Hey guys I have a question, and I appreciate the opinions of everyone here.
I will once again be traveling to Africa to hunt and video. The goal this trip is to produce a quality traditional hunting video. I am currently laying out the outline for the video and cannot reach a decision as to whether to produce a typical, fun to watch hunting video with Africa as the backdrop or to make a truly educational video loaded with tips. I could talk about how to find an outfitter, discuss things to bring...and not bring, what to expect when you get there, what to plan for financially, how to pack your gear, what gear to bring, etc., etc., etc. Of course, there would still be plenty of hunting footage and beautiful footage of Africa, but it wouldn't be the typical bowhunting video. I want to put a video out that folks are going to enjoy and don't want to bore everybody with too much information that might not be of interest. Let me hear your thoughts please. Brady
I vote for both!
The good thing is that if I do an informative video, you can always fast forward to the "good parts" if you have been there, done that, or if you don't ever want to go to Africa, but just want to see some arrows fly.
I love how-to's.... of any kind!!
I know it is an expensive proposition, but slow motion video of the arrow flight, impact and animal reaction is always fascinating to me. The reactions of African plains game animals are supposed to be phenominal and it would be cool to really see them.
I'd like to see some scenery of the country,no hi 5ing like on most shows, respect for the animal taken. I'd also like to see the equipment used & the people involved. I'd like to see animals not taken like coming to water holes, stalks not successful, non game animals encountered. I'd also like to see some camp scenes, & any other things that would show the kind of country hunted & people involved. Thanks for listening. Frank
enjoying the hunt,having a good time,capturing what really drives us to hunt in the first place..easier said then done I know ..but it would be great...
I'd really like more than anything is a video of some small game hunting. Guys just going camping and doing some stump shooting, telling stories round the campfire... These huge big game videos are getting old.... I'll never get to hunt some far off land, squirrels and rabbits and ground hogs thats my kinda HUNTING..
just my .02 -yote
I second the concept of more footasge of non-game and even non-target animals. I hate to watch five minutes of close-ups of a targeted animal and then see other animals on the periphery following the shot. I want to see the big picture.
I do not see why you couldn't shoot raw footage with both concepts in mind and then let the quality of the footage steer you in the direction that would result in the best finished product. If you get a lot of great hunt footage complete with well taped kills, that would direct you to a traditional hunting video. If you get a few good kills, but a lot of outstanding scenary and camp footage, it would direct you to the "how-to."
Brady, I would like one that is more educational, with lots of extraneous animal and sight shots, but I differ from one viewpoint. I would rather NOT have the typical slow motion arrow hit scene, and in fact, I would prefer not even showing the impact scene. Show a little more of what went into finding the critter after the shot. No high fives after the shot. Guess my view is different from most any more.
ChuckC
QuoteOriginally posted by doctorbrady:
The goal this trip is to produce a quality traditional hunting video. Brady
I figured this part pretty much summed up his intentions. Don't figure him for a high-fiving hoot and hollar, look how great x-brand works video maker myself. If I did I would never have posted to the thread. I give the fellow ever belief he will do exactly as he says and believe him.
I would like to see some of the pre-hunt prep. Like broadhead tuning, practice with your setup, and all the things that go into the hunt behind the scenes. These things would be educational, and when it all comes together for a harvest of your quarry, bring on the high fives if that is your true emotion at the time. Don't worry about what we all think if you are successful on your hunt, just let your true emotion show through. I get the biggest kick out of the guys that show how wound-up they get after all the hard work pays off...Thanks for doing it Trad! I'll be watching for it...Terry
After planning my first trip this last 8 months and asking a whole lot of questions, this is what I needed to "see" that would have helped.
How to pick the "right" hunt/PH.
Traveling smart how to's, unexpected costs, do I have to "tip" the damn custom agents to get my bows back when I land, ect.
How to choose correct gear, and then pack it.
Correct PRACTICE for Africa, out of blind- proper shot placement on plains game.
How plains game differs from North America.
Good non-hunting "day trips". I want to see the country and the people, not just hunt hard for 14 days. What else can people do?
Of course some hunting, shot placement and nature footage.
Hidden costs- tips, tracker "gifts", what wins them over, hide prep, shipping back to the US, ect...
What's expected from a good bowhunter ??
Essentially, African Bowhunts for Newbies.
Sanderlin III
Go Daddy video's
Brady, could yu possibly have both, the main video of the trad hunt in all its glory, then a section on the preperation etc. like some movies do giving a behind the scene look?
Gery
2 words
VIDEO DIARY
Start from actually packing your gear to sitting down at dinner with your PH's and friends to the bull sessions out back around the fire. I think showing the actual hunt and not just the shooting of animals is in the interest of everyone involved. I enjoy watching the old wensel films and seeing them shooting their bows. There is something mystical about watching the limbs come alive and firing those arrows around. Showcasing shooting ability and raw talent. Make it fun and informative at the sametime and for pete sake dont edit the bloopers thats the best part.
