Conservation Film-making: How to make films that make a difference

Book excerpt: Never has the time been more critical for film-making to help make a difference to the natural world. This book shows you how. A complete 'how to' guide, aimed at both film-makers and conservationists who want to use film as a tool for conservation. Covers all pre-production activities including how to raise funds. How to choose and use the filming equipment you need, plus a guide to post-production. Explores reaching audiences, organising screenings, using social media, monitoring effectiveness and ethical considerations. Features case studies from leading conservation film-makers including Mike Pandey, Rob Stewart (Sharkwater and Revolution), Will Anderson (Hugh's Fish Fight) and Shekar Dattatri. Describes how organisations use film effectively in conservation; including Greenpeace, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) and Great Apes Film Initiative (GAFI). 'For all of us who care about the environment and wildlife, and want to make a difference, this is an important book.' Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace 'This book is of enormous value to everyone involved in conservation' Lee Durrell, Honorary Director, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust 'Conservation Film-making is a richly nourishing book, a professional tour de force, and a compelling argument that films, when made according to the best practices contained in this book, can make a huge and positive difference to the world in which we live.' Professor Chris Palmer, Director of the Center for Environmental Filmmaking 'This terrific book will become the bible for everyone determined to fly in the face of everything-is-wonderful-and-happy natural history programmes and show, instead, that conservation can be awe-inspiring and watchable, too.' Mark Carwardine, Conservationist 'Conservation Film-making is a detailed and well-researched 'how to' guide, but it is more than that - it's a good read! It should be read by everyone involved in conservation, to understand better how film could - indeed should - be used.' Ian Redmond