Behind the Scenes of Candle & Bell’s Video for The Natural History Society of Northumbria.

Filming in wildlife conservation areas is a unique challenge, offering both incredible rewards and distinct hurdles. These areas are often teeming with life but require a sensitive and careful approach to ensure we don’t disturb the very ecosystems we aim to showcase. At Candle & Bell, we recently had the privilege of filming a video for the Natural History Society of Northumbria (NHSN), an organization committed to the conservation of wildlife in one of the UK’s most biodiverse regions. Here’s a glimpse into our experience, the creative process, and the importance of conservation filmmaking.

The Power of Conservation Filmmaking

Wildlife conservation is a cause close to our hearts, and working with the NHSN was an opportunity to contribute to a vital mission: protecting natural habitats and raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity. Filming in conservation areas allows us to capture both the beauty and fragility of nature, but it also presents the challenge of ensuring that the footage serves both an educational and advocacy purpose.

For this project, we had to create a visual experience that resonated with viewers and highlighted the value of preserving these habitats, while also thanking the volunteers who do so much to maintain the Gosforth Nature Reserve. We’re no strangers to filming in the vast countryside of the North East; Our region is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from woodlands and wetlands to coastal areas. However it was our first time filming in the Gosforth Nature Reserve.

The Filming Process: Patience, Precision, and Respect

Filming wildlife is not for the impatient. Unlike controlled studio environments, nature is unpredictable, and capturing the perfect shot requires a great deal of patience. We spent one day on site doing minimal filming, getting to know the reserve and understanding how best to capture it. Film crew often come with a large footprint, carrying masses of kit, people and disruption. We knew that we would need a special approach to this video. Our first full day of filming we arrived at the reserve at 4am. We wanted to capture sunrise, get some drone shots and see what animals might appear in the early dawn light. We spent hours observing, waiting for the right moments to capture the essence of the ecosystems in action. Whether it was the gentle sway of reeds in the breeze or the sudden, graceful movement of a bird of prey, each moment required meticulous planning and an understanding of the rhythms of nature. To our delight, as we waited near one particular part of the dense woodland, a roe deer appeared. We watched in awe as it waded through the long grass. Then we saw another one, this time a mother and its fawn. It was a magical moment to be so close to these beautiful but elusive creatures.

With minimal disruption, we were able to film birds, insects, and small mammals going about their daily activities, creating a vivid portrait of life in conservation areas. We were also lucky to work with volunteers who set up animal cams across the reserve, capturing otters, badgers and birds in the reserve.

The Creative Approach: Storytelling Through Film

At Candle & Bell, we always approach our work with the belief that storytelling is key to making an impact. For the NHSN video, it wasn’t just about filming stunning landscapes – it was about weaving a narrative that connected people to the cause of conservation. By showcasing both the beauty of the reserve and the passionate work being done by the NHSN, we were able to create a piece that was both visually engaging and emotionally resonant.

We used drone shots to capture expansive views of the land, close-ups of flora and fauna to highlight the smallest details, and slow-motion footage to evoke a sense of tranquility. We left microphones around different places in the reserve to capture the sounds of the reserve. By using the sound we captured and mixing it with a carefully chosen soundtrack, we wanted to enhance the mood of the video and bring the natural world to the forefront. Throughout, we made sure that the voice of the NHSN came through clearly, with interviews and testimonials that added depth to the story.

The Result: A Video That Inspires Action

Working on this project reminded us of the power of film to bring attention to pressing environmental issues. Whether it’s through showcasing wildlife in its natural habitat or supporting the work of organizations like NHSN, we are proud to be part of the movement that’s helping to protect our planet’s precious ecosystems.

At Candle & Bell, we look forward to continuing to work with conservation organizations, telling their stories, and contributing to the global conversation about the importance of protecting the natural world for future generations.