My favorite section of any hunting video is the tips, expecially pertaining to what gear to bring, and why.
Please leave out all of the silly music. It is a distraction.
Guys,
I appreciate everybody's opinions so far. This is definitely the best website and family of traditional archers I know. Let me do a better job of defining my intentions.
1. I want to do a video that shows "the heart and soul" of a traditional bowhunter. By that I mean, when we are excited, expect to see excited. You won't get any precued "Holy Moses!" or other contrived exclamations for the camera, but you will see some folks who love making good shots on game. I don't expect any high fiving, but the situation will unfold as it unfolds, neck hugging, happy dancing and all...but never with any disrespect to the animal who's life was taken.
2. I think kill shots are essential to making a good instrucional video. The vitals on African game is different than on most of our North American critters, and showing proper shot placement is essential to educating future hunters. I don't, however, intend this to be a blood and guts sort of movie. I am not going for a gore effect, but neither do I want to seem ashamed of the actual act that culminates from a successful hunt.
3. I intend to show a lot of African scenery and wildlife. We actually have some non-hunting days scheduled to see other game and non game species as well as take in the African culture and countryside. There is a lot to experience in Africa outside of shooting critters.
4. I have been thinking a lot of detailing proper practice routines, packing, expectations, travel, finding the right PH, equipment choices, etc. This is really where my dilema lies. I don't know how useful, fun, and informative this would be to the average viewer. If you guys want it, I will do it. Like I said, you could always fast forward to the other stuff. I spend a good deal of time answering questions to guys who are planning a trip and had a million questions of my own when I started. If it would be beneficial, I will put it in. I just don't want to bore anybody to death.
5. I will do my best to leave out the "silly music" :) , but please bear with me if a little traditional African music slips in.
6. I, too, like to hear about what equipment everyone uses, and will be sure to include some of this without sounding to much like a commercial.
7. Katman and Dustin, I like both of your ideas very much, and will try to work them into the format.
Guys, I really appreciate each opinion. I know that I will not be able to make everybody happy, but I want to provide a product that does a service to my friends here, while remaining true to who I am as a hunter. The best part is, this video is going to involve several of your friends here on Tradgang. This is really a grand experiment as most of us have never met in person. Our relationships were developed on this site, and the work you see will have culminated from that. Keep the input coming. Best wishes, Brady
Dr. what I really want is to wish you good luck & for you to let us know how we can get your video when you get back. Thanks Frank
Thanks for the kind words Frank. I will definitely do that.
How about something on the bows and arrows of the native people there, what kind of woods used for bows and arrows i would find very interesting. Can't wait to see this video. FB
I am already looking forward to watching it, is it done yet :bigsmyl:
DocB,
I like the video diary idea too. I was going to suggest that if you decide to publish this as a DVD instead of a VHS tape then you could easily do both. Make the video itself a story about the hunt from initial planning through the trip home. Then you could have the "extras" that you see on DVDs with the tips and other extra information you wanted to include. Like many here I much prefer to feel like I am going along on the trip rather than seeing the key elements that the producer wants to show.
Put me on your mailing list for when it's done.
Thanks, thanks, and thanks. All good suggestions and comments.
DocB....have a great trip, when you go. Don't put so much into making a video that you lose out on the fun and excitement of your trip.
ChuckC
Just my 2 cents....make it just as it happens , no fancy back ground music ...JUST LIKE YOU ARE THERE BOWHUNTING...SHOW GOOD CLOSE UPS OF UR GEAR AND WHAT YOU LIKE ARROWS bh'S...PRIMO DOES THIS ...and Doc you feel like ur right there...hell what ever ya tape , LOL I got have one...Good luck...Marco#78 :wavey:
If you miss, show it. and have the camera man behind you as you track, I hateit when the camera is all ready with the downed game and it shows the hunter tracking witha surprised look on his/her face ( oh there it is) i've beenknown to throw videos away at the first sight of this.....
I like what bayoulongbowman had to say. If it were me, (this may sound really bad) I would stay away from the infomercial, educational aspect of things. Looking at a video as a consumer, and as a person who has hunted with a bow for more than 25 years, I'm not interested in a step by step process. Personnaly, I want to see what goes on during your adventures during the hunt itself. That's why I think the Primal Dreams, Beyond Adrenaline, and Traditional Harvest videos have received great reviews. One other thing; If I were to set out and make my own video, I would make sure I went out and watched every video Alan Altizer ever made. Although primarily a compound shooter, that guy is someone who can put out a great hunting video. Combine some of Alan Altizer, Primal Dreams, Beyond Adrenaline, and Traditional Harvests and I think you will have a winner of a video. Best of luck to you, and I'll be looking forward to buying your video.
