Gibb_WildOnTheShore_UWOLLongForm
 

My plan is to make a film from different locations in the area where I live, but mainly it is about the seabirds. This is Sunnmore, it contains the famous Alps of Sunnmore, many fjords and the wild and rugged coastline on the mid west coast of Norway.

I have not decided yet, but my plan is to follow the breeding season of the puffins at Runde Island, and the breeding season of the seabirds round the islets of Kvamsoy.
Two different places and where I have made some uwol short videos.
Why?
I have made some shorts about seabirds, so I know where to find my objects and I know some facts about these birds. Also the breeding season of the puffins and some other seabirds failed last year. Much because of too little food/fish in the sea. The puffins left the nest right after the chicks came out of their eggs. How will it end this year?

These first clips showing my locations at Sunnmore and I couldn’t resist, I just had to put some heavy techno music to it :) This will not happen in the final version.

The uploader failed when I tried, so I give you a link here:
In Quick Time: GIBB1
In Mediaplayer: GIBB1

The downloadable doc is showing a rough plan for my idea.

I will fill in as the “Long Form Uwol Year” proceeds.

Wish all of you good luck.

Wow Geir,
This looks really exciting. I can't wait to see what you put together for this one! The shots you have so far look absolutely stunning. You live in a really beautiful part of the world, & you show it off so well.
Good luck with your project,
Bryce

Geir Inge,
what a stunning visual film you made there! I think your idea is nice too. I know you are tied up in studies and work, but I think this project is manageable for you to do!?

And I think the techno music emphasize your visuals in a good way too...!

Stay warm!

Way to go Geir!

A great singing voice to add to all of that film-talent. Nice to have you back.

I hope the Puffins are successful in their breeding this time. I'm sorry for the chicks last year.

Cat

Geir,

such beautiful imagery!! And I do like the music, kind of nice that it isn't all that sirene meloncholy stuff!!! the heavy beat at the water falls is cool.

Great stuff.

Wow, that's some nice scenery. And good footage of it. Can't compete with the visuals in this - better hope I can make a compelling story out of mine.

Looks like there is a lot of good scope for filming, I'm sure we'll all await the next installment.

Hollo Geir Inge.


You speak about eye fore beauty. I most say from my view, you have
some of the best all over video-photo here in this forum.So I really lock
forword to your film.

All Best
VJV.

You have made a beautiful film already. What a scenery you have around you.
I am looking forward to see more of the nesting cliffs.
You have made cool music to the film, but I think you will profit on a different style in the final version.

Finn-Erik

Geir.... beautiful images. I am excited to see what you bring us in your endeavor here. What a beautiful place you have to film in there.

The music... you know what? I kind of found it a tonic and I enjoyed it with the images. Now that is not to say I recommend you stay with it, but every now and then we need to have something different... I know this film was a placeholder (as it has been for most of us), but the beautiful images and the music and lyrics did it for me. Thank you!

Chris

Good morning.
Thank you all for nice comments on my little intro film :)
First, as I've told earlier in this tread, I can assure you that I will use another type of music together with original sounds and of course narration, further on in this competition :)
As I said my plan is to follow the breeding season at Runde and at the islets of Kvamsoy. It has not started yet, so I had to put simething together fot this start up round. I didn't want to show all old clips either so I did a "quick step" around my area and took some shots to show. There are a few shots from last yearthough, in the end showing me and a view of the fjord.
Sorry Finn but I did not have a view from Runde in this film, but I can assure you it's a great place to be when all the seabirds arrive in the spring.
In my case I have decided to use information from this report (http://www.birdlife.no/fuglekunnskap...ofugl_nina.pdf ) At the end the report has some sites with english readers, and the Seapop (The SEAPOP programme - a milestone for the mapping and monitoring of seabirds in Norway — SEAPOP).
I'm not sure that my film will turn out with an happy ending, but I do hope so.

Thanks again for comments.
Geir Inge

Except for that fact that I don't cope well with the cold, your film makes me want to go there, and see it all for myself (ok, I've been to Finnish Lapland, I know it can be hot in mid-summer). Now I've seen the wider view (the landscape) I want to see the details. And seabirds - the puffins here have been doing fine, but I want to know what is going on elsewhere. When I first saw puffins in 1981 I read at the time about the failure of breeding on the Lofoten Islands . . . . so you are getting the message that I want to see and know more so I am eagerly waiting for your completed film, and whatever bits and pieces you offer in between now and then.

And the music was superb with the water flowing.

