Hey guys

Ok then - Heres a link to my Phase 4 footage.

http://www.uwolchallenge.com/longfor...ULF_phase4.wmv - I will be uploading an mp4 or other 'legal' format once I get all my software back up and running!

I was hoping to have started cutting full sequences by this point but I havent managed it unfortunately. That said I'm pleased with what I have down. I have also now written 90% of the script so editing and structure should be much easier. It has made me realise however that I have holes that I probably will struggle to fill by the deadline. I now have bigger plans for the piece so how I tackle this for the longform I'm yet to decide!

My final piece is looking more like 40mins + rather than the 20mins I was aiming for :-/ !

Mat- This is well worth waiting for. I can’t offer any constructive criticism, so I hope you don’t mind me using it as an opportunity to learn. If I may ask a couple of questions- How was the honey bee sequence lit? Also, were the underwater scenes shot in aquaria or underwater and how were they lit? Thank-you. Best of luck getting your remaining shots and fingers crossed for no more computer problems!

Mat,

Your footage is amazing!!! Is it posted as 1280x720?? It looks like uncompressed hdv to me. if so how do you do that?

the underwater footage is amazing!!! so clear. when it is warm here everything has algea and that makes it almost impossible.

finished should be fantastic.

Hey Mat:

No question you have mastered micro and macro filming to its best. Under water or Over Land, you are equipped to spell bind us all with your abilities. Your use and manipulation of light in all shots is exceptional.

Unfortunately, your works in progress entries give us nothing to go on as to storyboard, content, organization and the like so it's impossible to give feedback. I'm thrilled you are nearly complete with the script writing and I expect that in a month the Mat Thompson 40 minute documentary will stun us all. I'm just sorry we couldn't have been a part of the process!

A few months ago, I received an e-newsletter from a local nursery and the writer described that planting a specific flower in her garden this year brought in humming birds for the first time. The letter seemed to follow the track you are on as to how we can invite wildlife into our backyards by planting various different things. I thought of you when I read this.

Remember your first entry shots? It showed a cold, gray and wet wintry backyard. What a difference a few months make! English gardens are so vibrant and wildly beautiful. I do wish I lived in an environment that supports that kind of splendor.

All the best for your continued plans for this documentary. Even by viewing disconnected snippets here and there, you have significantly raised my awareness as to what I can be doing to live with a positive impact on my natural surroundings.

Cat

Hi Mat,
I certainly can't make any suggestions. Your technique is just too good. I was surprised to see the same Red Admiral and Painted Lady that we have here in a British Garden. I hope that your final film encourages people to plant gardens where ever they can. It's work, but so worth it.

Mat - the images you have captured escape simple words. VERY impressive. I'm anxious to see your finished piece - it already has a distinctly BBC look to it!

You set a high standard, and keep me working ever harder to try and improve my work as a result of your high standard. Thanks !

Hi Mat.
I have downloaded your video and though the VO is "just" telling us what you're going to do, it's awesome. The pictures are great and I know for sure this must be a doc you can sell to a TV company. Also that you are thinking like me, to work more on the film after the final ULF deadline.
As this is just a brief look into what to come I can't give you any helping advice other than say it will be great :)
Well, the tilts and pans (using a jib/flowers and apples) maybe just a little bit too fast?

Thank you for bringing it to us :)

All the best
Geir Inge

Matt, your footage is beautiful. You are the master of the close up. Color was very well balanced and you camera movement was soooo smooooth. A wonderful journey into th world of macro. Great entry. Bob

Wow Mat - really outstanding stuff again! Beautiful colours and textures.

I have only one complaint! you are keeping us all hanging till the very last moment before letting us in on the story!!! :)

Look forward to watching your film.

Marj