IAmA wildlife cameraman who has worked on Human Planet, Planet Earth and Life and worked with David Attenborough on 12 of his series

Verified.

Thank you!

Whats the longest you had to sit still and not move?

I once sat for 12 hours a day for 17 days to try and film Lace Monitor females returning to dig their newly hatched young from a termite mound in S.E. Australia!

Did you get the shot?

NO!

That's amazing. You had to be rolling or ready to get the shot constantly, without distraction, or a break, right? Unless you had a great AC or 2nd camera with you.

What's the crew structure like on these types of shoots?

On average the shoots are around 3-4 weeks. You don't get days off on location unless the weather is so bad you can't film or prep. The days are 16 hours or more. You can only sustain this if it is your passion! Usually the team is me plus one other. Before I get on location though there is often a year of preperation by a team of researchers/scientists/assistant producer/producer/production coordinator etc.

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Thank you.

There are probably less than 50 full time wildlife camera jobs in the world. Nowadays the production companies ten to supply the major £$ equipment.

Some companies are always going to cheat in some ways. I'd like to think that the productions I work on won't do that, but that's beyond my control.

Have you ever pissed yourself while waiting for the perfect shot?

I was once filming antelope fawns in southern Russia (then USSR) I was dropped off to get in the hide before first light and picked up after dusk - 15 hours or so. Bursting for a piss I couldn't leave the hide for fear of scaring off the antelope/fawn so I dug a hole in the sand and peed into it thinking it would soak away. Two hours later I was still stood with cramped legs astride of a crater full of piss that refused to drain away!

IAmA volcanologist studying the ice caves on Mt Erebus, and can attest to Gavin's ability to simultaneously film and entertain. It's really something; the moment the scientist begins to tire of rappelling and climbing up the same rope repeatedly, he finds a bottle (ok, a box) of wine in his hand, or is regaled by a Gavin stand-up routine. All of my other caving experiences at the wrong end of a camera have been tedious, but working with Gavin, Chadden, and Jason was a joy.

-Aaron Curtis

Aaron. How the hell are you? thank you for your kind words. The footage of you with your lasers for Frozen Planet is looking amazing. I think you'll be fighting of the groupies when it airs! How's the world of volcanology? Were you back down in Antarctica this season?

AMA Request: Aaron Curtis, or should we wait till after Frozen Planet comes out?

Yes. Come on Aaron Curtis. An AMA to coincide with Frozen Planet is a great idea.

Did you see what I did to your majestic footage?

Brilliant! Love it!

What was the most amazing thing you have ever filmed?

The film I have had the best response for is the 'Jungles' episode of the recent Human Planet series. However the most amazing experience I have had was filming the wading chimpanzees in Congo for David Attenboroughs "Life of Mammals". I could see so many human traits in their behaviour.

Can you post clips of some of your favorite shots? (If not, can you reference specific parts of those episodes?)

What was the most challenging shot you ever had to make?

I can't post any video clips as they are all copyrighted by BBC or Discovery. However there are quite a few clips on YouTube. Check this one I shot for instance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjE0Kdfos4Y which I shot in Australia for "The Life of Birds"

I loved that scene but why did you never release the extra footage?

That is in the hands of the BBC!

As an Australian, I'm so proud right now. Aussie wildlife, Fuck yeah!

You have some pretty unique wildlife! But that is true of many other countries too.

Thanks for doing this!

My first question is, how much are documentaries "staged"? Is there any coercion in getting species to interact? I ask this because, especially in US documentaries, there's a lot of Mortal Kombat style fights between predators which I highly doubt would happen on a regular basis in the wild.

Second question, what do you think of Sir David? He is the definition of "awesome" in my book, both as a presenter and as BBC controller. Is there anything that surprises him after all these years?

My pleasure.

The high end documentaries made by prestigious companies such as BBC and Discovery generally are very authentic and made without staging scenes. It is more than their reputation is worth to be caught out rigging/staging behaviours sequences.

