Open course: Wildlife Filmmaking
Semester: 201730 - Summer: 2018/2019
COURSE DETAILS:
Requirements: Basic level of photography and/or video production, good speaking and comprehension level of English. ¡Be motivated for adventure, video and respect for nature!
DESCRIPTION OF THE COURSE:
Marine Life Filmmaking in Machalilla National Park immerses students in every aspect of producing a natural history marine life film in a protected area and unique location. From conceiving and researching a compelling and producible story; to writing a script, making a shot-list, operating a camera, shooting in the jungle, and video editing. Working in the legendary Machalilla National Park students will film his or her individual short movie and then edit it together, all under the supervision of an Emmy award winning wildlife filmmaker, Andy Mitchell.
And there’s more! A previous diving course with international certification provided by Exploramar Diving will take place with the guidance of Michel Guerrero, acknowledged professor and unique manta ray scientist of Ecuador. Him and his team will provide a theorical-pragmatic course in Quito and will lead you during underwater footage development in the Isla de la Plata, also known as little Galapagos.
Learning Objectives
| Nro | Learning Objects | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Understand and apply the do’s and dont’s of marine and wildlife filmmaking in a protected area (and any area). | Initial/Intermediate |
| 2 | Prepare a story and produce a short wildlife video. | Initial / Intermediate |
| 3 | Post-Produce (write and edit) a short wildlife video. | Final |
| 4 | Respect and protect all plant species, animals, and your team. | All |
Benefits
- Upgrade your CV!
- Create a network of friends and contacts in the field.
- Visualize your work in an open exhibit.
- DOUBLE certification: International Diving Certificate and USFQ’s Certificate of participation.
Over the 9-day course students will,
- Each student will have the opportunity to make his or her own individual marine and wildlife short movie.
- Learn to set dynamic, but achievable goals in the planning and design of a natural history film.
- Get hands-on tips for shooting wildlife from an experienced National Geographic, Discovery, Animal Planet and others cinematographer.
- Learn tricks to shooting a complete sequence (how to keep the editor happy.)
- Shoot in a remote and unique jungle location.
- Get insight into the real-world of marine and wildlife filmmaking from industry professionals.
- Respect and protect all plant species, animals and the team.
Contents of the course
Module 1. Introduction to Diving
Topic 1.1 Theory (conservation of marine protected areas when diving)
Topic 1.2 Practice
Module 2. Getting started
Topic 2.1 Preparing a story
Topic 2.2 Do’s and Don’t when shooting wildlife
Topic 2.3 Capturing a complete story
Module 3. Producing Wildlife Takes
Topic 3.1 Selection Strategies
Topic 3.2 Research Topics and Content
Topic 3.3 Writing and Editing a wildlife story
Evaluation
| Type of Evaluation | Details |
|---|---|
| Formative | All activities will be discussed with the students to promote their auto-evaluation and co-evaluation of their performance. |
| Final production | All students should count with their own takes and material to finish post-production in order to be awarded a certificate. |
Main References
Useful information that may aid you to start your research on the diversity of species and its context:
Parque Nacional Machalilla. http://areasprotegidas.ambiente.gob.ec/es/areas-protegidas/parque-nacional-machalilla
Webpages Ministry of Environment:
Parque Nacional Machalilla. http://www.machalillanationalpark.com
Complementary Bibliography:
Palmer, C. (2015). Confessions of a wildlife filmmaker: The challenges of staying honest in an industry where ratings are king. Philadelphia, PA: Bluefield.
You can find an economical 'Kindle' version at the following link
Westwood, M., & Warren, P. (2015). Conservation Film-Making: How to make films that make a difference. United Kingdom: Wildeye.
You can find an economical 'Kindle' version at the following link
Work equipment required
For a more independent and better learning experience, you must bring:
- Go Pro or photo or video camera with housing.
- Spare batteries and all the film or memory you expect to use
- Hard drive (500 GB or greater are suggested)
- Underwater flashlight or diving light
Suggested optional accessories:
- Macro lens, wide angles or fisheye with its respective housing
- Tripod or underwater steadycam for Go Pro
- Audio recorder or microphone
- Any other you think necessary
Note: We can lend you a Go Pro camera if you do not have one. However, the quantity and quality of these are limited. It is recommended that you book in advance through de fviteri@usfq.edu.ec.
Outwear and more
Things to Bring:
- Passport or I.D.
- Rain gear (have it at hand during boat trips)
- 1 pair of long pants, fast drying - preferably not jeans
- A long-sleeve shirt or two
- A pair of shorts
- Two swim suits
- An extra towel (if you expect to swim a lot)
- Rubber boots for hikes (can be loaned by Exploramar Diving)
- Sandals or other shoes for use in camp
- Sun glasses, a hat, sun screen
- Insect repellent
- Binoculars (optional)
- A flashlight or headlamp (with extra or rechargeable batteries)
- A water bottle
- A pocket knife
- A cigarette lighter (even if you don't smoke, it could be handy)
- A small day pack or book bag
- Other toiletries or pharmaceutical supplies that you need or might need periodically
- Anti-fungal or baby powder
- Plastic bags (life savers for cameras in a downpour)
- Snacks for yourself
- Alarm clock
Rules and policies
Student must respect the land, plants and animals, as well as all of their fellow filmmakers, teacher, and research station staff at all times. Be aware of their peers. Take care of all equipment. Be responsible for his or her own safety, and help others do the same. Leave every location clean and exactly as it was found.
- Sort trash out.
- No one is allowed on trails alone.
- Alcoholic beverages and illegal drugs are forbidden (there might be security controls).
