Working on Big Cats 24/7 was an extraordinary experience. As the editor for Episode 2, I immersed myself in Africa's big cats in Botswana's Okavango Delta, observing lions, leopards, and cheetahs through talented wildlife filmmakers' lenses for weeks.
The Craft of Storytelling
Editing Big Cats 24/7 was challenging but rewarding, focusing on apex predators' histories and behaviors. Episode 2 explored lions, leopards, and cheetahs post-wildfire, showcasing their resilience, power, and struggles for survival. The narrative crafted emotional depth through stories like lions reclaiming territory, leopardess hunting from trees, and cheetahs searching for food all with the backdrop of the biggest wildfire ever recorded.
The Magic of Collaboration and Technology
The series was edited at Dog House Post Production in Bristol using Avid Media Composer. The team managed extensive footage from challenging environments with a highly organized workflow, ensuring no details were overlooked. Working with a talented team dedicated to creating something special was a highlight, evident in every aspect of the process. For the temporary music I used ExtremeMusic.com
One of the greatest joys of this project was the chance to work with some of the best wildlife filmmakers on the planet, including Gordon Buchanan, Vianet Djenguet, Anna Dimitriadis, and Brad Bestelink. Their footage was nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the raw intensity of the animals' lives in a way that was both beautiful and unflinchingly real. Their passion for these animals was infectious, and it was our job to ensure that passion translated to the screen.
Seeing the Impact
Now that the series is out there, receiving such fantastic feedback and finding a home on BBC iPlayer, it’s deeply gratifying. It’s a reminder of why we do what we do—to bring these stories to life and to share the wonder of these animals with the world. The fact that viewers are connecting with the series, that they’re being entertained and educated about the beauty and importance of big cats, is the ultimate reward.
Big Cats 24/7 will be available on PBS in September 2024, reaching a global audience.
If you haven’t yet seen the series, I highly recommend giving it a watch. Not just because I had the pleasure of editing Episode 2, but because it’s a reminder of the awe-inspiring world we share with these amazing animals. And trust me, once you see them, you’ll never look at a big cat the same way again.
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