Bertie Gregory, the cinematographer of “Secrets of the Penguins,” shares that an incredible aspect of filming penguins in the wild is their unique lack of land-based predators. This means that humans can approach them more closely than they would with many other species.
Sometimes the penguins would even get curious about the cameras and “break the fourth wall.”
Gregory notes that the series is so touching and personal because it maintains a close proximity to the subjects without disrupting their normal activities. He explains that penguins are not afraid of humans, which allows them to film without needing to conceal themselves.
As I huddled against the biting Antarctic wind, I found myself captivated by “Secrets of the Penguins,” a three-episode odyssey by National Geographic. This gripping series takes us on an exhilarating journey, from the sprawling Ekström Ice Shelf to the icy shores of South Georgia island, where we witness penguins in their untouched habitats.
The innovative use of drone technology in this production is nothing short of remarkable. It allowed us a unique vantage point, particularly during the heart-stopping scenes of emperor penguin chicks leaping from a towering 50-foot cliff – a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
This series offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the lives of these enchanting creatures, reminding us once again of the breathtaking wonders that lie hidden in our world.
Gregory mentions that what’s particularly awesome about the flight time is that it allows us to do something we couldn’t before – using drones to observe animals in their natural habitat from above. Earlier, our drones could only stay up for a short while, but now with extended flying capabilities, we can keep them stationary in the air and wait for interesting events to occur.
As an accomplished cinematographer and explorer with National Geographic, Gregory has previous experience in creating nature documentaries like “Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory” and “Frozen Planet II.” He combines his knowledge of camera technology with a unique ability to interpret animal behaviors. According to him, this skill is crucial for capturing fast-paced animal actions, such as the Gentoo penguins reaching speeds of 22 miles per hour in certain scenes.
Gregory confessed that he doesn’t engage in much conscious thought,” Gregory admitted. “During intense situations, it’s more like being in a ‘flow’ rather than autopilot. Your instincts guide you, and unconscious processes seem to take control.
The number of people Gregory collaborated with on set varied significantly for each episode. For example, during the 274-day shoot in Antarctica, there was only a small crew of three working on location, which Gregory found appealing as it allowed for greater flexibility compared to the challenges posed by larger crews.
One thrilling moment that required swift decision-making from Gregory and his team occurred during their run-in with a leopard seal in the third episode.
Gregory says, “I’m no longer fearful of it,” he clarifies. “To me, the leopard seal appeared bold and inquisitive instead. When we humans want to explore a new item, we use our hands. Unfortunately, seals don’t have that luxury; they must rely on their teeth. They grip your head, arms, or legs with their teeth, and you just need to go along with it.
With Cameron serving as the executive producer for the project, Gregory is optimistic that people who usually shy away from nature documentaries might consider watching “Secrets of the Penguins.” This is partly because penguins, along with the global community, are currently facing challenges due to climate change, making this topic more relevant and potentially compelling.
As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but admire James for his exceptional storytelling abilities. His innovative use of modern camera technology in every one of his films has undoubtedly made him stand out. He truly adds a unique touch, as Gregory puts it. Any chance to merge pop culture with a wildlife documentary is an excellent way to attract a fresh audience, in my opinion.
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2025-04-22 01:47