This entry has run through three incarnations owing to the very changeable weather we had here in the UK in February. Starting with storms and ending with the hottest February on record. I eventually incorporated all three. There is a message in the film that does hopefully come over. Filming took place on some water meadows (meadows deliberately allowed to flood in winter) The coast at Rustington, my back garden and my dining room. Please enjoy and feel free to comment as you wish.

https://vimeo.com/320846312

Beautiful work, Mick. I wasn't sure if that big, lumbering bumble bee could actually work his way inside that bloom, but he managed it quite well. I sure appreciate your admonition that we can't allow any of those valuable pieces of the puzzle to go missing!

I found it interesting how you tied all this together with the puzzle and how things are going in the world. Very nice piece and well done.

Gordon

I love the way you tied in the puzzle, and the great narration tied it all together really well - loved the bee!

with the fast motion of the puzzle at the end I've seen a filter or effect (can't remember what it's called) that blurs movement so the puzzle stays in sharp focus but the hands would blur - that might be worth playing with.

Hi Mick,

Yet a strong and interesting film from you, as expected.
A great story, and a really nice way to show it. The puzzle was a good idea.

Really liked the timelapse of the flowers opening up.
Well done!

Mick, a very strong entry. I enjoyed your use of slow motion with not only the sea birds but also with that large bumblebee. I particularly liked the time laps of the crocuses opening. You also did a fine job with the birds and your use of DOF And of course the way you wove in the puzzle to build the story that nature needs all the pieces. Looks like you outdid yourself on this one. Very well done.

Hi Chris, Gordon, Paul, Trond and Bob, thank you so much for watching and all you comments, very much appreciated.

Paul, I know the feature you are on about, on my edit program its called region. You can loop or square an area then add a filter either inside or outside of it. I will give it a try to see the effect and let you know. Thanks for the idea.

Mick

Like everyone else, I thought the tie-in with the puzzle was brilliance. Frankly, I liked the winter "colors" as you showed them. Even though, as you described, there were various shades of gray, I preferred them to the colors you you showed later. There was something about the way you captured the "grays" that I really enjoyed -- especially in the shore birds captured in slow motion. Capturing brilliance in colors isn't all that hard, but capturing the beauty of the grays is tougher and you did an incredible job.

Congratulations Michael, you deliver a strong movie in this round.
I don't know what to say that can help, but what I like is this:
It all starts and ends with a puzzle, and this is exactly where you have nailed it.
You build bit by bit, picture by picture and the description is just like nature itself.
Everything is related to everything.
We can't afford to lose a single one of the puzzle pieces.
It is so fascinating to see how you put everything together in the few minutes you have available.
Small, simple pieces, each of which is unique, and which ultimately becomes a brilliant film about nature's beauty. This is art.
Thumbs up for the actress, and give her our greetings.
If I understand correctly, you have got yourself a new camera?
If so, please tell us about it.
Thank you for sharing.

Nicely done. Well shot, narrated and edited. I agree with others that it was a well told story.

Hi Geir, Phil and Mark thanks for your comments

Phil, yes I like the sea birds in their winter plumage's and the subtle changes in their colours. Have just finished making a film about dippers which again are limited in colour to black, russet and white so it was quite a change to get out film something colourful lol

Geir, I have listed in another thread the gear I used but will give you some feedback later on the camera as I know you use the same model.

Mark, thanks for taking the time to watch.

mick