Brant Backlund
July 1st, 2008, 11:04 AM
The Finalists
Here are some thoughts on the films that just missed out on the winner’s circle. Congratulations to you all. These are in no particular order.
Eric Gulbransen “California Sea-Lions”
This film just missed out. Great cinematography and animal behavior. Good story but I think it would be stronger with a slight restructure. I love the curious fact that the sea-lion’s population is growing at such a rapid rate despite human caused impacts. I would have posed this question right up front and then pay it off by explaining the amazing sea-lion behaviors and adaptations that help them outcompete all other animals.
Kevin Railsback “The 500 Year Flood”
Nice emotional story…it is impossible not to feel saddened after watching it. The story is strong with lots of natural jeopardy right up front. I like the climax with the deer coping with the flood. Incredible imagery, beautifully shot. I know it would be difficult but some other shots of animals struggling with the water would add to the impact of the flood, or I think I would have followed the deer story a little closer. Also, I think by adding a human voice rather than text on screen might have really added to the emotion. You are a really talented cinematographer, and it’s a well produced film.
David Gemmell “Wetland Wonder”
Brilliant cinematography. I loved the reflections and the great detailed behavior. A slight story restructure might help. I would recommend to put yourself up front of the film to set up the drama. “Will I be able to capture the intricacies of the wetland habitat?” Maybe you set yourself a challenge like trying to film a certain species…then the audience hangs on to see if you are successful. I would have enjoyed hearing your enthusiasm throughout the film as you capture different species…which ones are a rare sighting? You really captured the atmosphere and mood of the location which was great.
Steve Siegel “Prairie Bells”
Some great cinematography, mixed occasionally with slightly shaky shots. Really nice bird songs at times but some rough patches of audio. This is normally not a big deal, but since the film revolved around the audio, I would have like really clean, crisp sound. I really enjoyed how the story followed the different sounds that make up the whole “song” of the prairie. This film had fantastic elements to it and I loved getting a real sense of ‘place’. Also some great behavior shots.
Catherine Russell “On the Wild Side”
Very entertaining film. I loved the energy and simplicity of the story. Nice strategy to keep an audience involved and guessing at what the next letter will bring. I think the shots could be a little more diverse and dynamic. It seemed like most animals were filmed from one shot size. I would have enjoyed a little more energy from the actual shot to match the music. I definitely appreciate the diversity of animal behavior you incorporated in the film…very enjoyable to watch.
Bob Thieda “Little Things”
Fantastic macrophotography. I love when a film can take you into a world you don’t normally see. Very interesting behavior. Intriguing intro and a strong story. I think the film would benefit greatly with just a little more research. At times you incorporated very interesting information, but not knowing the species or what the pavement ants were doing let the film down a little. I really enjoyed the edit and the music. All in all very close to the top.
Vidar Vedaa “Sealife”
Really nice shots…Underwater takes it to a whole new dimension. It really felt like an exploration film…but I would have liked a slightly stronger story. You created a nice atmosphere with the music and imagery. The underwater shots were nicely lit, which can sometimes be very difficult.
Markus Nord “Pipefish”
Great story structure very intriguing (will we find what we are looking for?) Nice information about pregnant fathers…I just think it could have used a stronger ending. Very good atmosphere underwater. Very well executed film.
Here are some thoughts on the films that just missed out on the winner’s circle. Congratulations to you all. These are in no particular order.
Eric Gulbransen “California Sea-Lions”
This film just missed out. Great cinematography and animal behavior. Good story but I think it would be stronger with a slight restructure. I love the curious fact that the sea-lion’s population is growing at such a rapid rate despite human caused impacts. I would have posed this question right up front and then pay it off by explaining the amazing sea-lion behaviors and adaptations that help them outcompete all other animals.
Kevin Railsback “The 500 Year Flood”
Nice emotional story…it is impossible not to feel saddened after watching it. The story is strong with lots of natural jeopardy right up front. I like the climax with the deer coping with the flood. Incredible imagery, beautifully shot. I know it would be difficult but some other shots of animals struggling with the water would add to the impact of the flood, or I think I would have followed the deer story a little closer. Also, I think by adding a human voice rather than text on screen might have really added to the emotion. You are a really talented cinematographer, and it’s a well produced film.
David Gemmell “Wetland Wonder”
Brilliant cinematography. I loved the reflections and the great detailed behavior. A slight story restructure might help. I would recommend to put yourself up front of the film to set up the drama. “Will I be able to capture the intricacies of the wetland habitat?” Maybe you set yourself a challenge like trying to film a certain species…then the audience hangs on to see if you are successful. I would have enjoyed hearing your enthusiasm throughout the film as you capture different species…which ones are a rare sighting? You really captured the atmosphere and mood of the location which was great.
Steve Siegel “Prairie Bells”
Some great cinematography, mixed occasionally with slightly shaky shots. Really nice bird songs at times but some rough patches of audio. This is normally not a big deal, but since the film revolved around the audio, I would have like really clean, crisp sound. I really enjoyed how the story followed the different sounds that make up the whole “song” of the prairie. This film had fantastic elements to it and I loved getting a real sense of ‘place’. Also some great behavior shots.
Catherine Russell “On the Wild Side”
Very entertaining film. I loved the energy and simplicity of the story. Nice strategy to keep an audience involved and guessing at what the next letter will bring. I think the shots could be a little more diverse and dynamic. It seemed like most animals were filmed from one shot size. I would have enjoyed a little more energy from the actual shot to match the music. I definitely appreciate the diversity of animal behavior you incorporated in the film…very enjoyable to watch.
Bob Thieda “Little Things”
Fantastic macrophotography. I love when a film can take you into a world you don’t normally see. Very interesting behavior. Intriguing intro and a strong story. I think the film would benefit greatly with just a little more research. At times you incorporated very interesting information, but not knowing the species or what the pavement ants were doing let the film down a little. I really enjoyed the edit and the music. All in all very close to the top.
Vidar Vedaa “Sealife”
Really nice shots…Underwater takes it to a whole new dimension. It really felt like an exploration film…but I would have liked a slightly stronger story. You created a nice atmosphere with the music and imagery. The underwater shots were nicely lit, which can sometimes be very difficult.
Markus Nord “Pipefish”
Great story structure very intriguing (will we find what we are looking for?) Nice information about pregnant fathers…I just think it could have used a stronger ending. Very good atmosphere underwater. Very well executed film.