Which side of the lens do you want to be on?
So you have purchased some gear and are excited about filming hunts. From years of being in front of people and speaking about filming hunts, I believe the #1 thing that ultimately happens, is they end up “self-filming”. Self-filming (behind and in front of the lens) because their buddy isn’t into it as much as they are. So, what is the first thing to do when preparing to make that purchase and dive into this crazy obsession? Ask yourself why. Do you want to be behind the lens and learn the art of producing quality photos and video? Or do you want to be in front, making a hunting/outdoor show, so that you can ultimately “be on TV”? Once you’ve answered that question, than you will have a better idea of what to buy and how to go about educating yourself and applying it.
(Is your dream to be the one who creates the magic?)
Who gets “the credit”
Years ago, in the days when hunting TV was really taking off, it was the hosts of the show, the people doing the hunting that got all of the credit. Now, I am not saying that they don’t deserve credit and they are definitely a key component to great entertainment. But, I will say (from a producer that was behind the lens years ago), we received very little recognition for our work back then. Nowadays, with the advances in technology and the growth in hunters producing video, I would say we, the producers, are very much recognized and do get the credit we deserve.
What to consider?
What’s the point you may ask? Let’s be honest. Most people that start out filming hunts want to be noticed publicly in some way. This results in most people wanting to be in front of the lens. I am here to tell you, that if its quality you want to turn out and recognition you want to receive, concentrate on your work from behind the lens. If you are forced to “self-film”, do so for the hunt. Then find a creative way to tell your story with additional footage that you spend time producing. Add additional pieces to that hunt or story that will draw a viewer in. As opposed to capturing a hunt on film, throwing an edit together and uploading to YouTube as quickly as you can.
This will get you “The Producer” the credit you deserve on a production you can be proud of.
(Educate yourself and produce with pride)
Goals
Please don’t think I am knocking the individuals that upload a hunt they captured on film. We all need to start somewhere and everyone has a budget to follow, time management to consider and should be proud of every step you take. I am simply stating that if quality is your goal, if it’s recognition as a producer you are after, then take the time to concentrate on what will get recognized. And if you are lucky enough to concentrate on producing from behind the lens and have a buddy that is a great personality in front of it, then you have yourself a home run.
In closing, no matter what your goals are, take pride in yourself and your work. It will do the outdoor industry good in a much needed time of quality representation.
See more about the education programs we offer at Become1 and Film The Hunt
Thanks for your time,
Tom Petry
“Success is not created by one person, but by a team that comes together as one”