Sir David Attenborough is as awesome as he appears to be. The biggest surprise is that he is still working flat out aged 84!

Wow, I had no idea he was that old! Thanks for doing this, so far this has been my favorite AMA all year.

You're welcome. My sons put me up to it!

Have you ever felt like intervening in the events you're filming? I know you're not supposed to interfere and all, but don't you ever watch some big-eyed newborn fluffball getting swallowed whole by a python or whatever, and think, "Screw it, I'm breakin' the code!"

(And I know, pythons gotta eat, too, but I know it would be hard for me to watch something endangered get got.)

Also, thanks for the AMA! I've been watching David Attenborough for most of my life, and I've always wondered about the brave souls who sit in a blind for 40 hours to get 15 seconds of bird-mating footage!

Generally we do not intervene in natural events. This is often harrowing to experience animal suffering. However the ethos is that if there wasn't a human there then the event would still happen. I have intervened on two occassions though: I was filming green turtle hatchlings on the north west coast of Australia, each nest produces around 80 hatchlings. However only a handful make it even to the sea before being eaten by gulls etc. After 6 days of filming, myself and the producer both got up and ran down the beach scooping up the hatchings in our T-shirts and took them down to the sea. Still the gulls managed to get a few but at least that clutch got a head start in life. There will be people out there who will condemn us for for even doing that.

What kind of thoughts went through your mind when dressed up as a gorilla and sat amongst the wildlife in Congo on Location?

The Gorilla suit stunt was partly to prove a point to the scientists that I could get close to sitatunga antelope, 3 meters dressed as a gorilla and 500 meters as a human. It was a carefully prepared 'stunt', the main risk would have been elephants. I had three people watching my back and in radio contact with me. I felt safe as I trusted their judgement. I did sweat like a pig though!

It must have provided such a stark contrast to the incident when the gorilla attacked the tent (?) you were inside. Meticulous planning to a spontaneous attack. I suppose that made you sweat even more!

That is probably the most frightening wildlife experience I have had. I was on my own in the hide and could sort of see the whole scenario building over 20 minutes or so, culminating in the Gorilla giving the hide an exploratory thump. My kidneys ached for days.

My questions are actually asked by my five year old daughter. She is a huge fan of David Attenborough, and has seen everything he has made. She loves nature, watching animals interact with plants, and collecting and keeping insects.

Her questions are: Do you like to watch things grow? Do you use a tiny camera, or a big one? Why do the bladderworts look so scary?

Seeing things grow is fascinating and we use a technique called timelapse to be able to speed this up. Quite often this technique reveals extraordinary things. Generally I use a big camera, there are times however when a small camera is better! Bladderworts are indeed scary but only if you are the size of a water flea.

When you know you're faced with a marathon sitting session do you ever pretend you're an FBI agent waiting to catch a drug deal?

All the time!!

Do you ever take a moment and think about the joy and wonder you bring to people with your work? That what you do helps millions of people better appreciate the beauty around us every day?

(Routine viewing in my household are series like Planet Earth and the like. We watch them as a family, always.)

Thanks for watching! Look out for "Frozen Planet" coming out towards the end of this year. 7 x 1 hours about life at the polar extremes. The joy is all mine!

Has there ever been something that you saw, but didn't catch on camera that was rare/awesome?

Thank you so much for what you do! I appreciate it immensely. Those documentaries are some of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

The most amazing thing I witnessed looking through the camera viewfinder but didn't manage to capture was a Gorilla female feeding, she stopped to catch a butterfly in her hand and held it up briefly to her eye to see what it was. She then almost seemed to raise her eyebrows in recognition before releasing it and watching it fly away. As a cameraman there are many things I witness but fail to capture on video. If you impressed by what you see on TV there is way more out there to see and witness!

