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WILDLIFE FILMING COURSE
Wildlife films have a very important role in the conservation of the natural world around us. They can bring awareness of the beauty and fragility of nature to the masses and hopefully raise important conservation issues whilst inspiring people to want to protect and conserve this wonderful planet we all share.
To watch wildlife documenturies on National Geographic Channel is one thing, to actually track and follow that herd of elephant to make your own film is another! Whether an aspiring wildlife film-maker or an enthusiastic amateur, the experience gained will be like no other. The Wildlife Filming Course offers a unique opportunity that will show you how to understand and approach the animals you wish to film. You will learn and develop new skills with the guidance of a professional wildlife cameraman to enable you to capture the true beauty and energy of Africa in the unspoilt bushveld of the Greater Kruger National Park.
Become the new Hugo van Lawick or David Attenborough and take home more than just memories…
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Course outline:
Day one
- Arrive at camp
- Welcome introduction to cameraman, guide and course leader
- Bush safety and camp rules
Day two
- Morning game drive - bush familiarisation and bush behaviour on vehicle
- Characteristics of a good wildlife cameraman
- Formats, quality and styles - hands on look at professional cameras
- Importance of framing, lighting and audio
Day three
- Lighting - choose subject and film at different times of the day
- Game drive/bush walk - practical sound recording
- Importance of first aid and knowledge of animal behaviour
- Critique session - view and discuss footage shot
Day four
- Choosing a subject - look at behaviour and habitat of the animal, time of year etc.
- Basic tracking with guide looking at tracks surrounding the camp
- Night game drive - night lighting
- Critique session - view and discuss footage shot
Day five
- Morning game drive/bush walk - practical filming of chosen subject
- Shooting for an editor - creating a story
- Task - making a 2 min short film
Day six
- View and download footage onto laptop for editing
- Own time to relax and enjoy the camp
- Afternoon game drive - practical filming
Day seven
- Theory of editing and software used in the industry
- Practical editing of individual two minute bush movies
- Night game drive/bush walk - own time filming
- Final dinner and viewing of completed bush movies
Day eight
Please note:
The above course outline is subject to change due to certain factors which my be out of the course leader's control. A degree of flexibility is vital due to nature's unpredictability.
Accommodation:
The course is rotated between two beautiful private bush camps, both situated within the Greater Kruger National Park. Accommodation consists of four twin, ensuite bedrooms, based on two people sharing. Each camp has a swimming pool and lookout point overlooking a waterhole with spectacular views of the bush. All linen is provided. Sleep outs in the bush may be possible, therefore a sleeping bag is recommended.
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Facilities:
| Swimming pool | Mini bar (cash only) | Laundry |
| Viewpoint over waterhole/river | Lounge/Lapa |
Price includes:
Accommodation
3 meals a day (breakfast and lunch self catering, dinner provided)
Tea, coffee, juice, fruit
Course program
Game drives
Transport to and from the project
Not included:
Alcohol, soft drinks and snacks purchased at the mini bar
Laundry, which will be done for a nominal fee
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Equipment requirements:
Please note that although professional equipment will be available to practice on you are required to bring your own camcorder and any other related equipment including batteries, chargers and spare tape.
Communication access:
Due to the unique location of the course, landlines are unavailable at camp nor is there a signal for mobile phones. However, alternative arrangements can be made on request.
Group size and Age:
For the best possible experience for both the animals and humans the course is limited to a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 6 students. This allows us to maintain a more personal experience. Groups can be made up of individuals, couples as well as a small group of friends aged between 18 and 65. Due to the physical nature and youthful mentality which prevails on the course it would be generally unsuited for those over the age of 65 years.
Course duration: 8 days
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