This week on Peace Parks TV, we’ve taken you along on an eland translocation in one of the most difficult locations on Earth. This recent translocation project has seen a herd of 95 eland, Africa’s second largest antelope, translocated from Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary to Zinave and Maputo national parks. The ever-present challenges presented by Mozambique’s thick sand and overgrown bush have served up one massive adventure, and thanks to our dedicated film crew, you haven’t missed a second of it!
But being in the right place at the right time when nature is at play takes a lot of experience, mistakes, and a bucket-load of patience. This is what it takes to be a conservation filmmaker!
A Little Different to Showbiz
Now, being a conversation filmmaker looks a little different to what you might have seen before in typical showbiz. Instead of a large crew, heavy equipment, lights, studios and boom poles, the cameras are often lighter and more compact, the sun is your light, and sticking to a storyboard is often near impossible.
Being a Conservation Filmmaker
When filming nature, a ‘run and gun’ style is typically employed, which requires great flexibility and nimbleness. This is because the footage being captured needs to show the reality of the conservation work in an unscripted and unchoreographed manner which often leads to some precarious situations, such as hiding behind a tree for camouflage, taking cover to protect their equipment from dust clouds or climbing on trucks to get as close to the action as possible.
An Inspiration to Us All
It’s not always easy to plan when working in nature, but our crews are the best at what they do. They collect the shots that connect the world with Africa’s wild spaces, instilling a passion for supporting conservation for years to come.
Thank you to all the guys and girls who have dedicated their lives to sharing conservation stories – you continue to keep us all inspired!
