- Off the back of working on the movie you have been helping to conserve the flamingo's breeding ground can you tell me a bit about that? why did you get involved?
I got involved because i had unique insights into the breeding biology of the flamingos as a result of the filming effort. The conservation plan for the flamingos in tanzania (the single species action plan) was being developed at the time from an almost non-existant data base.
So I felt it was vital to be involved and share the knowledge that we gained from the filming. the final draft of this plan has just been agreed and i've been pleased to play a role in the consultations involved.
- You are very much known as a nature filmmaker so what drew you to this genre of film?
I've always been interested in wildlife - as a young child onwards. all good wildlife filmmakers have this background.
The interest in wildlife comes first, and then wildlife film becomes an expression of that interest and enquiring mind;the wish to put names on things, to observe animals, places and behaviour and engage with the world.
Wildlife film is just an extension of a passion for wildlife - and it can only really work when it is produced by people who understand something about Nature.
- The wildlife documentary, and I suppose documentaries in general, have become popular at the box office so what do you think has brought around this interest?
I think that people are looking to engage with the world as they are aware (even if only subliminally) that the world is contracting. becoming less rich. becoming less alive. It would cost a one off 30 billion US to protect a reasonably representative chunk of the world's remaining biodiversity - and yet this isn't even on the political agenda.
We spend vastly more propping up a rapacious system (and its investment bankers) that is scouring the earth of everything that drives and sustains life to the detriment of the majority of people and future generations.
We are at a critical juncture of history - because once the world's ecosystems are gone they will not recover.
They are gone forever, and with them goes our heritage, our health, the heath of future generations, and our capacity for exploration and spiritual growth. we are part of ecology after all.
The more people see nature as relevant, as important, the more chance we have of saving the promise of our planet for humanity.
So we need to encourage more meaningful wildlife films - not science lessons. and hopefully wildlife film in cinema can develop further in this direction.
- Finally what's next for you?
I'm building several new films that will see me back working in my familiar haunts in Africa!
The Crimson Wing is out on DVD now.
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw