The good, the bad and the ugly... and everything in between.
Bring on the tales of the impact.

Oh, and make sure to follow the important rule 11! :)

Hi all:

Well, yesterday was a fun day of "close but not quites" with a real heartbreaker thrown in! We are warming up here in Colorado and the Rattlers are out. I went out hunting for them and didn't find one, even though I've been seeing them out quite a bit lately. What I did come away with was a couple of Bull snakes and amazingly a King snake! But very unfortunately this King snake already had his head in a hole, which he eventually disappeared entirely into. So I never saw it's head :( ---Bummer!

Now the heartbreaker. Later that day I had lugged the camera gear over onto what we call "Steamboat Mountain" which is near our house and my husband, Ed, literally ran over to meet me (we have a great little run loop from our house onto the mountain and back). I did some filming and then he started off running home with me following slowly behind with the gear.

Soon he reappeared - wide eyed and flabbergasted, grabbing my gear and telling me to follow him for "the shot of a lifetime". This "shot" happened to be a large black bear up in a dead tree tearing away at the bark. If this wasn't amazing enough, this dead tree just so happened to be very large and way down in the ravine so that for us being up on the trail, it put us right at eye-level and close to the bear, even though he was way up in the tree.

The vantage would have been perfect, and the visibility spectacular because he would have been fully exposed since there was no foliage on the dead tree limbs. Ah yes, well, I say "would" because when we got there he was G*O*N*E. We found him a little while later but the vantage was much less spectacular and he was really, pretty far away. I was able to get some footage, at least to prove that I'm not telling you all a tall story, but the chance of a lifetime just sort of slipped right through my fingers! :-/.

All in all there was great fun to be had. I've attached some stills to share the good times with you all.

Can't wait to hear some your tales.

Cheers,

Cat

I wish you had gotten that bear in the tree on film! Would have been awesome!

An uwol idea hit me yesterday, and a rough plan is taking place in my head.
Will only have this upcoming weekend to film it, so crossing my fingers.
Hmm, I wonder how I could film a "behind the scenes" of the brain creating a plan... :)

Catherine, what a wildlife environment you seem to have just outside. Beautiful snakes and the bear-story was very exciting, I can imagine.

I´m about to start a 2500 km drive tomorrow and I hope to be able to start filming into the upcoming weekend. I got an idea for my first effort and then we will see how it turns out? I have some sleepless nights thinking about the story and how to approach it. Have good help from all the previous challenge videos that i have watched.
I will have to do some editing while I´m away be course I will not be back at home until the 28th, if the plans work out. Then I have to trie do the finish editing in the final weekend of June… I feel the pressure already.

How do you other guys pull off your projects? Do you write a story down and make the shots from there or do you take things as they turn out without any guidelines written down? It would be interesting for me as a newbie to hear how you others work?

I just spent another sleepless night in the hospital (about my tenth this time). I spend days trying to catch up on essentials. Dad broke his leg and we are having complications from the Parkinson's. The next step looks like a rehabilitation hospital. It looks like it may be a long road. I'm not sure UC26 is going to happen for me. Right now the only impact I can think of is my head hitting the pillow. It is too early to give up but I'm definatly looking for some shark repellent.

Cat- Welcome home! We've missed you. Thanks for those screen grabs, they really made my morning.

Mikeal- Welcome! Good-luck on your trip.

Sorry guys- no spell check on this machine and I can't spell when I'm tired.

Mike:

I am so sorry to hear about your current situation and about your dad. First things first, get some rest. I find that when I'm tired I feel there is no hope and life can become dark and overwhelming. Be encouraged! You and your dad are in good hands and I will pray for both of you all month long :) I do so hope you can contribute a film, you have become a seasoned winner since I've been gone, congratulations! If it turns out that this time there simply is no time, then there is no time. But sometimes good work can happen as a release in a difficult period. All the best to you, friend!

Mikael:

Hello and welcome! In a way this is our first for both of us. For you, it is really a first time (yahoo!) and for me it's a first in a long while. You pose the million dollar question asking how everyone gets the inspiration for their films, and you will get a different answer with everyone you talk to. For me, the music has to inspire me to the very maximum and things fall together around that. For many seasoned documentarians and science buffs around here, that could be the least of their concerns. After you do a couple, you'll find what works best for you. And actually, it's not the same every time, either! Not a very satisfying answer I'm afraid.

