Remote Shoot
Film Fixers Africa had the pleasure of running a commissioned shoot for Animal Planet during the lockdown period. The location of the production was Namibia, where we ran the remote shoot. The pilot for an entire planned series that would tell the story of how animals influence – and are influenced by civilization as it stands.
About the show
The focus revolves around how mankind has encroached on territories, what would happen when mankind leaves, how we interact with these animals and whether coexisting is possible instead of driving them out. This has rapidly grown to become a serious issue among many animals, especially as more and more land is being taken over, or destroyed by mankind.
Though the premise can sound distressing, the show is a positive series, and it is told through the challenges faced by organizations like the Cheetah Conservation Fund (CCF), who are intimately involved in preserving the planet. The pilot focused on the animals, interviews with the key staff, including the incredible Dr Laurie Marker as well as scientific and veterinary research.
About the Cheetah Conservation Fund
The Cheetah Conservation Fund is a research institution mainly concerned with the study and preservation of the cheetah population within the country – it is the largest in the world. It was founded in 1990 by Dr Laurie Marker, a conservation biologist. The CCF is dedicated to sustaining the cheetah population in the face of the loss of habitat, conflict with humans and its own loss of genetic variation, these are currently the main threats facing the cheetah.
The CCF research facility is world-class, and incredibly unique in Africa, with a fully-equipped genetics laboratory in-situ – the only one in Africa.
About Namibia
Namibia is a hub of conservation and animal research, with a large amount of activity happening specifically around the incredible Otjiwarongo, which is south of Etosha National Park and north of Windhoek, Namibia’s capital.
Production during lockdown
The production was one of many remote shoots we have undertaken during the COVID lockdown period. We have a very special relationship with Discovery Channel, and we are honoured to be given the trust and opportunity by a key client and partner, yet again. It was also a great opportunity to demonstrate our skills in managing projects – and believe us, we have become masters in the art of remote and self-shooting on behalf of our clients. We also loved the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with key territorial partners and involving them and the local communities into the projects that we undertake.
Production is our line of work, but we are also incredibly passionate about our country, and its neighbours, and we believe in the importance of community development. Tourism, wildlife especially, is undoubtedly a vital part of Africa, and it is still severely underrated. We love showing these niche countries off at their full potential- hidden gems and all, and exposing Africa to the world.
Namibia is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world, and one of our personal favourites. We are very excited to return soon for another shoot.