Thank you Annie for comments.
In 2007 I had visit of my dear friend Per Johan and we did some shooting together,
both at Runde and at the Islets of Kvamsoy.
In this little short of mine you will see some of the cliffs, puffins and gannets at Runde.
It's a little peek of what to expect Annie.

Enjoy :) Puffins By Geir Inge Brekke On ExposureRoom

Cool stuff. As a teaser, I actually really like the music that goes with it. Can't wait to see those puffins

Hi Geir Inge,
I loved your video (as usual). I hope both you and the birds have a very successful season this year. How wonderful that your brother-in -law helps you with the boat. If I had to rely on any of my brothers-in-law to get to a shoot I’d be hitchhiking!

Thank you, Mike and Mihali, for nice comments.
My brother in law is a great guy, always helping out.
My Uwol Long Form (ULF) video nr 1 is not telling that much of what my concept is all about, just showing the area I intend filming in.
My number one concern is the amount of time I can use on this ULF project.
As a “young” student, (haha, couldn’t resist using that word as I'm reaching 50 this year), my priorities is work and studies, but I think I’ll work it out some how.
Forth coming week and next weekend the weather forecast promise sunny weather, and that’s great as I have some spare time to use on filming.
I have plans to visit the Islets of Kvamsoy. This is also the season of cod fishing in the fjords, and I will bring along my rod, just in case...
My aim is to follow the mating of the seagulls, at Storholmen one of the islets, and I will check if “my” Kittiwakes,
breeding in an old sea house, is back in business (from my uwol short "Born by the sea").
Of course I’m anxious to try out my new equipment for my XLH1 camera, the ZR-2000 zoom remote control.
Expensive – YES, prized round about 770 USD, (Norwegian prize), but this way I think I will get some steady focusing shots and zooming pans and tilts.
Attached is a picture taken last summer from The Islets of Kvamsoy, showing where to find different species.
Of course there is several other birds, like the White-tailed Eagle and several little birds.
The picture of the islets, is facing South and I’m standing on top of Kvamsoy.
I will also be filming North of Kvamsoy, (see attached picture named “Ristesund”), where you can find a special habitat.
In a rotten mass of sea weed (on land that is) different kind of birds finds their food.
This is when bird migration occurs, (springtime/autumn).

Ok, that’s it for now.

Geir Inge :)

You are a multi-talented artist Geir. Stunning scenery as usual - really look forward to your video - especially the Puffins!

(Your Puffins have really inspired me to visit Rhunde one day - just have to see them for myself. Judging by your comments I’m just hoping there will still be some left for me to see by the time I get there!)

Thank you Marj, for comments.

I think I have enough film of snow and spring for this round of ULF.
Last week I visit Runde and the Puffins was there allright.
Earlier I also did some takes of the Grey Heron, but I'm not sure if I'll use any of it.
Posting a picture of the Puffin.
The big question will be if they will manage to full fill their breeding season?

CU
Geir Inge

Gibb2_WildOnTheShore_UWOL Long Form_2009
 

Good morning to you all.
Because work and studies take most of my time I have to change my plans a bit, and make my “Wild on the shore” ULF video a journey through the area where I live. This will make it a bit easier for me in the long run, or at least I hope so.
This time I let you see some of the birds, we’re going from winter to spring and I’ve been a short trip to Runde island. Most of all I’ve been filming at Kvamsoy and Larsnes for this second round of ULF. Yes, I’ve been hiking with all my gear. Puuuh, heavy stuff, think I'm getting old :)
Maybe it would be easier to understand my video if I had put some VO to the video, but what I’m trying to show, is the time from Winter to Spring. Maybe it'll turn out to be more like a diary through the year? You’ll see a blackbird and a robin in my garden, and a stoat visiting. Just pure luck I managed to catch the stoat on tape. I guess luck is a part of being a wildlife film maker?
No VO and no singing in this round. In the final round my ULF video will have Vo.
Not sure yet, but I think I will use the music in this, ULF2 video, as theme music for my final film.
I welcome your comments on my choice of theme music and stuff :)

Link to small version here: ULF2

Link to bigger version and HD: UWOL Long Form video 2 - 2009 By Geir Inge B. Brekke On ExposureRoom

Hey Geir:

Nice start with beautiful cinematography (I think it's the Norwegian trademark ;-) ). I happen to like your choice of music, and you fit the visuals nicely to it.

Those Puffins are amazingly foreign and rare for me. They simply don't look real but more like a brightly painted wood carving!

All the best. You have a great start!