Now just a suggestion this round. "Impact" is not so easy as it seams and you may want to avoid the temptation to think of something that all hinges on getting a very specific shot. Like a snake catching a mouse or something, because if you don't happen to get it you may not complete your first film. So maybe it's better to think of an impact in a larger context so that you can fill it with lots of different types of film shots that you can readily get.

You are going on a trip! How exciting! I would just head out and see what unfolds from that. Trond will always remind you rule #11 HAVE FUN. No pressure from any of us :) I just feel you will be a seasoned contributor in no time!

Cat

Good Morning,

Mike,

We will keep you and your father in our prayers!! I know what it is like to be at the hospitals, it is just mind numbing at times. Getting out to film might be a help clearing the mind for a bit if nothing else.

Had my adult son at the hospital to remove the stitches and staples afer his leg surgery, gets the cast off the 19th. He has not actually walked sense October. Has a biopsy on a second brain tumor shortly. All this stuff wears on a person and deflecting emotion isn,'t so easy at times!!! Hang tuff Mike.

Cat

perhaps you should have grabbed that king snake by hand and slid him out into the open for a minute, certainly better it than a rattlesnake, LOL. And the bear, jog down and say hello. ha. shooting wildlife is never easy and the best laid plans run amuck pretty fast.

I spent some time out looking for nesting raptors and found two golden eagle nest with babies and three prairie falcon pairs but they were on eggs (actually two weeks late). One eagle eyrie is videoable and I am in the process of trying to organize a shoot there next week. Do not know how I would use that in an environmental impact statement, but I have to go for that even if I never use it. Finding eagles where you can actually set up a blind is not a common occurance.

I actually do have an idea for my film but it will require a fair amount of travel, so we will see.

Mikael,

Everyone tends to have their own work flow. Cats advice is sound, see what you get and then build around that!! Last uwol my first plan failed so I just worked with the little that I managed to get.

generally, I develop a direction for the theme, I make a shot list I then shoot as much as I can of the list (I have never got all the shots on the list). I then do a rough edit , leave it for a few days if time is available and then do a final edit.

I then decide whether to use smart sound or compose my own background guitar music.

I then set down and build my voice over IF the film really requires one. I actually like films that have no voice over at all!!

Alfred hitchcock said a film should tell the story without any sound at all!! That aint bad advice at all!! in the last twenty some uwols I have only really accomplished that once I figure, so it is not so easy either.


Rule 11 is absolutely paramount. have fun doing everything, even if it is like Wooork.

Mike,

It certainly sounds like you have your hands full. Even though your dad is with the best people he can have at the moment, it's still hard to not be there every second to make sure he is doing ok.
You need to get some sleep or you won't be any good for him. It's tough I know. When my dad had quad bypass surgery sleep was the last thing on my mind. But it helps you stay strong and get through it all and be the best you can be for your loved one.

Cat,
The Cat is back! So nice to see you here again. You've been missed!
What
An incredible encounter you had!
Doesn't matter that you missed the shot of a lifetime. Yu got to see a magnificent animal in its natural habitat.
To me, that means more than getting a shot.

Mikael,

Welcome!
I'm like Cat in that I wrap my film around music that moves me.
I think you find your inspiration from within. A good filmmaker tells the story that is in his heart. Shoot from the heart and you will never go wrong.
It's not about winning or losing. It's about growing as a storyteller.

Mat Thompson who is an excellent filmmaker that now does a lot of work for the BBC got his start so to say here on UWOL.
The one thing I really love about Mat is he never pulls any punches with my work.
Everyone wants to hear that their work is good but it's the constructive criticism that makes you get better as a filmmaker.
Mat and I would have many email conversations behind the scenes about our work. He was quick to praise but also quick to say where I missed the mark. That's the best kind of friend you can have.

I hope that you finish a film and don't worry if you think it's not up to par. You finished a film. Think about that. You finished! I've not completed a film for a lot of these challenges. So to submit anything is better than nothing.

I have an idea. It's simple. I don't mind sharing it cause who knows if I'll even do it. But it's basically mans impact on nature and wildlife.

