Well, I guess this is what I get for being so excited about being busy again... now, I'm not busy and I'm pacing the floor like an expectant father.
I can't say that I'm not doing anything, though. I've been doing a lot of book work, researching the biology and life-cycles of various sea turtles.
I've also been testing out new rigging for the underwater video cam. I think I finally have it set up the way I like it. :)
I will say this much, it's easy to stay motivated during these "down" times.
All I have to do is look at a picture like the one below. Suddenly, I remember exactly what this project is all about.

Take care,
-RW

So, the past few days have been a blur of working on the film, doing photo shoots and processing images.
Today, I was at LMC early so I could film the turtles in their tanks without getting in anyone's way. One of the things that I try to do is be neither underfoot (for the staff) or "in the way" for center guests. As you can imagine, people are not there to see a doughy, 40-year-old guy sitting in front of the viewport of the turtle tanks.
I did grab some more underwater shots today of "Zoe." (See the clip below)

Otherwise, I got great B-roll and establishing shots.
Turtle-wise, all of my "stars" are doing fairly well. "Trace" is back on par and "Zoe," well, that turtle is just a great survivor. :)

I'm still sifting through the hour and 15-minutes worth of footage shot on Thursday. There's a lot of great stuff in it.
I thought I might blog tonight about the "tech specs" of how I am crafting this doc.
First, my primary camera is a Canon 7D, usually mounted with a 55-85mm "Frankenlens" that has been adapted to macro/fisheye capabilities.
The shotgun mic is a Polaroid directional microphone that can be switched between 90-degree and 120-degree pick-up.
I have a portable dolly system that can be attached to the tripod.
However, my normal set-up can be seen in the second image below. I "Jimmy-rigged" a monopole into a chest rig and just kind of get real, REAL close to the action. :)
There are other bits of equipment (like clip-on mics for interviews, lighting, bounces and such) that are used for specific shots.
Since, I am a "one-man-band," I carry almost all of equipment with me to each shoot, no matter if I think I need to or not.
Better safe than sorry, right? ... Well, at least after that battery incident... LOL

Cheers,
-Rick

A lot of great footage today! Man, it feels great to back in the saddle again!
Eggnog was released on Wednesday and as thrilled as I am to know he's made his journey home, I can't help but be a little sad that I missed it.
Of the footage taken today, the clip I've posted below is my favorite. :)
Cheers,
-RW

Hi all! Just a quick post this time. Plans are to film B-roll and updates on the turtles at LMC in the next few days.
Hopefully, all is well with my "heroes in a half-shell."
Turtle power!

Cheers,
-Rick

I've been working on a few ideas for scoring the doc. Music will be a HUGE part of the impact of the film.
To be honest, I'm not sure which way to go with it. I'm torn between dramatic, big pieces that create a cinematic feel...or intimate, solo instrumentals that "soften" the tone.
In other news, I have combed through a lot of raw footage and have found a few segments that I feel can be done better. To that end I am now making a shot list for B-roll to be filmed next week.
Otherwise, the turtles are still rehab-ing and I'm still truckin! LOL
Cheers,
-Rick

I haven't posted in a few days.
I think I'm waiting for something "new" and "exciting" to happen to talk about. Mostly, I'm connecting the dots with the film now. Organizing the footage and seeing where the holes are.
There currently more than 14 hours of unedited footage. One exciting point of trivia is that now I have nearly five minutes of underwater footage.
I guess right now is the calm before the storm.
The turtle patients continue to improve and, for the time being, all I can do is wait.