- Vegetarians / vegan must indicate so in advance and remain vegetarian during the trip. Food cannot be changed.
- Be financially responsible for damages to the property.
All courses are governed by the USFQ student handbook which can be downloaded at Student Handbook.
COMPLAINTS
In case of complaints or disputes within the course please refer first to your teacher and try to work things out. If this is not possible, please refer to Fatima Viteri, fviteri@usfq.edu.ec.
Activities schedule
| DATE | TOP ACTIVITIES | ASISIGNMENTS |
|---|---|---|
|
July 5th and 6th |
Introductory session: physics, physiology and diving gear. Skills and Environmental Issues. Exploramar Diving. | Prepare for adventure, learning and an intense schedule! |
| Saturday, July 7th (7h – 12h) |
Module 1. Diving practice and skills (Concentración Deportiva de Pichincha facilities), Quito |
Review the main references and make a previous research to come up with one or two story ideas. |
| Sunday, July 8th | Day trip to Puerto Lopez, Manabi (6h30 meeting in USFQ’s main entrance, arrival 16h) | Rest and enjoy the bus trip as much as possible! Pre-production meeting. |
| Monday, July 9th | Diving wildlife footage development near Isla de la Plata | Footage review and production plan adjustments |
| Tuesday, July 10th | Producción Second underwater shoot near Isla de la Plata Production phase |
Evening footage review Adjust plan to maximize final day |
| Wednesday, July 11th | Production Shoot in forest and Ayampe beach | Evening footage review Adjust plan to maximize final day |
| Thursday, July 12th | Final shoot day topside wildlife and marine life shoot in Isla de la Plata, guided tour. | Evening footage review Prepare trip back to Quito. |
| Friday, July 13th | Trip to Quito (approx. departure time 8h, approx. arrival 16h) | Take a rest |
| Saturday, July 14th | Start post-production the USFQ’s computer labs (class to be confirmed), 9h – 17h | |
| Sunday, July 15th | Edition 9h – 17h |
|
| Monday, July 16 | Edition 9h – 17h |
|
| Tuesday, July 17 | Exhibition (time and place to be confirmed), closing dinner / certificate submission. | You may use the lab until 17h, if required ¡Congratulations! |
Conoce al profesor
Andy Knight Mitchell has worked as a Director of Photography, Producer, Writer and Editor for National Geographic Television’s Natural History Unit, Discovery Channel, Smithsonian, PBS and Animal Planet for the past 20 years. During that time, he’s filmed on over 100 productions, spanning every corner of the globe, and was a recipient of the 2011 and 2013 Emmy Awards for outstanding cinematography.
Note from the teacher
Wildlife filmmaking is one of the most rewarding jobs on the planet. Traveling the world and telling stories about nature, animals, and the people working to save them is such a privilege. Teaching what I’ve learned to others is also a passion. I look forward to meeting and working with an amazing class
More amazing information about Andy: http://akmitchell.com/
Further information, please contact: Fatima Viteri, fviteri@usfq.edu.ec, +593 2 297 1700 ext. 1377
Costos
| Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| All participants | $990,oo USD |
| Any participant with an authorized diving license | $800,oo USD |
If you already count with a diver’s authorized certification, you’ll get a discount. Contact fviteri@usfq.edu.ec
1. PAYMENTS
Full deposit
Deposit or money transfer to (in Ecuador, if it’s an international deposit please contact fviteri@usfq.edu.ec):
To the account of Universidad San Francisco de Quito
Current account: Banco Bolivariano N. 5075003350 RUC: 1791836154001
Current account: Banco Pichincha 3218036504
To Universidad San Francisco de Quito
Tarjeta de Crédito
Credit card: Up to three months without taxes in national cards (Visa, American Express, Master Card, Diners Club from Pichincha Bank)
Note. In case of international deposit, transfer or credit, please contact Fatima Viteri, fviteri@usfq.edu.ec
2. REGISTRATION
a. Please fill the form and get registered in the course in the following link: https://www.usfq.edu.ec/eventos/cursofilmacion/Paginas/default.aspx
b. Please upload an image of your payment in the following link so you will get a receipt https://btnpagos.usfq.edu.ec/pagos/eventos.aspx?adm=810110166
IMPORTANT NOTE. It’s important to be healthy or not to have serious heart, ear, nose or throat conditions.
ONLY 13 PLACES AVAILABLE
The fee includes:
- Course + exhibition
- Round trip Quito-Tiputini-Quito
- Accommodation in Puerto Lopez
- Breakfast, Dinner, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in Puerto Lopez
- Snacks during lab work
- Closing dinner
The fee doesn’t include
Lunch in Quito
Cancellation Policy:
Attendance may be canceled 10 days prior to July 5 to receive a 100% refund. Cancellations nine to five days prior to July 5 will receive a 40% refund. Cancellations four to one day prior to July 5 are not eligible for a refund due to logistical reasons.
RESTAURANTS
There is a great diversity of restaurants nearby the university facilities for all tastes and budgets.
ACCOMMODATION IN QUITO
If required, there are two suggested accommodation options within minutes to the university, as follows:
Sumaq Kay Hotel (within 3 minutes by taxi to USFQ, 15 minutes walking distance). It’s located in front of a great shopping mall ‘La Scala’. Very quiet.https://www.facebook.com/sumaqkayHotel
Hotel Cumbayá ( 7 minutes walking distance , 1 minute by cab). Located in the center of Cumbayá (neighborhood), withing walking distance to restaurants and small grocery stores. Somewhat noisy. https://www.hotelcumbaya.com.ec
Other recommendation:www.airbnb.com