What is the most frightening example of nature you've witnessed? Also; I'm currently attending school studying both Environmental Science and Film. Any advice for someone who would one day love to have a job just like yours? Thank you.

I have just returned from Alabama where I have been filming for a new 8 part series for Discovery on "America". We were fortunate/unfortunately there when the E5 tornado hit Hackleburg and Phil Campbell. 57 people died and the destruction is indescribable.

For advice on how to get started in this industry I will wait and do a more detailed reply in due course.

Aww dang, I would have bought you a beer and thanked you for your awesome work if I had known you were here. Cant wait to see more of your work!

Shame I didn't know that. I do like beer. Also where we were was a dry county!! Had to drive to the next county for a drink!!

The CV you linked to lists "Royal Humane Society Award for Bravery 1984", what did you get this for :) ?

In 1984 I swam out to sea to try and rescue a hang glider pilot that had crashed into the water. It was March in the UK and the water temperature was COLD. Along with another bystander and a yachtsman we tried CPR for 20 minutes until the Life boat (RNLI) arrived. Sadly we were unable to save his life.

What is David Attenborough like? I mean, does he like to have a few beers with the crew? Thanks for your AMA!

David Attenborough is as nice as you'd expect. He is a real team member not just a presenter!

Does Attenborough have a "must lie down while being filmed" clause in his contract with the BBC?

Only to film things which are inches off the ground otherwise he wouldn't fit in the TV frame.

Have you ever worked with my uncle Rom Whitaker? He's a giant crocodile expert in India who has done BBC specials before.

No, but a freind of mine, Robin Smith has just filmed and produced a film with him. he comes across very well on screen.

have you ever encountered an unfavorable ailment while trouncing about jungles?

Kneeling on the forest floor in the forests of Congo I picked up some nasty parasitic worms/nematodes that burrowed under my skin. They itched like crazy as they drew roadmaps around my legs for weeks. Nothing seemed to be able to kill them. I even tried half a bottle of single malt whiskey (ingested from a glass with ice). Finally they just died off and I squeezed them out as puss!

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I wasn't involved though it was me who convinced the producer to do it as a base jump rather than abseiling.

Have you ever been in serious danger while filming? If so, Where? What happened??

The dangers whilst filming are nearly always people related. I have been unfortunate enough to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sudan when the war flared up back in 1992! And again in Panama City when Manuel Noriegas troops were shooting live rounds at students! The producer and I escaped both times unscathed. There are too many guns on this planet!

How do you film for example inside an ant colony? I've always wondered how you guys manage to film with such detail inside tiny environments.

I have filmed inside a termite mound for a BBC 'Wildlife on One' about 17 years ago. I remember being bitten many times. I have designed my own lenses to be able to get into tight spaces.

How do you get animals to act natural for the camera? Like, how do you prevent them becoming interested in you?

Generally the idea is that the animals are unaware of your presence and often they are so engrossed/preoccupied in their behaviour that they don't care that you are there. If you interrupt or displace their behaviour then you have failed!

How many crew members work on each film site usually?

Usually 2 or 3 people on a team. Though if it is hide work then the cameraman may it there for up to 16 hours a day on their own.

Have you drank your own piss?

Only by accident. Though I have it on good authority that is doing so can get you out of trouble or win bets!

What was the most shocking animal-wild-intercourse-scene that you've witnessed/recorded and couldn't publish due to inappropriate content?

I suggest you travel to the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, Polonurruwa during mating season for the Toque Macaques! The Kama Sutra is put in the shade!

I just want to say that Planet Earth and Human Life were absolutely breathtakingly amazing!

My question: Is there any place you'd love to shoot still?

This planet is huge and what I have witnessed on it is a fraction of what is out there. The biggest issue is getting to see more of it before we as humans trash it all!

What kind of places did stay in predominately while filming? Hotels, Campsites or just camping where you would get the best shot? I'm assuming it wasn't very glamorous at best.