ChuckC,
Don't worry too much about me having a good time. If I have a stick and some arrows in my hand, I am having fun! Getting good video in Africa isn't too much of a chore as the hides (blinds) are fairly spacious to accomodate hunter and camera, and waterhole hunting lends itself to videoing. Stalking with camera in tow is a whole nother ball game! I have a few ideas on showing some things that I haven't seen done on video before in Africa. We'll see if they pan out. Now you will have to wait, 'cause I am not telling.
You can bet that there will be some bloopers and misses. Not from me, of course :D . That's why I am bringing some other folks. The number one goal is to have a great time, and document how it all comes together.
Coyote Tim, I am with you on that one. I hate it when guys act surprised that they found their animal when the cameraman is sitting over top of it. I promise you that you won't get any of that in this flic.
Any more input? I'm still listening and taking notes. Brady
A good piece to put in would be the sharing of the meat. Illustrate how this isn't just about the trophy. Take away some of the myths antis try to spread about these kind of hunts. Just a thought.
I want to add this and bring up an idea from a old thread I posted. It would be really neat to do a collaboration video of peoples hunts from our Trad Gang. I had wanted to see a t.v. show being done, but I think making a DVD is more realistic. Using the money from selling them to go to St. Judes would be a topper! Make the video around $15-$20 so everyone can afford it too. I don't want to highjack this thread, but if we could have footage of an African hunt it would really add to such a thing. If the ability to produce a dvd is available, then I'm ready to do some filming! I think there is also a chance of having multiple dvd's made with as many members that we have. :readit:
Put everything in it cause thats probably as close to Africa as I'll ever get.
Eric
I haven't heard the name alan altizer in a long time. I used to love his videos!
Doc, this thread was a great idea and i'm getting some really good ideas in my head for the footage. all i can say is if you guys want to see it as it really happens then stand by cause that's exactly what we plan on giving you. i will be in Doc's back pocket with the film rolling and i promise not to let him delete any goofs. if he misses you will see it. keep the comments coming as that's what will ultimately make this a video not to miss.
(camera operator) heck i might even have to pick up my bow and let Doc get some footage of the camera man in action...... is it august yet????
just so you know how serious we are about making a video that you want, i just finished watching "White tail Eye to Eye". love the traditional kill footage. this is the only video that i have of Alan's did he have others and if so might i still be able to get a copy. any bowhunter that takes his boots off and stalks in the freezing mud is worth watching.
I like the idea of the second type of video you talk about.There are lots of videos out with the high fives,hootin and hollerin,and just small clips of game being shot,and a bunch of ads.
On hunts that most folks haven't been on,or are looking into going on, seems these would be the best type of video to watch.If I was planning to go to Africa,I would want to know all the details of the hunt,from the time it takes to fly there,to the eating of the game.
Good Luck!
paleface - Alan has made several videos, anything from Turkey, to Elk, to Deer, among others. I have a few of the videos on VHS, but I would have to do some digging to tell you the names of them. I can say that of the videos he has made, they have been my favorites to watch. There is one instance where he is hunting a whitetail that has stumbled into a beehive. Another where Alan does a snort wheeze with his voice that is incredible and brings in the buck. Stalking in his bare feet on a beaded buck. The guy is really amazing. I'll dig through my collection to see if I can give you some titles of his work.
Rob,
I used to have several of Alan's videos back when my folks ran an archery shop...too long ago now to think about. I will see if they still have any around. I learned a thing or two about calling from him.
Guys, if you have any more thoughts, please let us know. We want everyone hear to feel like they are a part of what we are doing. You are really the inspiration for making this video. Regards, Brady
Rob,
BTW, if you are going to show them ALL of my bloopers, you better bring plenty of tape :knothead:
I vote for a 3 dvd package being the bible of going to africa the first time. How to set it up with prep (not tune the bow stuff - if your going to africa you better be past that stage), sight seeing other animal tpe stuff, and the HUNT.
Come on - you know you want to do it!
Bowdude,
I am definitely already there. I just want to make sure I am not the only one watching it :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: :bigsmyl: !!!!!!!
If I can someday afford it I would love to hunt africa. Lord willing when I do I want to go with a group, some of them hopefully already been there and found and laid the good ground work. Too expensive to be doing it yourself!
don't worry Doc i will have enough tape to make 10 dvd's and more.
Well, I have another idea. Comedy... If'n you take me you could do a "What Not To Do While in Africa Bowhuntin" From missed shots to being chased by elders of a young girls family... It could and would have it all... Kinda a Robin Hood meets Abbet and Costello kinda thing...
Thanks everybody for your participation. Given everybody's suggestions I think that I have decided to go with an educational "video journal" type of format. I hope to include tips on finding/choosing an outfitter, appropriate practice routines and equipment choices, travel preparation and packing, LOTS of hunting and non hunting footage, trophy prep, and tips on getting your stuff back into the states. There will be no shortage of bloopers and honest to goodness good times enjoying hunting with friends, old and new.
If you haven't chimed in, you have until August to send me a PM. Otherwise, look toward seeing an announcement of its release WITH my Tradgang sponsorship sometime around the end of the year. As always, you guys are the best. Brady