Profile Spotlight: B.A. Van Den Boogaard

[Profile Spotlights]

Who are you and what is your profession?

I work at an university in the Netherlands and recently I try to build a video company aside. My first aim is to work one day less at the University and spend that day making video productions.

 

One Day on Earth: A Gift of Beauty (subtitled) from RedKiteMedia on Vimeo.

Can you tell us a little about your background and upbringing?

From an early age I spend a lot of time in nature. Studying all kinds of wildlife. I also did some photography but couldn't afford a decent telelens. I studied environmental management with nature conservation as specialty. When my sons were younger I picked up a nice video camera (8 years ago). I started making some wildlife video's but couldn't get the results I hoped for. I did like the combination of movement and sound. It captured far more of the experience than photos. When HD video came I bought a new camera and was very pleased with the results although it wasn't much of a telelens for birds and macro wasn't that great. Last year I bought a Canon 550d (T2i) and finally could capture wildlife in a quality close to photo quality.

 

What inspired you to become a filmmaker?

I now can capture nature and wildlife as I experience it. Invite people to the world I love so much. I like to inspire people to go outside and enjoy nature. It doesn't have to be rare or special just the basic birds around the house give you so much to enjoy. I also like to show other people enjoying nature. Normal people like your neighbor or friend. See how they spend and enjoy their free time and why don't you? There are a lot more things that makes video making interesting. When making a movie I feel like I have to push all my skills to the limit and beyond. There are so many aspects you have to do at once. It is always so challenging. You have to get all the shots, mood and sound at a certain moment and know you have a story worth telling and continuity between shots to tell it like you want to.

 

Who or what do you most admire?

I admire the DSLR video making community where so many enthusiastic people share their knowledge and work on the internet. There is so much collective innovation and creativity you feel inspired by everyone. There is a huge amount of information available. If you have an issue with something? Just look it up or asked for it on the many forums and people help you out. I learn every day.

 

What did you film on 10.10.10?

I went to a bird hide near my house. Bird photographers and nature lovers come here especially during this time because of the migratory birds. I knew I could rely on enough wildlife and people to tell their story. The weather forecasts were promising. My first thought was to portrait the photographers. How they are passionate about their hobby. Spend their hours waiting for the right moment. The moments of joy and disappointment.  Beside that I wanted to show other visitors and their motivations. I hoped to interview women to show some difference in how they enjoy nature. When the older women started talking about her friend that died it felt so intimate and I had to fit this somehow into the whole story. After I finished the first concept I explicitly asked her if she agreed with the content. Otherwise I would have left it out. After I published the movie on 'one day on earth' she showed it to the family of her girlfriend and they were very pleased with this movie. As it brought back so many nice memories of her. Just how they remembered her.

 

What are you planning on filming for 11.11.11?

I haven't thought about it. I intend to finish a couple of projects before that. The first thing that comes in mind are colorful mushrooms, and autumn leaves. Maybe covering an excursion from the local nature organization. I hope with a lot of kids. That would be great. Another great time to complete something worth watching.

 

Nature in East ~ 1. Black Grouse (subtitled) from RedKiteMedia on Vimeo.

[Eddie Scott Yazzie]

Thank you. I enjoyed hearing your language and seeing a part of your world, all life is sacred.