Though about doing something with the floods we are having right now and the impact they are having.
But the story in my heart is how man impacts nature and wildlife so that is probably what I will do.
Doesn't matter if anyone else does the same thing. The films will be totally different.

So your idea could be anything. Impact literally Or figuratively.

I'm just looking to get my motivation back.

I had to put down my dog Sadie this memorial day weekend. She was battling terminal liver cancer and her death has taken the wind out of my sails. I haven't picked up a camera since she was diagnosed and right now really have no desire to pick up up. So, just looking for a way to get out there and do something heartfelt in her memory.

Kevin,


Putting an old friend down is a tear sheeding event!!! It is tuff on the soul. I lost my 15 year old pointer last year and while I have his daughter I miss "the best dog in the whole world". My heart is with you on this one!!!

thats impact, eh!!

I hope you get a film done, they are always insopiring to me!!

Dale,

Thanks for the kind words.
Yeah, I suppose I could do a four minute film of me crying my eyes out. :)

I know if Sadie could talk to me, she'd say get your ass out there and shoot and make a difference.
Just still having the Kevin pity party which is hard for me to snap out of.

Hi!

No ideas yet but determined to finish one UWOL.

Strategy
Shoot during the day and do string-outs at night to stir the imagination.

Frustrations
- Proper sound equipment. Videomic Pro + Canon 60D just ain't hacking it.
- Stabilizing the 60D

Fun stuff:
Lots of great stuff to shoot but the beautiful landscape is distracting. I keep forgetting the camera, because I'm enjoying myself.

Thanks all for the feedback and the warm welcome!

I was just curious how you others do and what strategy you are working from. I think I´ll find a way as time goes? The first is the most difficult, i think.

The idea in my mind is related to the environment where Im visiting for the next weeks so that gonna be there and I have to try find a way to preform it in a story, somehow?
Then we´ll see if you like it or not :) Constructive criticism is always most welcome. That´s a very good way of learning.

The trip me and my wife going to is to visit our youngest son up in north of Norway. So the trip is not just for the challenge, we would do it, anyway:) I just found it very inspiring that the challenge come up just at the same time.

Mike: I hope everything works out for you and you're dad and that everything feels better when you got a really good sleep and that you are able to participate but the health and family are far more important than a Challenge,..

Kevin: I had to leave my best friend ever, (dog also) to the final sleep some years ago so i know the feeling and the emptiness that comes after. I hope you find your inspiration, (i know that you will), and that you get out with the camera soon.

Thanks again, everyone!

PS: Rule 11 is on my mind, constantly :)

Cat

perhaps you should have grabbed that king snake by hand and slid him out into the open for a minute, certainly better it than a rattlesnake, LOL.

LOL Dale! You know? I almost lost myself for a moment and actually thought of that! If I had nerves of steel, right? Or better yet, Ed was with me then, I could have done the little wife thing, "Oh come on hun, you do it and I'll film..." Sort of like Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom where it was always Jim who did the dangerous stuff while Marlin Perkins sat in the air-conditioned trailer sipping lemonade :)

Mikael: See what I mean? You are in good hands with this crew for support and expert advice.

Michael: Cool! This is the best part of UWOL, it really is around the world. Our environments couldn't be more different and it's exciting to see where everyone lives.

Kevin: I am so sorry to hear about Sadie! I saw her photo on your Google + post, she's awesome. But this thread is taking a real turn to the lament and it's making me really sad.... so echoing Sadie's advice, "get your ass out there and film something to make a difference"! You'll have me to reckon with if you don't submit something this time around! ;-).

Dale, your son is going on the list in my prayers as well!

Cat

Mat and I would have many email conversations behind the scenes about our work. He was quick to praise but also quick to say where I missed the mark. That's the best kind of friend you can have.



Oi! E-mails behind the scenes with Mat Thompson??? Blimey! That barmy geezer sure did have a lot of cricket with his gobsmack and chin wag!

Just trying to make you laugh, Kevin!

You succeeded Cat! :)

I try to say gobsmacked at least once a day here in Iowa. People look at me like I fell of my rocker.

The other one I'm trying to get going here is "a lick and a promise."
As in, didn't have time to shine my shoes properly so I gave them a lick and a promise and out the door I went.

See, UWOL can also be educational as well!

