Nature, Camera, Action! The secrets of making incredible wildlife films

penguinelephants18 July – 1 November 2015-M Shed

An exciting, interactive exhibition at M Shed will celebrate Bristol s reputation as a world class centre of wildlife filmmaking.  

Nature, Camera, Action! sponsored at M Shed by Bristol Water, DAC Beachcroft, Quilter Cheviot and Rolls-Royce reveals the secrets of making incredible wildlife films, using iconic clips and specially shot footage from the globally successful BBC Natural History Unit. It is the flagship exhibition in support of Bristol 2015 European Green Capital.  

The deepest oceans, the coldest continents, the most fearsome animals – wildlife filmmakers and photographers have faced it all in pursuit of the perfect shot. Through films, objects used ‘in the field and lots of hands-on exhibits, visitors can explore the challenges filmmakers face and the amazing kit they use in this exciting exhibition for the whole family.  

The exhibition is toured and organised by the National Media Museum in Bradford with additional material from Bristol Museum s collections and locally based filmmakers.  

Laura Pye, Head of Bristol Culture, said:
“Nature, Camera, Action! The secrets of making incredible wildlife films is a fascinating exhibition giving us a behind the scenes look at how filmmakers and photographers capture thrilling footage of the natural world. It is especially exciting to bring this exhibition to Bristol – the Hollywood of wildlife filmmaking – in this Green Capital year. I want to thank the sponsors of the Bristol exhibition, Bristol Water, DAC Beachcroft, Quilter Cheviot and Rolls-Royce for their generosity and support. ”

Visitors will be taken behind the scenes of programmes like Planet Earth and The Private Life of Plants to discover how filmmakers and photographers invent innovative ways to get up close and personal with their subjects.  

Disguised cameras including the well-known penguin ‘Chickcam (John Downer Productions) from Spy in the Huddle will be on display, as well as other cleverly camouflaged cameras including ‘Dungcam and ‘Pufferfishcam .

Objects in the exhibition include a dummy thermal imaging camera from Thermoteknix Systems Ltd – specialists in thermal imaging technology used for filming animals in the dark; and an Aepyronis (Elephant Bird) egg collected by Sir David Attenborough during the making of BBC programme Zoo Quest to Madagascar in 1961.

Wendy Darke, Head of the Natural History Unit at BBC Bristol, said:
“The BBC Natural History Unit has been making programmes for a global audience, of all ages, for nearly 60 years – telling stories that connect us all to the wonders of the Natural world.  The NHU is at the centre of a community of very talented wildlife filmmakers putting Bristol firmly on the map as a centre of excellence –  Nature Camera Action tells some of this very Bristol story. ”

Families can have a go at building bug houses, identifying insects from the sounds they make, trying on Polar clothing, camping out inside a hide, and creating a mini time-lapse movie. For those who dare, there is even a shark jaws photo opportunity and the chance to submit a short wildlife film for inclusion in the exhibition.

The exhibition will be accompanied by an exciting events programme. On 1-2 August, award winning TV presenter, Ben Garrod will bring to life the skeleton of an orangutan in a live event at M Shed by carefully drilling and re-posing the skeleton for future long-term display.  

Budding filmmakers will enjoy the Wildlife Film Roadshow on 23 October for a chance to meet experts from the industry and handle kit; whilst those who fancy getting in front of the camera can try presenting.  

Nature Camera, Action! The secrets of making incredible wildlife films has been produced with support from the BBC Natural History Unit, BBC Earth and BBC History.


Photos

  • Chickcam, Penguins – Spy in the Huddle © John Downer Productions
  • Dungcam, Elephants – Spy in the Herd © John Downer Productions

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