Filming: A Perfect Planet, Episode 5, ' Humans '
Working on "A Perfect Planet", narrated by Sir David Attenborough and produced by Silverback Films, was a career-defining moment for me. The insight the filming gave me into the work of Sea Shepherd, and the opportunity to contribute to both the film and the accompanying book was incredibly fulfilling and aligned with my passion for wildlife conservation.
Filming the efforts of Sea Shepherd alongside the marines and fisheries of Gabon was particularly inspiring. Over the past few years, I’ve spent a lot of time at sea, and each ship has its unique character. Sea Shepherd’s ship Bob Barker, with its distinctive wonky heli-deck from protest work long ago in Antarctica, was a fascinating setting for the 10 days I spent aboard, alongside the dedicated crew working hard to protecting the seas and oceans.
The tight living conditions on the now replaced Bob Barker, got sticky in the last week when the ship’s water pump broke down, making washing a rare luxury in the muggy heat off West Africa’s still waters. Despite this, the ship’s crew made sure that we were very well accommodated for in the ship’s lower quarters, where Emily Franke, the producer/director, and Paul Williams, the Director of Photography and I shared a bunk space. We were also extremely well fed with delicious vegan meals.
Our work involved boarding ships to inspect fishing practices, health and safety measures, and bycatch management. Operating undercover, our ship would only reveal itself when close enough to surprise its targets, making each inspection as an interesting experience as the dodgy ladders we had to climb to get onboard. Beyond capturing footage, these moments were about supporting important conservation efforts by inspiring people, who regularly spend long time at sea campaigning.
I have published a story with more detail on my Instagram feed, please do take a look and a read!
I hope you find the Perfect Planet series engaging and too are inspired to support Sea Shepherd’s crucial work.
Additionally, I’d like to acknowledge the late John Hare’s significant camel conservation efforts featured in Episode 3 of the series. I met John in the 1990’s and his decades-long dedication to saving the last remaining wild Bactrian camels and establishing a major wildlife sanctuary is inspiring. More information is available on his website, with links below. His books are also a superb read.