We stay in a variety of places but I do spend on average about 3-4 months under canvas. Very rarely we get to stay in posh hotels.

David Attenborough is my personal Dos Equis man. I can only imagine what it must be like to interact with him. As an American, I went out of my way to acquire the BBC version of life. He is the undisputed best narrator for these.

The Life series was amazing; I think the reptiles episode had some of the best cinematography I've ever seen. Did you appear in any of the ending segments where they show the trials and tribulations of the camera crew?

David was disappointed that his narration was replaced with Oprahs for the US transmission. He was delighted though when out of the initial 9 million DVDs sold the American public chose the copy with his voice!

What is Sir Attenborough like off camera? My father met him once in the 80's while he was filming in Zambia and according to him he's quite the life of the party. Is that true even today?

Still true today.

You've traveled to more places than most on your job. What are some of the most memorable and your favorite countries, places or sites that you think people should visit before they die?

Four places spring to mind:

Mondika in the Republic of Congo, for sheer adrenaline wildlife on foot, the highlight is seeing Gorillas in the wild up close and personal. Not for wusses! Hallo Bay in Alaska. Again, full on adrenaline wildlife encounters on foot with Brown Coastal bears. Sumatra: Tigers, Bears, Clouded Leopards, Elephants, etc etc. Boa Vista in Piaui, Brazil. To see Brown Capuchins that use rocks to crack nuts. A glimpse at our ancestral roots.

What is the most personal experience you've had with an animal in the wild?

The most personal experiences are usually with parasites!! And although 'personal' they aren't pleasurable experiences. Why can't parasites evolve o get what they want from you without making you itch or ill?

Wow I envy you, what an awesome job !

Thank you.

What is the most common gear you shoot with? How do you feel about the influx of DSLR video these days?

The advent of amazing quality from DSLRs means that the industry is open to more people. When I started out you had to spend around £50k ($75k) to have a chance. Now a Canon or Nikon that shoots video too costs around £550 ($750). Some of the scenes in the feature film 'Slumdog Millionaire ' were shot with the Canon 5D mk2!

I mainly shoot on a Panasonic P2 Varicam 2700. Amazing quality leap even since 'Planet Earth' days.

What was a moment you felt like, "I cannot do this anymore!" or felt like giving up?

You mentioned the gorilla attack to be the scariest moment, what's another hairy moment you had maybe early on in your career or when you were less experienced?

What's a time when you had to engineer something on the fly to get the right shot?

When you're sitting/laying in some fairly hostile nature environments for weeks at a time have you ever gotten stung/bitten/narrowly eyed that venomous snake at the last second, etc etc..?

Thanks!

I have nearly given up many times. Cold, wet, uncomfortable, homesick, frustrated. But I always think what else could I do? I have no other skills and ultimately love the job more often than I hate it! That's why I'm still doing what I love.

The nature of the job means adapting/engineering things on location all the time. For instance I have just returned from Alabama where I have been filming Dismalites - tiny larvae that glow blue to attract their prey. They were so small that my standard macro lenses couldn't get close enough. I ended up buying some guttering from Lowes hardware store to make a mega extension tube. It did the job and I used that for the next 10 days! The natural world is actually very benign. Give me a charging elephant or striking venomous snake any day over a drunk teenager with a gun!

Have you ever worked with Steve Irwin?

I worked with Steve Irwin before he was famous about 20 years ago.

What is your favorite animal of those you've filmed?

I am a big fan of primates in general, partly because I find the behaviour easier to predict and interpret. I think my favourite being the Western Lowland Gorilla. I think we as humans have a lot to learn from how they behave socially!

What is the one thing you would miss if you stopped doing this line of work? and what is one thing you wouldn't miss (besides the parasites :P)?

I would miss being part of a team that produces inspiring TV. I was inspired when I was younger by "Life on Earth"!

The parasites will be with me for ever!!!

how many (and which) countries have you been to?

I have been to over 80 countries! A bit tedious with two finger typing to list!