Cat

Hey Geir
Some great solid footage in this update. I really like your heron shoot, I remember you mentioning this some time ago. I also loved the sound of the Puffin coming in before the images. I actually got excited for the pictures. This WILL be the year I see my first puffins!

I'm still a little unsure about what you doing with your film, a part from showing us the beautiful Norwegian coastline of course. I'd really like to read/see or hear some more about your plans for you final film and how you are going to build the story !?

I always look forward to watching your footage!
Mat

Hi Geir,
Beautiful footage! I actually really like the music you have chosen, it's not the sort of music you would expect to hear on a nature film, but i really like it, it seems to give the visuals a bit of an edge! I like the way you cut the music in & out, but would have liked to hear more sound in the part with the herons. It seemed a little blank to me, maybe some foley would work there?? (of course it could also be my pathetic computer speakers i listened to it on!) Anyway, i totally understand that this is probably taking up much more time than you can afford at the moment with study & all, & knowing you, you will bring it all together in the end with another really great film! I am really looking forward to seeing the end film you produce as you have lots of great footage that you can blend into your story.
Regards,
Bryce

Geir.. it is rare when I do not just sit quietly reflecting on what I have just seen when folks like you and Per Johan post their footage. I think to myself... this isn't a contest, it is an education! Great images.

Comments - I appreciate the focal lengths you had to go through to get the heron shots... but the heat shimmer is a distraction and I might use less of that than you would, having shot it and paid the price to get it.

Was that a weasel or a ferret? Those shots were incredible to me.. I'd slow some of them down a little where it might not be obvious, just to stretch them out. WOW.

The blackbird or ??? didn't add anything to my minds eye.

The oceanshots and high vantage pans... left me reeling.

My hat is off sir. Thank you for the education.

Chris Swanberg

Hi to you all and thank you for comments.

In fact I’m not sure if I will manage to pull this LF challenge through.
My work and school take too much space at the moment and I have to focus on what’s most important, hope you all see that. I did know this when I signed up, so I’m not trying to use it as an excuse, hope you see that too :)
On the other hand I’m sooo into make my ULF and I’m too stubborn to let go, so I will try to hang on till the bitter end, even if the end result will be not that much to brag about.
Of cause I will not be able to travel as much as I planned and I have to change my plans along the way, this makes it difficult for me to write a reliable script. All the same, I will try to stick to my original plan as much as I can and that is focus on the seabirds. We’re not only talking about one species, but many and not least vulnerable species. I will try to pop in and give my comments to your films as soon as time let me and before next schedule.

Catherine:
Thank you for your comments. When it comes to music I will try to make a theme through the film. This means that I will have an opening tune that also will be as fill in music through the whole film, and an ending tune. The puffins are very cute birds and most of the people visit Runde because of the puffins. My favorite is the great skua. Maybe dull and brown, but I think a fascinating bird living a fascinating life. If you like the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean”, you have to like the great skua, chasing other seabirds and steals their pray :) It's not that I'm in to stealing or something, but you never can predict what happens around these birds. Some of them do behave quite friendly, as others quite agressive at times.

Hi Mat and thank you for constructive comments.
My intention is to make a ULF film with a mix between my 3 former UWOL shorts.
This is: UWOL3 and “Wild on the shore”, Uwol4 and “Born by the sea” and finally UWOL9 and “Seabirds”. I will draw aspects of these 3 films into my ULF film. When it comes to narration I’m not sure how to do it yet. Maybe like UWOL4, I’m just telling in the background or a mix between UWOL3 and UWOL4. I will be filming at Runde (the bird island) and at The islets of Kvamsoy. These places have a huge amount of seabirds, I know the area and where to go to find the different species. It will make it a bit easier for me, when time is short. I cannot predict what to get on tape, that’s a part of filming wild animals and birds, as you all know. I would like to sew my story together like a diary through the year or me, telling a story about my wildlife experience through the year. Hope this make sense?

Hi and thank you for your comments Bryce.
In this short I’m using original sounds and foley on the owl. I'm not sure if I'm gonna use the night sequence though. I have great sound of the heron, just wait and see :) but I’m not sure yet how much of the heron takes I will show in the final film. I will use narration in my final film, just have to figure out how to do it. Maybe I will give an example in the next round 3?

