
Introduction To Wildlife Film Making:
Because there’s more to film making than switching your camera to video mode!
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Northumberland
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2024 Dates Releasing Soon
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This workshop is also available on request: min 1 - max 3 film makers
Inspired by watching wildlife programs on TV?
Want to create your own film, but not sure where to start?
This workshop is for you!
BBC film maker and natural history presenter Trai Anfield developed the Video Pioneers wildlife film making workshops to increase your confidence in planning what to film, which shots to get, how to shoot them on your dslr, and how to edit your footage into an engaging and impressive film. Let us take you and your DSLR on a journey into the next dimension!
Introduction To Wildlife Film Making:
Because there’s more to film making than switching your camera to video mode!​
Northumberland
​
2023 Dates Releasing Soon
​
This workshop is also available on request: min 1 - max 3 film makers
Inspired by watching wildlife programs on TV?
Want to create your own film, but not sure where to start?
This workshop is for you!
BBC film maker and natural history presenter Trai Anfield developed the Video Pioneers wildlife film making workshops to increase your confidence in planning what to film, which shots to get, how to shoot them on your dslr, and how to edit your footage into an engaging and impressive film. Let us take you and your DSLR on a journey into the next dimension!
Kingfisher - a short film shot on a recent recce trip for our Video Pioneers workshops.
Next Scheduled Date
Northumberland
NEW DATES ANNOUNCED SOON!
Also available On Request All Year Round (min 1 - max 3 film makers)
2 day introductory workshop on producing natural history films with your DSLR, video camera or even your iPhone
Workshop Min 2, Max 3 film makers
Tutor: Trai Anfield
On this introduction to natural history videography workshop we explore all aspects of the production process that make for great wildlife film making: from camera settings to storyboarding, filming your subject with the final edit in mind, and even how to direct a multi camera wildlife shoot. Then of course we bring it all together in our final edit!
We explore a range of cutting edge filming techniques, so when you next head out into the wild you'll be ready to produce something special to show the folks back home - a wildlife documentary with your name on the credits.
We start this introductory level workshop with a session exploring story development, shot selection, camera settings and filming techniques at our favourite Bird of Prey and Reptile centre. Then we set up a bespoke filming habitat suitable and authentic for the animals and birds we will be working with on each day. We have exclusive access to a fantastic range of native British raptors and owls, both static and in flight, in a variety of gorgeous natural settings. The birds, and our collection of reptiles and insects, are all perfect subjects for learning the craft of film making....even if it rains!
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Birds of Prey - native Britsh raptors and owls in glorious seasonal settings - our birds are full of character and a joy to work with!
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Macro subjects - exotic reptiles and insects in purpose built habitats for videography
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Small mammals including the increasingly rare harvest mouse
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Beginner friendly - come and learn new skills
The workshop gives you step by step insights into all aspects of planning and shooting a short wildlife documentary.
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DSLR videography settings and techniques
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practical filming techniques
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building natural sets and use of studio props
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use of tripods and other stabilisers
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external sound and lighting
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developing your storyline: planning and storyboarding
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shot selection and shooting for the edit
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directing a multi camera shoot
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aerial shots where appropriate
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bringing it all together - hints for the final edit
Dates and Rates
Northumberland: 2024 dates coming soon
Also available On Request All Year Round For 1-2-1 or Small Group Tuition
Min 1 - Max 3 film makers
Rates: 2 Day Workshops
£545 as part of a group of 3 people
£850 individual 1-2-1workshop
£1100 private 2 person workshop
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Includes all photography and videography tuition,falconry, mammals and reptiles
Please bring a packed lunch

A sample film produced by our students on a week long Video Pioneers workshop in Scotland
Please note, for teaching purposes the tawny owl featured in this film is a captive bird; all other wildlife featured was shot in the wild.
Kit List
All you need is:
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a camera that has a video record mode - we teach on DSLR, Video Camera, Compact, bridge or even smartphone
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wide/telephoto lens
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tripod
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spare memory cards and batteries.
But do feel free to bring along any other equipment you would like to use that may enhance the end product, such as a macro lens, slider, daylight balanced light, external microphone, filters, GoPro etc.
Charging facilities will be available during throughout the session.
After the workshop, you will be invited to send us a link to your short nature documentaries - we are in the process of setting up a dedicated forum for our film making graduates - yours might even win our film competition!
Please contact us if you have any questions.
What our film making students and clients say...
'' I've been working in TV production for 15 years and learned so much from you in an hour and half! You have an amazing gift of communicating with an audience. You covered so much material with such great enthusiasm.''
Lisa A. Jackson, Producer/Editor, Broadcast Center, Princeton University, USA
"I truly feel you got the best out of us, and that it would have been a lesser experience with another person leading."
Kathy F
Video Pioneers Scotland Workshop Client
''After 40 years of analogue street photography I needed a change, but found myself out of my depth, switching to wildlife, digital and video – talk about a challenge! Trai was more than equal to the task, and thanks to her constructive feedback and inspiring expert tuition I’m now confident and creative again''
Helen E
Video Pioneers Northumberland Workshop Client
*BOOK SAFELY & WITH PEACE OF MIND: OUR COVID-19 SAFETY MEASURES
A personal note from Trai
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"The safety of my guests has always been uppermost in my mind, and I have given much thought to appropriate social distancing measures for my workshops. Though these will be mandatory for the foreseeable future, you can still be assured of a wonderfully intimate experience with the wildlife we encounter.
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Thank you in advance for your adherence to the measures below, and for keeping us all safe while we continue to explore new places and enjoy our photography!"
About Your Tutor
Trai Anfield
