It has been a while since I have blogged… Sorry, I have been quiet. I have been on a film shoot this week. I can't say much about this project, other than I am in Texas, and it is my first blue-chip film, which I am over the moon about. Through the years, the TV projects I have been involved in have all been host-driven or reality-based wildlife films. This one is my first full-on David Attenborough style show. Where wildlife is doing what wildlife does with a narrator. This is a big deal for me since I have been working towards this for a long time.
Female nilgai jumping across the road.
So here I am, with 5 AM wake-ups and long full days out in nature seeking out wildlife. I can share a few of the images I have captured of some of the animals I have seen out here, which have nothing to do with the project or what we are doing. These are all Texas natives, except for the nilgai, which is an invasive species. I keep my camera around, snapping images during the down time and when I can of any animals that pop out of the bush and surprise us during the day.
Finally, getting to work on one of these shows is everything I dreamed and expected it to be; it is hard work trying to capture animal behavior - with a camera that is properly framed and focused, with the record button on. Capturing behavior is really hard, so my hats off to all the wildlife filmmakers for the magic they have brought to the world throughout the years. For that I say thank you for the art and inspiration.
Javalina. These little guys where not afraid of me,
The weather has been a big issue this week, my beloved Texas sun can be draining, and the wind has been harsh, and all of us despise the deer ticks we sometimes pick up from the tall grass… except for Christian, he doesn't seem to care. Lol. This is all part of the wildlife filmmaker's journey, and I am on fire and super happy that I am finally getting to be a part of it. I love it all, especially being around animals all day - truly a dream come true.
(Below Images; Getting a shot of a juvenile Texas tortoise. To try and capture a perfect image, you need to get low. )
White-tailed deer.
Don’t get me wrong, I am crazy obsessed about the trips for SDM that I lead, but this is a different kind of wildlife experience because I am never anywhere long enough to get to know the wildlife, except Tiger Beach. When we visit a place, we are there for maybe 5 or 6 days, and then we are off to the following location. All we get to do is taste an area, it is never long enough to get to know an animal, or its behaviors and habits. Working on a film like this, I am learning intimate details about animals and their behaviors. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!
Female White-tailed deer.
Male nilgai.
Anyway, I wanted to update you guys on what I am up to. If you have tried to contact me during this time, I apologize if I have been slow to respond. The shoot is almost over, and I will get back to emails and upcoming expeditions for SDM shortly. For now, I am going to enjoy every second I have out here, learning as much as I can from the animals and the amazing crew that I have the privilege to work with on this project. When I get the green light I will share more about this show and what we are up to. I also promise to get back to blogging and sharing with you guys, much sooner than later.
until the next one… thank you guys for reading.
With the crew this week. Christian Von Preysing (TV Journalist and adventurer), and Tom Fitz (6 time Emmy winning Wildlife filmmaker.). It’s been an honor working with you guys.