"A lick and a promise" Sounds like a good UWOL 26 title to me, especially if you film it for Sadie.

Still just lifting the spirit a bit, Kevin ;-)

Mike and Dale,
All the best for you and your families! And Mike, make sure you get some rest!

Kevin,
Sorry for your loss. Dogs are close family members.


Trond will always remind you rule #11 HAVE FUN. No pressure from any of us :) I just feel you will be a seasoned contributor in no time!

Cat
Yes yes, Rule #11 is the rule of the rules, and must be followed at all times. It is important! :)

Mikael,
Find the workflow which suits you best. Sometimes I take it as it goes, more often I have a pretty good idea in advance what I want to film. This time I have a very good idea, but it all depends if I will be able to film it all this weekend. If not, it's all about plan B, which isn't born yet.

To repeat what has already been said - Mike and Dale - more best wishes from south of the Equator!

Kevin, sometimes just getting on with a new task is a good way to overcome your loss.

Mikael - welcome! I am also pretty new - there is no ¨right way¨to do this, but there are some useful tips over at the Vimeo Video School - some quite involved, but you may get some inspiration!

I have not yet come up with any bright ideas, but I'm working on it!

Good luck to all!

Hi everyone:

Have any of you ever seen a Northern Saw-whet owl? I never have, and didn't even know about them until earlier this spring I happened on one of the most amazing experiences in that I had left something in our enclosed hen compound and went back for it only to discover one was trapped inside! It was dusk and I hadn't noticed it before because we were living opposite schedules. Only until after I let it out to fly free did I notice signs that it had been in our hen compound for a little while (a post was covered in poop, etc.). Well, at least it had plenty of mice to feast off of during his stay.

These little guys are about as cute as they come. The shared photo is not mine but taken off the web and thus I am also including the link to where I found it. There are more photos and a good discussion on this 2007 blog.

Northern Saw-whet Owl Invasion Update - Ohio Birds and Biodiversity (http://jimmccormac.blogspot.com/2007/11/northern-saw-whet-owl-invasion-update.html)

I just love our beautiful outdoors and all it has to offer in every corner of this planet!

Cat

That's a nice little fellow.

How is everyone doing?
Remember to have fun, even when it might be more woes than wonders. :)

I did some filming this weekend. But my for once very detailed idea didn't quite work out in the reality.
Have to change it a bit on the fly. Hopefully I can get the remaining footage tonight and tomorrow.

The hard part: Filming some behind the scenes.

Hey.
Do I understand it right, that we should make a regular contribution to uwol, and then a movie about making a contribution/behind the scene? And -"the making of making...", what is that meant for?
Impact is a great topic, Lorinda :)

Got to have it with a teaspoon ;o)

Geir Inge,

Yes, make a regular UWOL challenge entry with theme Impact.

Then for the Around the world project, make a behind the scenes film about how you made your uwol entry.
Bts is an option, but required to be part of the around the world film.
For the Around the world, see the attachments to my posts 58 and 79 in the Around the world thread.

Geir Inge,

Yes, make a regular UWOL challenge entry with theme Impact.

Then for the Around the world project, make a behind the scenes film about how you made your uwol entry.
Bts is an option, but required to be part of the around the world film.
For the Around the world, see the attachments to my posts 58 and 79 in the Around the world thread.

OK, thank you Trond for giving info :) I guess I can find it somewhere in post, if I bother to seek ;)
I'm a lazy guy, haha.
By the way, is the deadline for the "Around the world", end of July?
If so, then I have to speed up the work.
I just started a new job, two days at work and then have 7 days off.
It gives me time for Uwol.

Good luck to all of you, out there in the wild.

Deadline for the Around the world - footage submissions - is July 31.


Deadline for UWOL 26, is June 30.

Over the weekend I was trying to compose some music that would inspire me for this challenge. Instead the "impact" (see what I did there...') of the music took me in a complete different direction. Allow me to share with you. It's simply called "Mom".

MoM on Vimeo

Deadline for the Around the world - footage submissions - is July 31.


Deadline for UWOL 26, is June 30.

Hi Trond, thanks for clarifying! I was under the impression that BOTH submissions were due June 30th. Like Geir, I too need to venture out to the other thread and read up on what is really happening :).

I hope your "Plan B" works out really well, friend. Sometimes the Plan B's can be way better than what you initially set out to do.

