I'm happy to say I've got another fantastic episode to share with you all and this one is a little different--we're talking about how the worlds of photography and videography interact and the frequently occurring transition between the two.
If you like my summary below of the key talking points, you'll love the full episode which you can listen to here: The Wild Photographer Podcast.
Without further adieu, here are the takeaways!
This episode was a dive into the world of wildlife filmmaking with none other than Jake Willers. Jake is a renowned filmmaker who has worked with giants like BBC and National Geographic. He started his career in photography but has since become a master of videography. We had an incredible discussion about his journey, the nuances of filmmaking, and practical advice for those looking to make the leap from stills to moving pictures. Here’s a breakdown of our conversation and the invaluable insights Jake shared.
From Punk Photography to National Geographic
Jake’s story begins like many of ours: with a love for photography. He started off young, capturing images with a Zenith 35mm film camera, learning his craft in a darkroom. But his career took a serendipitous turn when he was "discovered" while working at a wildlife park. A production company visited, saw his charisma with the animals, and offered him a chance to film a pilot. Months later, he found himself hosting a six-part series for National Geographic, launching him into the world of videography.
What’s fascinating about Jake’s journey is the way he adapted his storytelling skills from photography to filmmaking. He shared how video isn’t just about shooting 24 or 30 frames per second but about creating a narrative that brings viewers into the scene, a skill he honed by observing animal behavior and blending it seamlessly with the visual medium.
The Power of Storytelling in Filmmaking
One of the key takeaways from our chat was Jake’s emphasis on storytelling. He acknowledged that storytelling is a challenge even for experienced photographers. It’s an area I, too, find challenging, and we discussed how it’s an ongoing learning process.
Jake’s philosophy on storytelling centers on making complex scientific information accessible and engaging for the public. His goal is to convey scientific research through compelling narratives, helping to translate the often technical language of research into something everyone can understand. He shared an anecdote about Rick Rosenthal, a renowned marine biologist and filmmaker, who realized that while only a handful of people might read his scientific papers, millions could watch his films. This realization fuels Jake’s passion for using filmmaking as a powerful tool for conservation.
Planning for Success: The Shot List
Pre-production is king in Jake’s world. He explained his process of creating two critical shot lists before heading into the field: the Essentials List and the Ultimate List. The Essentials List covers the must-have shots required to tell the story. Without these, the project can’t be completed. The Ultimate List includes dream shots that would elevate the project but aren’t necessary. This approach helps set realistic expectations and prevents the frustration of missing shots that aren’t crucial.
Jake also emphasized the importance of understanding image sequences. Unlike photography, where a single picture can tell a complete story, videography requires a series of images to convey a narrative. He uses a tool called the Image Sequence Breakdown, which helps aspiring filmmakers analyze shot sequences from their favorite documentaries. By logging every shot, filmmakers can start to see patterns and understand how to build a narrative visually.
The Art of Capturing the Right Shot
Jake offered a wealth of practical tips for capturing compelling footage in the field. One of his standout pieces of advice was about building shot sequences. For instance, if you’re filming a bee visiting a flower, don’t just get one shot and move on. Instead, capture multiple angles: a front shot, a profile shot, and perhaps even a close-up of the pollen sacs. This variety allows you to create a richer, more engaging sequence in the edit.
He also highlighted the importance of working at eye level with wildlife. This approach creates a more immersive experience for the viewer, making them feel like they’re right there with the animal. Whether he’s filming black bears or butterflies, Jake uses techniques like mini tripods to get low and maintain a stable shot while being at the animal’s eye level.
Audio: The Unsung Hero of Filmmaking
When it comes to filmmaking, audio is at least half the equation. Jake shared that even the most stunning visuals won’t save a film if the audio is poor. For beginners, he recommended starting with natural sound recorded on an onboard microphone. While it might not be studio-quality, capturing the ambient sounds of a forest or the gentle buzz of bees can enhance the viewer’s experience.
He also discussed the layers of audio in professional filmmaking, from natural sound to voiceovers and music. Even if you don’t have a big budget for sound mixing, focusing on capturing good environmental audio can significantly elevate your project.
Lessons from the Field
We couldn’t wrap up without touching on some of Jake’s recent high-profile projects, including filming sequences for Planet Earth 3 and a new BBC series, Mammals. He shared some behind-the-scenes insights about the challenges of filming urban black bears in Lake Tahoe. Despite having a clear shot list and high expectations, he faced the unpredictability of wildlife, proving that even with a big budget, nature is always the one in control.
One of the biggest lessons Jake emphasized was the importance of passion in filmmaking. The industry can be tough, especially during downturns, but those who are genuinely passionate about telling stories will find ways to persevere. His advice for aspiring filmmakers is to focus on the stories that excite them and to practice relentlessly, even if it’s just filming in your own backyard.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey
Jake’s journey from photographer to filmmaker is a testament to the power of curiosity and adaptability. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out in video, his insights offer a roadmap for elevating your craft. As Jake said, “You’re always making lemonade.” Conditions aren’t always ideal, but with the right mindset, preparation, and a bit of creativity, you can tell incredible stories.
Until next time, keep your cameras ready and your passion burning. This is Court Whelan, signing off from The Wild Photographer.
Stay wild, and keep capturing the magic of our natural world.
Court
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