Hi Chris and thank you for your comments.
When it comes to herons, at least the Norwegians ones, they have quite a big “afraid” radius, (I’m not sure about the English words in this one, sorry), so it’s difficult to sneak into these birds. I have a hide, but didn’t use it for this filming. The weasel is a stoat or ermine and I will use it in the beginning of my ULF film as I am with the blackbird, and the great tit. I will be waiting for the winter to end, and I’m longing for the spring and summer to come. Maybe difficult to see at this stage, but I think this part of my final film is in order. At least it is in my mind, hahaha. When the narration is in box, I hope it all will make sense. There is a scene where you can see a ship far out, this is the Coaster. It goes from Bergen all the way to North Cape as a regular route throughout the year. Known by many as the world’s finest sea cruise. I will try to make a trip with this boat to one of the world’s finest fjords, The Geiranger fjord and make it a part of the film. We’ll see if time let me go.

Now back to my books about "brain and behavior".

CU
Geir Inge

Geir Inge, as always nice footage you got there! It's so nice for me to sit and watch your film, because I became a bit known in your area, when I visited you in -07 (believe it or not, it's almost two years ago!)
Ok, the others have commented much of what I have in mind. And I'm not sure about the music. Would have liked more ambient sound. You should consider it in your final film, Geir Inge!

And your heron clip was very nice, good job in this one!

Geir Inge,

Finally got to watch your film and what a treat it was. You live in a beautiful country. Your cinematography was top notch as usual and the music was great especially the way you stopped and started it throughout. My favorite shots were the close-ups of the birds like the tail feathers and the puffin foot etc and the opening clouds, the moon behind the trees and the final shot of the silhouetted people in the evening. Very nice…

Looking forward to more excellent footage...

Jeff:
Thank you for commenting my ULF-2 video.
Just hope I can pull this through.

Per Johan:
Thank you for commenting mys video.
About the music - I will use another piece in the final version.
I haven't been able to film as much as I thought I would, because of me being a student.
Still I've signed for Uwol 14, I must be crazy (according to my wife), haha.
This year I have 3 degree's (exam) to make, one in august, one in september and one in october.
Save me - please :)

Geir Inge

ULF3-Wild On The Shore
 

Ok, then I have uploaded my ULF part 3.

I have decided to make my ULF video about how and why I got into wildlife videoing and my love for the wilderness/wildlife.
I will try to make it like a diary from the year 2009.
The final film will mainly consist of 3 parts, an intro, the main story and an outro.
My intro will show/tell what and who influenced me to get into wildlife video.
The main story will be about me and my adventure during the year 2009.
It will bring me to different locations showing different seabirds and animals. Last year the puffins didn’t manage to feed the chicks, because of too little food in the sea. For the last years the most of the seabirds have decreased in numbers. Mostly because of too little food and pollution caused by humans. How will the puffins manage this year is one of the big questions. I have also made an interview with the leader (president) of The Norwegian Ornithological Society (Norsk ornitologisk forening - The Norwegian Ornithological Society), or Birdlife Norway if you like. So we’ll see how my final video will come out in the end.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think that making an ULF video would be so hard.
Because, to make a wildlife video you need a whole lot of different takes/shots showing the cycle of life. When it comes to seabirds I want to have a fight, mating, breeding/eggs, chicks, feeding and leaving the nest. After this year I know see how hard it is to make a complete video. Especially if you have a full time job, school and a family to take care of and the video “thing” just as a hobby. For a man in full job that’s not easy. Ok, this ULF-3 of mine is nothing but a bunch of shots put together with some music on, so I can pass this stage of the contest. Just so I can keep my head above the water, so to speak.
It show places from Mid Norway like Runde island, The Geiranger Fjord, Kvamsoy island and some of the species.

Link: Uwol Long Form - part 3 - Wild on the shore By Geir Inge B. Brekke On ExposureRoom

Geir Inge

Geir Inge- I like the way you have reshaped your storyline, I think it will make an interesting video. Your Round Three is fun watch with so many pretty shots and it flows well with the music. I like the shot looking over the cliff with the birds flying above the water. I can’t wait to see how the final project comes together. Best wishes.

It is a pleasure to look at your fine and relaxing video.
I really hope you will get time to finish your story.

Hey Geir

Life cycles studies and very tough huh ! - I've been working on my stag beetle life cycle for 2-3years now and it is the challenge of challenges for sure! I commend you for making any attempt at this with any species.

I think if I'd want to watch anyones video diary of this year it would be yours. I said before your way in front of camera has a nice 'peace' about it. However when you mentioned the puffins and there life strauggle with the falling sand Eel numbers that made me go....ahhh now thats a story in itself. This is also happening in the Uk and numbers of puffin are on the decline.