Oliver, your composition is inspiring. You are quite talented to the benefit of us all. Nice to see the Mom post right in time for Father's Day :).

Trond, rule #11 has must certainly applied this round for me and it's great to be back for a visit.

Kevin, Dale and Mike: I hope all is well for you and that you are finding some inspiration for a bit of filming during these current and more difficult circumstances. Hang tough guys!

Cheers,

Cat

Filming for my uwol entry is completed. Crossing my fingers I have all I need.


To everyone:
If you plan to take part in the - Around the world - film, please check the thread for that film once in a while.
All needed information will be available there, and instructions for how to submit will be posted later.
As of now, we plan to use my dropbox account, but this is subject to change if we find a better solution.

Mike, Dale, I'll be keeping your families in my thoughts.

And Kevin....very sad about your dog. Been there a few times myself and it is never easy.

Welcome Mikael, and nice to see you entered Cat...

As for me...I got nothing yet.
No video, no music, no ideas....Nada, zip, zero, a blank canvas...ugh...it's the ones that sound simple that always get me.

Impact...impact...

If only I had the GoPro mounted when we crashed the motorcycle last month ;)
But that is not exactly UWOL material.

I have been in place for a few days now, after a long drive.
I have done some filming to the idea I have but I´m not sure how to put it together, yet??? Or if it works as i think? Quite difficult to do something at a specific theme, I think..

One more week to film so I think I´ll be able to get material for a minute, or two?? :)

Just keep on struggling and wondering how to edit…

Thanks for all the welcomes, everyone!

Bob, don't worry. You still have plenty time. An idea might hit you before you know it. :)

My first rough cut is done. I'm sure I will change that a couple times as usual before I'm happy.
Wish I had more various shots. Oh well, too late. :)

As for me...I got nothing yet.
No video, no music, no ideas....Nada, zip, zero, a blank canvas...ugh...it's the ones that sound simple that always get me.

Impact...impact...

If only I had the GoPro mounted when we crashed the motorcycle last month ;)
But that is not exactly UWOL material.

Wow Bob! A motorcycle crash? Hopefully you are okay? How's the bike?

So it's time to brainstorm a bit. Maybe the best thing to try is to head out somewhere you think is inspiring and just start filming. Perhaps in this case, a blank canvas might be a good thing because you'll be open to anything. Make it a day so you can really fill up with the environment and wildlife you've put yourself into and then see if something shakes out from that. At the very least it can be a film on how the moments you've had observing nature through the lens impacts you. Who knows? Maybe it can be presented in such a way as if you really are filling up a blank canvas (?).

Just trying to get the juices flowing!! I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing to not have an agenda. Often enough, our agendas don't pan out anyway and the filming shapes into something else.

Whatever you end up doing, I hope you have a nice time at it!


Mikael, keep chipping away at it and have fun :)

Cat

Thanks for the advice, Cat...I will try that.

Wow Bob! A motorcycle crash? Hopefully you are okay? How's the bike?

Pilot error on a back country road. Wife had a minor fracture of her ankle, I had a minor fracture of my thumb, lots of bruises, and the BMW was totaled.
I guess that is a tale of woe...

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.524914310878484.1073741827.100000797602910&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.526402020729713.1073741828.100000797602910&type=3

Could have been worse...at least my camera wasn't damaged. ;)

Hope you and your wife have recovered from the injuries by now, Bob.

good evening,

there is always something!!!

I arranged to make a trip to film the nesting golden eagles and falcons we found a few weeks back, only to be rained out!!!

Now we have a new house guest that will require my full attention for some weeks ahead. I suppose that is major impact on our lives for now but don't think I could get something together on that.

anyway, once again I am trying to come up with a new idea for a film!!!


Hope all are doing well and having fun!!!

here is a picture of the artic gaffer!!!

I dont think I can match that, Dale!
Best of luck with your new guest!

The nearest I had to that was last year when a neighbour told us one of his mares had died in the night, and he had no idea what to do with its 6 day old foal. Needless to say, my wife volunteers, but of course it's me who has to get up every 3 hours to give the bottle feed!
Glad to say, it worked out, and we have a 9 month old foal - but not as house guest!

