Filming stories about wildlife comes with its fair share of challenges - from finding some of the most endangered animals to (relatively) safely navigating a jungle filled with wildlife poachers. In this session, filmmaker Roshan Patel will give a behind-the-scenes look into producing stories about the natural world. At Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Patel produces films about people’s efforts to protect wildlife – everything from mapping the movements of elephants in Myanmar to cryopreserving coral in Curacao. Learn how Roshan is approaching film at the Smithsonian to reach new audiences and provide a platform for the researchers who are quite literally saving species.

 

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The co-founders of D.C.-based Digital Creative Visionaries, Celene Di Stasio and Shane Yeager, share their experiences from filming in South America, and how they were able to capture the fascinating cultures and gorgeous scenery that make up the region. 

 

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It's an exciting time to work in photo and video production. Innovations in camera technology are accelerating, and professional-grade equipment is becoming increasingly more affordable. One recent innovation has the potential to redefine media production altogether: cameras will soon be capable of simultaneously capturing still photography and motion video, with no discrepancy in quality. Using the theoretical framework of convergence culture and exponential organizations, this research asks: will the traditionally separate roles of photographer and videographer become one? This study will explore the historical, technological, and future implications of photo and video convergence using examples from sports media.

 

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Every agency or organization needs a space for content creation, whether for internal or external distribution.  Often these spaces are outfitted “temporarily” with portable equipment, but a permanently installed system is usually the end goal.  This session will discuss considerations of fixture choices, control system selection, and room build-out.

 

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Serving as a director of photography on the Animal Planet series “Into Alaska,” Tom Trainor has to often deal with the harsh conditions of nature to capture his footage, like limited daylight and negative degree temperatures. Trainor will share his experience in filming in these types of situations and how best to prepare yourself for whatever conditions you may encounter.

 

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Today’s mobile devices carry with them excellent lenses and high-resolution video, so be sure to bring your smartphone or tablet to learn how to create professional documentaries with mobile devices from American University professor and documentarian Larry Engel. You’ll learn how to make the most of them just by knowing the devices better. We’ll also look at apps and hardware that further improve your video and sound. From preproduction to post production, you’ll be able to produce documentaries just with the “production studio in your pocket.” Learn to make your device the first tool you pull from your toolkit!

 

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