Some nice footage in your stage 3 and I really hope you can bring us a finished Runde piece....your pictures always show what a stunning place it is and I'd love to sit down to a 20 minute + story about it through your eyes.

Splendid Geir!

I know this submission is a placeholder for things to come as you take a revised direction on your video, but what a beautiful placeholder it is! You never fail to bring us a feast for the eyes and ears and fill us up with the magic of the Norwegian islands. You are bold to take on the project of covering a species full life-cycle in your video in addition to the 3 parts of your film format. Looking forward to the next round and taking a peek at your diary of wildlife filming!

Cat

Geir, fantastic footage. Excellant color and choice of music (by the way, my wife wants the name of that tune). I almost sucked in my breath when you got that shot of leaning over the edge. And not even a safety line. The scenes toward the end where there were hundreds of birds flying by the cliff looked like a feeding frinzy. Great job, Bob

Geir,

I am finaly getting to responding to everyones work.

as usual you ahave some terrific footage! As for the Music, well, I really like it as it is!!!

Was that huge dark bird a Herring gull? or what?? it was kind of a back shot leaving the cliff.

Your compositions are great. I thought some of the images could be popped a bit more in post, but perhaps that is my monitor!!


Nice stuff!!

Thank you for comments on my ULF viseo nr 3. But as Catherine says, it's a placeholder :)
Bob, the music is from Smartsound and I'm not sure aboutr the title. I can find out and tell you tomorrow.
Dale, I think the bird you refer to is the Great Skua? It's a very fasinating bird, if you ask me :)
Ok, I promised you some pictures from todays shooting and what a day it has been.
I have been in a hide all day long filming Pine Martens and what a perfermance.
This is oe of the best days in my life, when it comes to filming wild animals.
Heres 2 Pine Martens - in the wild :)
I'm not sure how to use todays shot in my ULF video though, but somehow I'll make it :)
This animal doesn't exist at Runde and if it did, it would be a disaster for the birds.
Last year we got a under sea tunnel to the main land, will the Pine Marten manage to cross the tunnel?


Geir Inge

Oh Geir!

Splendid! The photographs are amazing, I can't imagine what the film will be like! Congratulations friend. Once in awhile the hard work pays off, eh? But for you Norwegians, it's been paying off for awhile now ;-).

Work this into your film... why not? Even if it shows what a major predator the Pine Marten is for the birds.

Let's hope the tunnel is a bit too intimidating to cross.

Best,

Cat

Geir Inge,
finally got time to watch your film part 3. Some real stunning scenes there. I liked the sequence from Geiranger fjord. The face at 0:30 was fantastic!

I cross my fingers for you. Hope you manage to finish up your story. Mikkjel Fønhus is one of my favorite writers too.

Thank you Catherine and PJ for comments on mu nr 3 video.

Catherine: yes lets hope the Pine Martens and the Fox will stay on the "right" side of the Fjord :) But in fact, the red fox have crossed an under sea tunnel a little further north of where I stay. Both the Fox and the Pine Marten do like the "underground" and it will be a disaster for the seabirds at Runde if so happens.

PJ: yes, the face in the cliff is great - of course I have to film one of the most famous fjords when it wear my name :)
I think I will use the shots from Geiranger together with the shots of the Pine Msrtens, to show what we're up against.

Here's a link to a few secconds from the: Pine Martens Wood
The best shots is not shown here. I will save them for the final film.

Thanks gain
Geir Inge

Geir,

I enjoyed the footage of your pine martins and other crittters!! can't wait to see the good stuff!!


How do yu even know where to go look for them???? Is it like a resident pair or such?

Keep up the great work.

Hi Geir,
Well another feast for the eyes that's for sure! I like the idea you have to change your story for the film. I think it will work very well, & am eager to see & learn about all the things you have seen & done during your filming over the last year. Unfortunately i am out of this challenge, but will continue to work on my film & hopefully i can complete it so everyone will see what i have been up to all this time.
Good luck with your film in its new form.
Bryce

Thank you very much Bryce and Dale for nice comments.
Dale: Well there is a guy living near by a city called Molde and he got a hide (built one) close to where the Pine martens got their lair. He feed them with honey and they come, almost on command. I stayed for over 12 hours one day and got plenty of shots. It's allmost like an unbelievable story. It's very hard to film Pine martens in the wild, as they are always on the run hunting mice and squirrels. So, did they manage to catch the squirrel? Well, you never can tell, huh?
Bob; the tune is called "Places I've been" and it's from Sonicfire smartsounds multi layered album called "Almost Unplugged".

Geir Inge