"Our approach is collaborative" It is said that Africa gets into your blood. More likely it is just that Africa is already in your blood. It not only appears from the anthropological record to be the birthplace of the human race; it is also a place of substantial primary energy and a striking richness and diversity of wilderness. Man and nature are not inherently discrete and separate entities; rather it is Man who has created this dangerous and destructive illusion under which most of us now live. In Africa, with its special wildness and vitality, we have some of the most fertile opportunities for the portrayal of this delicate yet powerful interplay. We specialise in non-fiction films that embrace the unique aspects and primal power of Africa, in a fresh and unusual way. We tell stories with the voice of Africa herself, and create film experiences, which enable the viewer to gain an intense and deep insight into the natural and cultural dynamics of this ancient continent. We explore the timeless and universal themes of the relationship between man and animal, and the relationship between them and the environments, which they share. We seek unique and challenging footage, which is enthralling and exciting without compromising on integrity and sensitivity. We show reality as it is but in a way in which it is not usually seen. People have extraordinary experiences in the wild; experiences that are often difficult to put into words, and possibly easier to put into pictures. We aim to take the viewers beyond their normal scope of vision. In order to achieve this, we combine cutting-edge filming and editing techniques and technologies with a deep knowledge and feeling for the people, the creatures and the environments of Africa. With a dual emphasis on rich content and a unique style, we aim to create visual events that inspire the viewer to see through new eyes. In close collaboration with the characters themselves as well as experts in various fields, we create narrative and record dialogue, which merges naturally and harmoniously with the visuals. Of equal importance, we create soundtracks inspired directly by the subject matter; by organic and natural sounds and the traditional musical instruments of Africa. The role of trance, dance, ritual and celebration are further inspiration. Created collaboratively with musicians, these soundtracks are the result of an intense process of layering. The result is a sound, which in itself breathes its own message. The greatest power of non-fiction is its base in reality. Without losing this factual integrity we shift this genre gently across the edges of "conventional documentary" and into the realm of "cinematic experience". We try to stimulate feelings and create impressions rather than simply to follow the action and catalogue facts. Our films are more poetry than prose, more art than science. Our films are about reality and are firmly rooted in fact, but we want the viewers to feel that they have come to know the characters, and to be moved by what they have seen and heard. Our approach is collaborative. We work as a team, in an intense and close-knit way, each bringing a slightly different perspective and skill set. The creative process is an organic one and the films are built up gradually in layers over time. It is a continuous process of unfolding and crafting, moulding and remoulding, until the finished product finally emerges, richly textured.

History

 

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