What's the worst insect bite you've ever gotten?

I have been very fortunate not to have been bitten or stung by anything serious. Usually the problems arise when an insect bite gets infected in the tropics. Good hygiene is pretty essential if you don't want to get ill or die! I have only had a few days of sick in my whole career! Single malt whiskey is a good prophylactic!

Were you the cameraman for Mr. Attenborough when he was talking about sloths?

If it was for Life of Mammals then yes.

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On top of all the other great comments, your kind words have made my year. That happens to be one of the shots of which I am most proud with a cable dolly I have developed. Thank you. What is your film called and when can we all see it?

Have you ever discovered a new species while out?

Yes, I discovered a new species of parasitic wasp that preys on tiger beetle larvae on the Isle of White in Southern Britain about 28 years ago. It was named after Gerald Thompson who was the scientist who described it.

Did you ever work with Nick Gordon, the nature photographer?

I never had the chance to work with Nick Gordon though did meet him several times. His contribution to the industry will be missed. (I hope you don't mean Gordon Buchanan! Who is alive and well and kicking.)

I have a few questions and comments. I found your reply in which you said you are a two finger typer, so if you can't answer these questions, then I understand(even though you are a man of great patience :P)

So if you can't respond to any or all, then I would just like to say that I can't even tell you how much I appreciate all the work that you have done to open my eyes, mind, and heart as well as for millions of people with the work you've done with Planet Earth, Human Planet, Life, etc;.

• With a life like yours, I can't imagine you regretting much, but if you do, what is it that you regret? (One of my current regrets, is that I haven't been able to give you a big hug for all that you've done for me as a person)

• What made you wanna get into this?/Climax of your life?/Single moment that you realized that you want to essentially spend most of your life in the wild filming it for millions of people to see?

• How has your constant activity around the globe affected your way of life most?

• If you have kids/wife, how has your job affected the life you have with them? How have they reacted to your constant movement around the world?

• How has your work personally affected you?

• When you do come back to civilization, how often do you wish that you were back in the wild?

Thank you so much for doing this AMA. You have blessed Reddit with your altruism and patience in a way that will be remembered throughout all of Reddit History. I love you

*Despite an amazing career/job I do regret neglecting my family and freinds so much over the years. *As a child I was keen on photography and interested in wildlife and somehow managed to stumble into doing this as a career! *Travel broadens the mind and seeing/witnessing things first hand is always an eye opening privilege. *I am lucky to have a very tolerant family!!

What do you think of the Panasonic AF-100?

I have recently bought the UK version, the AF-101. It produces awesome images though is tricky to use. I also have a NanoFlash solid state recorder so I can record higher bit rate HD. Again amazing technology is becoming more affordable.

Hi Gavin, It appears you have THE dream job. I bought all the mentioned series on Blu-Ray and I love the cinematography, the stories, the sound, the narration.
I believe these shows are culturally and historically very important. I work as an editor for Canada's national broadcaster (BBC and CBC do a lot of co-productions) and I would love to work on similar docs.
How much pre-production is done for a series like Human Life, as far as the story goes? Is it shaped by the editor or does the crew know more or less what it's going to look like?

Also, how much footage is shot vs the length of a final episode? Regards,

Often there is over 2 years research and preparation before the first shot is taken. The crew know more or less how the sequence should look before the plane ticket is bought. However with 'Natural' history film making the story is often dictated by what actually happens on 'the day'. For Planet Earth I believe the shooting ratio was over 400:1

Thank you for your amazing shots, we all appreciate it very much!

Thanks.

How much does this job pay?

After 30 years I am still overdrawn, have a mortgage and no pension scheme. But you have to ask yourself what you want from life. For me I have a selfishly rewarding, sort after job and getting rich, although nice, isn't on the agenda.

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I once filmed a Sumatran tiger, of which there are sadly only around 300 left in the wild, taking a crap!