I got out on location today, found my subject had no time, but managed to get some shots - I've been working on developing the plan A to plan 1A!

Good luck to all!

Good luck with your new guest, Dale!
Sounds like you will have some exciting weeks ahead of you.

Dale: That seems like a nice guest you´ve got in the house.

A day of bad wether, up here, got me some time to actually finish the editing of my film… I never thought I would be done in that time… Ok, it´s my first attempt so I´m excited and a bit nervous about what you guys and girls think about it…

What should i do now? How do I upload to the UWOL-account?

I´m gonna check it out some times more before uploading but it would be nice to know be course we are going the long drive back, next week, and I will be out go any internet the whole week.

I hope everything is going well with all you other filmmakers and I look very much forward to see all the results.

/Mikael

Mikael,
Send an email to Lorinda and ask for the upload instructions for the uwol vimeo page.

Everyone is also encouraged to publish their videos to their personal website and/or vimeo/ youtube accounts if you have any.
After the deadline, please post your feedback thread and remember to include link(s) to your video.

Mikael,
Send an email to Lorinda and ask for the upload instructions for the uwol vimeo page.

Everyone is also encouraged to publish their videos to their personal website and/or vimeo/ youtube accounts if you have any.
After the deadline, please post your feedback thread and remember to include link(s) to your video.

Thank you, Trond!

I have sent a message for Lorinda.

I guess i should wait for the deadline to upload to my vimeoaccount?

Yes, we normally don't publish the videos until after the deadline.
But once in a while some participants have uploaded earlier because of traveling or limited network access.

Thanks everyone (especially those that e-mailed). I wish I had time to thank and respond to each of you. We are now in the third hospital since I last posted and hoping to proceed from here to a Rehab Hospital soon. I was finally able to barter some time and take Dale and Lorinda’s excellent advice. I got out for an hour and shot something just to reduce the stress.

I had spotted her earlier building a new home (almost certainly a female due to size). I was without a camera at the time so I marked the location. It took almost a month to get back with a camera and, although I found my marks, I wasn’t sure she was still there. I couldn’t see the door at all- the camouflage is that good! I framed where I thought it must be (you can see I was a bit off), started recording and tossed a cricket near-by. Ten seconds later I had this shot. I’ll try to get more later if possible. This is the only shot, so far, that I’ve had an opportunity to try the new macro lens.

Trap-door Spider (http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/under-water-over-land/517215-trap-door-spider.html)

Wow Mike,

That footage is absolutely stunning. I'm also amazed you were able to find the door after a month. As for the cricket, you can't beat an impact like being there one second and gone the next!

Cat

I'm also going to have to get upload instructions. I don't know how you are doing it now.

Mike: I really liked that spidershot. Very well done.
I hope you was able to relax a bit when out filming,

/Mikael

Mike! Your footage is astounding--and award-winning, I should think!! "Wow!" doesn't cut it, but is all I have at the moment. Well done.

Email sent, Cat. :)

Mike! Your footage is astounding--and award-winning, I should think!! "Wow!" doesn't cut it, but is all I have at the moment. Well done.

Email sent, Cat. :)

Lorinda: I also whant an email with the upload information. I haveve sent you an email.

/Mikael

Hi Mikael,

I sent the upload info to the email address you provided through dvinfo@gmail.com on the day you requested it. Maybe check your junk mail folder because you will need that address later. Sending again from my email.

Hi Mikael,

I sent the upload info to the email address you provided through dvinfo@gmail.com on the day you requested it. Maybe check your junk mail folder because you will need that address later. Sending again from my email.

Done!
It was my mail account that was messed up.. Now it´s working. Thanks!

/Mikael

Hi Lorinda and UWOL crew:

I must admit I'm a bit challenged here concerning the entry upload. Lorinda, Thanks so much, I did receive your e-mail that gives me the username and password. But I'm not sure how to find the "UWOL account on Vimeo Pro" and is there a file size limit for entries? Can we upload at any time as long as the clip is set to private?

Thanks for the hand holding everyone.

By the way, how are you all doing? Bob, did you catch some inspiration?

Cheers,

Cat

To upload:
Log into Vimeo with the username and password Lorinda gave you. Then upload, just as you would do with your personal vimeo/youtube account.

Yes, you can upload whenever you want.

Negative file size limit.