How to Film Seabirds

The Shetlands provided Nigel Marven with the perfect place to show you how to film wild sea birds for your Eden Shorts.

How to Film Seabirds

Nigel Marven and his son Theo visited the Shetland Islands recently, and they took the chance to film some sea birds at a RSPB nature reserve called Sumburgh Head.

Nature reserves are a great place to film wildlife, but contact the warden first to make sure that you are allowed to film. It is also worth talking talking through your subject with them as they may be able to offer up their own hints and tips on your animal subject or the location you are filming. Research is key to any wildlife film!

Make sure you get lots of behaviour in your film, but be careful when you're around cliffs!

Make sure you get lots of behaviour in your film, but be careful when you're around cliffs!

One consideration here is the steep cliffs around Sumburgh Head. These are perfect for the migratory puffins and other sea birds, but you want to be careful and don't get too close to the edge. It is always worthwhile doing a quick risk assessment before any shoot - you don't want to endanger yourself.

Using your car as a hide is a great way to get closer to wildlife without disturbing them - something you can see in any African natural history programme. Although you won't need the protection of a car against lions in the UK, you can make sure that you don't spook your subject.

Every good wildlife film should show off animal behaviour, such as the young Arctic tern begging its parent for food or the displaying adults renewing their strong pair bond. What behaviour are you going to show in your short?

What hints and tips do you have to share? Stick them in the comments below.