How We Filmed a Wildlife Documentary in 5 Days: Lessons from the Savannah
- Babz Media
- Jul 14
- 2 min read
At Redwood Films Kenya, we’re no strangers to long hours, rough terrain, and unpredictable moments. But one of our most memorable experiences was filming a wildlife documentary in just five days—deep in Kenya’s savannah.
The project, commissioned by a conservation-focused NGO, aimed to spotlight endangered species and the local communities protecting them. The challenge? A tight schedule, limited crew, and nature’s own unpredictability. Here's how we pulled it off—and what we learned.
🎒 1. Pre-Production is Everything
With just days to prepare, we worked fast. We mapped out key animal activity zones, synced with local rangers for tracking info, and pre-scouted locations using satellite images. A clear shot list was critical—but flexibility was even more important.
📸 2. Gear That Can Survive the Wild
We packed light but smart:
Canon C300 Mark III for its low-light performance
Sony A7S III for handheld flexibility
DJI Mavic Air 2 for sweeping aerial shots
Rode NTG5 shotgun mic to capture ambient sound
We also carried backups—because in the wild, dust and power cuts are real threats.
🦁 3. Respecting the Environment
Our team worked quietly and respectfully. We stayed at a distance, used long lenses, and never interfered with animal behavior. We also made it a point to hire local guides—not only for safety but to support local livelihoods.
⏱ 4. Editing on the Move
With a tight delivery deadline, we started editing in the field. Our DIT (Digital Imaging Technician) managed daily rushes, and our editor began syncing audio and organizing clips nightly. This workflow saved us valuable post-production time later.
💡 5. The Biggest Lesson? Nature Tells Its Own Story
No matter how much you plan, the wild has its own rhythm. Our original script changed. A last-minute sighting of an endangered pangolin stole the spotlight. And that, in itself, made the documentary even more powerful.
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