The Wildeye Filmmaking course in Norfolk was well aimed at people who want to get into the business, a little less so at artists learning specific skills they want to learn (but I am doing that bit later, one-to-one). It was interesting to see how different the motivations were, and so how you might plan your work and what your expectations were. The emphasis was on telling a story, in which shots of wild animals may or may not take centre stage.
They showed lots of different styles of film and we discussed what worked and what didn’t. Leader of Wildeye Piers Warren was clearly motivated by conservation – I’m up for that. It was interesting to talk about the 50+ years that the Beeb and Attenborough have resisted ‘adulterating’ the wild beauty of their films with political content, while all the wildlife filmmakers were gagging to make the message more clear. However brilliant the films were, the worst devastation of our wildlife has coincided with them, so clearly the message was not getting through. The Blue Planet effect was much discussed – finally Atters presented a clear message, and it has made a difference. Perhaps we need Wildlife Propaganda films! Not quite what my ant film is up to… but food for thought…
On day one, alongside lots of theory, we each had a go at presenting, directing, camera operation, assisting, sound recording, gimbel operation. Then practiced ‘establishing shots’ ‘mid shots’ and ‘closeups’ plus panning and tilting. I was working with the very patient Guinevere the tortoise. They move a lot faster than you think when you are trying to prejudge where they’re headed, that’s for sure. Hence the ‘Erm, tricks of the trade’ shot!
On day two, alongside more theory, we went to Pensthorpe, a nature reserve and wetland centere where Springwatch has been filmed before. We were tasked with trying to tell a story… which is remarkably hard in 25 mins.
One super useful thing I learnt was the obvious but crucial difference between a video tripod and a stills tripod – the video tripod has smooth balance movement controls.. why have I never been told that before? So that’s why my panning shots have been jerky, urgh. Time to spend some cash.
