For 3 weeks the entire team consisting of institute workers and world renowned Amazonian scientists spent each day collecting vegetation samples to determine if this area could sustain the institute’s various needs.
I filmed this entire project solo hauling 75 pounds of gear through the jungle. It was the most difficult shoot I have ever done. A combination of the incredible heat, overall jungle conditions and insect infestations proved to be an outrageous challenge. By the time the trip was over, 3 expedition members had come down with malaria.
Every aspect of the filming, including audio, was done by myself while simultaneously fighting the elements. Filming with the 5D on a self-made shoulder rig comprised of various name brands (Zacuto, Manfrotto, Indirails) it was true run and gun in a remote location 6 days down river from the nearest major city Manaus. Using the Zoom H4N with wireless mics, I would listen to all channels keeping an ear out for the most relevant chatter to determine who needed to be filmed at any given time. Everyone else in the jungle had either a machete or a clipboard to record scientific data.
The footage was shot in July 2010 and edited in December 2010. A sub-titled version is coming soon.
