From Crocs to Anacondas to Sharks: Filming Wildlife in Extreme Environments

On this episode of Beyond Jaws, Johnny Harrington from Project 1Z Media shares his experiences as a cinematographer for shark programs. He discusses his journey into cinematography, working with Forrest Galante, and the evolution of shark documentaries. Join hosts Andrew Luan and Dr. David Ebert as they delve into the world of shark cinematography with Johnny Harrington.

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• Experience and Training:
  Johnny Harrington emphasizes the critical role of experience and training when working with dangerous wildlife, such as sharks, crocodiles, and anacondas. He attributes his comfort and awareness in the water to his background in spearfishing and free diving in the murky waters of New England. Harrington also acknowledges the invaluable insights he gained from experienced individuals like Mike Dornellis, who shared knowledge on handling large predators like sharks. He stresses the importance of being receptive to information and guidance from knowledgeable individuals to safely interact with wildlife.

• Dive Plans for Safety:
  Harrington underscores the importance of having a dive plan in place to ensure safety during dives, especially in challenging conditions like strong currents or low visibility. He recalls instances where dive plans were crucial in risky situations, such as dealing with saltwater crocodiles in Myanmar or navigating rough currents. By setting limits and recognizing thresholds of risk, Harrington emphasizes the need to prioritize safety above all else during underwater filming expeditions.

Shark Cinematography and Wildlife Filming

In the podcast episode, Johnny Harrington discusses his experiences as a cinematographer for shark programs, including his work on Shark Week shows and other wildlife documentaries. Harrington's journey into cinematography began with a passion for photography, which he developed while growing up in Newport, Rhode Island. His early experiences snorkeling, surfing, and fishing in the ocean sparked his interest in capturing the beauty of marine life through photography.

As Harrington's career progressed, he transitioned from photography to videography, honing his skills in both mediums. His work with Forrest Galante, a prominent figure in the wildlife documentary world, provided him with valuable opportunities to film in challenging environments, such as underwater expeditions to capture saltwater crocodiles in Myanmar and alien shark species in Japan.

One key aspect of Harrington's work is the emphasis on safety and risk management. Filming in extreme conditions, such as strong currents or with dangerous wildlife like crocodiles and anacondas, requires a high level of awareness and trust among the crew members. Harrington highlights the importance of having experienced safety divers and medics on set to ensure the well-being of the team.

In addition to technical skills, Harrington emphasizes the need for effective communication and teamwork in the field. Maintaining a level head, following dive plans, and trusting the expertise of fellow crew members are essential for successful wildlife filming expeditions. Harrington's experiences on Shark Week and other projects demonstrate the dedication and courage required to capture captivating footage of marine life while prioritizing safety and professionalism.

• Trust and Communication:
  Maintaining trust and effective communication with crew members and dive buddies is crucial in risky underwater filming situations. Throughout the podcast episode, Johnny Harrington emphasizes the importance of trust and communication in his work as a cinematographer for shark programs. He highlights the significance of having a crew that you trust with your life, especially in challenging environments like underwater filming with dangerous wildlife.

• Trust in Safety Divers:
  Johnny highlights the role of safety divers in ensuring the crew's safety during dives. He mentions situations where safety divers disappeared or when he had to rely on their expertise in challenging conditions. Trusting the safety divers' knowledge and experience is essential for navigating risky underwater situations.

• Maintaining Awareness:
  While focusing on capturing footage, maintaining awareness of the surroundings is crucial. Johnny discusses the need to balance capturing the shot with staying vigilant about potential risks. This includes being aware of wildlife behavior, understanding dive plans, and recognizing the risk factor limits in each situation.

• Effective Communication:
  Effective communication is key to ensuring the safety and success of underwater filming projects. Johnny talks about the unspoken communication between dive buddies and crew members while underwater. Maintaining eye contact, understanding non-verbal cues, and having clear dive plans contribute to a smooth and safe filming experience.

• Experience and Risk Assessment:
  Experience plays a significant role in risk assessment during underwater filming. Johnny mentions the importance of recognizing thresholds in risk factors and knowing when to call off a dive, even in the presence of exciting animal behavior. Trusting the experience of the crew and safety divers in assessing risks contributes to making informed decisions during filming.

Overall, trust and communication are foundational elements in the world of underwater cinematography, where teamwork, expertise, and awareness are essential for navigating challenging and potentially dangerous filming environments.

Shark Week Filming Challenges

Shark cinematographer Johnny Harrington shared some insights into the challenges and risks involved in filming for Shark Week programs. Here are some key points based on the episode transcript:

• Diving in Dangerous Conditions: Harrington discussed diving in challenging conditions, such as strong currents and rough weather. He mentioned a specific incident where he got separated from the group due to strong currents, highlighting the importance of maintaining awareness and communication in such situations.

• Dealing with Wildlife: Harrington also talked about the risks associated with filming various wildlife, including sharks, crocodiles, and anacondas. He emphasized the need for experience, trust in crew members, and understanding animal behavior to ensure safety while capturing footage.

• Safety Measures: The episode highlighted the importance of safety measures during filming, including having a medic on staff and following a dive plan. Harrington mentioned the presence of safety divers and the use of safety equipment like safety sausages to ensure the well-being of the crew in risky situations.

• Risk Assessment: Harrington discussed the need for risk assessment and setting limits during dives. He mentioned the importance of recognizing thresholds in risk factors and making decisions to prioritize safety, even if it means cutting short a dive to avoid potential dangers.

• Experience and Communication: The episode underscored the significance of experience, communication, and trust among crew members during underwater filming. Harrington emphasized the role of dive buddies in maintaining awareness, looking out for each other, and ensuring a safe filming environment.

Overall, the challenges faced by shark cinematographers during Shark Week filming underscore the importance of preparation, experience, communication, and adherence to safety protocols to navigate the risks associated with filming in dynamic and unpredictable underwater environments.

• Risk Assessment and Limitations:

• Harrington emphasizes the significance of recognizing risk thresholds and establishing limitations during dives, even when encountering captivating animal behavior. He mentions the importance of experience in determining these thresholds and the need to maintain communication and awareness during risky situations.

• In the episode, Harrington recounts a challenging dive experience in South Africa where strong currents and rough weather conditions posed risks. Despite the allure of capturing incredible animal behavior, he highlights the necessity of acknowledging personal limits and the threshold of risk. This demonstrates the crucial balance between capturing compelling footage and ensuring safety in demanding underwater environments.

• Harrington's approach underscores the importance of prioritizing safety and making informed decisions based on the level of risk present during dives. By recognizing these thresholds and setting clear limitations, divers can mitigate potential dangers and maintain a secure environment for themselves and their crew.