crocodiles in the mud. Buchanan has spent over 20 years capturing the world’s wonders as a wildlife film-maker, from recording back-garden foxes in Springwatch to spending a year living with the black bears of Minnesota in The Bear Family and Me. His transformation from cameraman to presenter led famously to footage of him being brought to tears when he discovered tigers living above 3,000m in the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan. Read more: www.theguardian.com |
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John Craven to host daily Countryfile as record viewers flock to Sunday showBBC veteran joins Jules Hudson, Paul Martin and Keeley Donovan on weekday spin-off series, as main show celebrates biggest-ever audience of 8.6 million! It has conquered Sunday nights and now BBC1’s Countryfile will look to do the same on weekday TV after John Craven was confirmed as presenter of its new daily spin-off, Countryfile Diaries. Read more: www.theguardian.com |
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Interview: BBC presenter Kate Humble on growing up wild The BBC television presenter tells Sarah Lazarus that she got her big break by mistake. BAD HAIR DAY - I got into TV presenting by mistake. After I returned from travelling, I started work as a production assistant on a show called Animal Hospital. I absolutely loved it. After that I was asked to work on the Holiday programme. On my second day, my boss called me into his office and asked if I'd be interested in presenting. I wasn't, but they asked if I would do a screen test. I had to walk along the banks of the River Thames, talking to camera and interviewing people. I had huge 1980s hair and it was a very windy day and it was blowing everywhere. I assumed nothing would come of it but some time later my boss said, "We'd like you to go to France and present a piece on a barge in Normandy. And please do something about your hair." Full interview here: www.scmp.com |
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"Giants," "Borders" win at Int'l Elephant Film Festival Vulcan Productions and Off the Fence's Mind of Giants (pictured) and Afriscreen Films' Elephants Without Borders were among the films honored at this year's International Elephant Film Festival. More here: Realscreen.com |
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Virginia McKenna to receive "Inspiring Lives Award" at San Francisco Green Film Festival The star of the classic 1966 wildlife film Born Free, Virginia McKenna OBE, will be the special guest at this year's 6th San Francisco Green Film Festival on its closing night, April 20. The actress is one of the world's leading wildlife conservation leaders, and co-founder of Born Free USA and Born Free Foundation. This will be her first visit to the U.S. from the U.K as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the film and Born Free's 2016 Year of the Lion campaign. More here: www.bornfreeusa.org |
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Nat Geo readies "Origins," Bunim/Murray's "Earth Live!" A live natural history special and the Jason Silva-hosted (pictured) evolution program Origins are among the titles unveiled at a National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo Wild upfront presentation in New York today (March 15). More here: Realscreen.com |
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Mersea Island - The Wild Edge Of Essex by Mat Larkin A documentary celebrating the wildlife of Mersea Island, the most easterly inhabited island in the United Kingdom. Marsh harriers, watervoles, red squirrels, and numerous wintering birds are just a few of the species featured.
Visit: www.whitetipmedia.co.uk |
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