Why did you consider this? If you decided against it, why?

Where you happy with the final product?

Regards.

Riaan

Riann..I'm having Glenn Lambrecht of Savage Moon Productions film my upcoming Zambian lion trip this August. I have seen his work and am very impressed. I just figured a lion hunt would be worth having a professional video the hunt..steve

Previously I have declined to have the hunt videod. This time I decided to have one or both of this years Zim hunts videod. The reason I declined was the thought that my memmory was going to be just fine. But I have found Buzz Charlton's video so entertaining - not to mention instructive - that I figured I'd go ahead. Watching myself this time next year should hopefully tide me over between hunts!

JPK

I would love to have my safaris filmed by a professional videographer. At $350 per day plus editing etc. I just can't afford it. If I have to choose between trophy fees and filming trophy fees will win. Otherwise I see no reason to not have someone do the video. I have hunted while the hunt was being filmed and the camera person was no problem at all.

Mark

Mark,

At $350/day I wouldn't even consider it either. But I wasn't quoted that # or anything near it.

JPK

R,
450#2 had his last safari to Zim videoed and as we speak he is having his safari being taped ...

Mike

quote:

R,
450#2 had his last safari to Zim videoed and as we speak he is having his safari being taped ...

Mike

Michael Podwika

And having seen Tony's video, I can attest to the fact that it was better than professionally done AND was one of the best hunting videos I have ever seen.

Tony's video is the best hunting video I've ever seen! The DRSS is trying to get him to market it!

It was well produced. The camera work was excellent, and the quality of the product was Broadcast Quality!

I can't wait to see one in HD!

I've used Savage Moon and they do a great job. A few on this forum have seen one of my hunts on video.

Is $350/day the norm?

What is the price range you experienced travelers have seen for this service?

Absolutely not. I would not want all of my screw-ups preserved for posterity.

Not yet as I watch the Mark Sullivan videos and that is the "true" picture of how my 2 trips have gone. I got charged by a mad rock dossie and had to make a frontal brain shot with my .243. Darn scary adventure for sure!!!

By the way, I did not wound the dossie first to provoke the charge.

I like still pictures better.

I have been quoted $350 per day by 2 different outfits. This did not include the editing or the transportation to get the videographer to the hunt destination. Even if it was $200 a day and I only had to pay transporation additionally on a 21 day safari I'd still have $5000 or so in it. I'd love to do it and Sadie could just enjoy the safari without thinking about video shots but the numbers just don't add up for me personally. I do think it can pay for a guy if you get some great footage and you could make it into a commercial tape that sells. Of course there are a bunch of if's involed in that.

JPK and others,
I had Buzz's assistant at the time, Shaun, film my elephant hunt for me and it is one of my favorite mementos of that experience. My encounter with a charging cow is captured on film and is interesting to watch, as you see your reactions in third party mode. And, even though you think you have the whole experience indelibly etched in your mind...you always pick up something in the film and say "I forgot about that". To me it was money well spent and though I would never market the DVD I have enjoyed sharing it with my buddies who may never hunt elephant or go to Africa. It gives them a taste of what the experience is really like!

Mark,

I have been quoted is $100/day for cameramen affiliated, at least sort of, with the PH or outfitter. But this is in Zimbabwe. Also this was for tape not editing. An extra $50/day for finished product.

JPK

JPK

That sounds more doable to me. Is the camera person a professional videographer? I think I might jump on that if offered. My first inquiry was with "Osprey" and they wanted $250 per day in '96.

Mark

Having your hunt filmed is one of the best things you could do for yourself, and is priceless IMO. I think that having your hunt filmed for one to enjoy the experience and memories for a lifetime is well worth the cost. There is nothing better than after getting back from your hunt, and being able to watch your hunt over and over again with friends and enjoy the same excitment as though you were there again. It also allows you to see a lot of things during your safari that you never noticed while you were there.

I would highly recommend having your hunt filmed for sure. If you get a reputable guy who does great work you would be looking at $250 to $350 per day range all inclusive of editing etc. It is worth it IMO.

If you would like to get one of our free promo DVD from our 2005 season for you to see some of our highlights and memories on film, just e-mail me.

Too rich for my blood. The wife comes along anyway, so she's gotten some pretty comprehensive video training from me. Once you have the raw footage, for something like $80, you can buy Pinnacle or similar software to edit it and your good to go. It is extremely easy to edit video on your computer now days, the hard part is getting good raw footage.

We, too, had Shaun from Buzz's operation film our Safari. Best money I ever spent. We were offered the filming at the last minute, as somebody else had canceled a safari and Shaun was at odds and ends for 7 or 8 days. He swapped between our 2 hunting parties and couldn't stay the full 10 days, so we don't have a complete record of the hunt. He wasn't present for my friend's wounded buffalo charge, but he did get my first buffalo, my better half's first kill (warthog), my friends ele, my Kudu, another member of our party's record book Grysbock (sp?), and a bunch of other shots. When I go back, I'll be tempted to have it scheduled ahead of time and record every day. We didn't ask for editing, just for the raw footage, and I'm sure that some of the footage that brings up the best memories wouldn't have made an edited reel. All in all, very satisfying.

I have one hour of video of my safari.....I've watched it once. It's not something I'd do again.

I don't know if it's allowed to market myself here, but here goes. I have a great alternative to a hunting video for discerning African hunters who don't have piles of money to splash about. I am an author and hunting journalist with ten years big game hunting experience and four years of writing experience behind me. I have had one book 'The Shangaan Song' published, and numerous hunting articles printed in various hunting magazines.
I offer a totally unique service to hunters who wish to record the memories of their African safari forever: your own personalized hunting journal. Obviously revolving around a particular safari, each journal is a comprehensive document that describes in detail the events of the hunt, the area hunted, the people involved, the animals hunted...etc. A journal contains a minimum of 20 000 words, is well illustrated with color photographs and hardcover bound. One of these journals is the perfect addition to any hunter's collection of hunting books, and the good news is that it is most affordable. Regardless of the length of the hunt, a journal costs $1700 for the first copy. Each copy ordered thereafter is $200. Leather binding can also be arranged, at an extra $200 per copy. With each journal comes a CD with the journal formatted on it, and a CD with hundreds of photographs - no need to bring a camera on your hunt. Should one wish to have their journal printed and bound in the US (the best option), the entire package will cost only $1500.
For more information about the journals, or to see samples of journals already produced, please contact me directly on hulmour@yahoo.com
hulmour@yahoo.com

don't forget in the cost per day that you usually have to pick up another 160 or so for the extra observer. I was on a hunt with a pro taping it for some other people. This was a brown bear hunt, and not africa, but never, never, never again. the woman on the hunt (well know hunter) turned down a SE alaska brown bear of about 9 1/4' because the light just wasn't right. That was here only chance. Then here husband shot a bear and we had to give up half a day hunting to recreate the whole thing.
My wife goes with me now and she does the camera work, which gives her the entire safari experience too. Much better deal

Sorry, all of the above information is relevant only to those hunting Zimbabwe.

I have had all 3 of my Zimbabwe Safaris videoed.
It was the best mony I have spent.

Ian Lweis of Safari Videos did all 3 of them, from the camera work to the editing.

His work is top notch.

you certainly wont regret having your hunt filmed ...i cant remember the last hgunt i guided without a videographer ...

i would be more than happy to give you a list of guys that are great in the field and will do you a great final edit ... you will be looking at about 200 top as much as 350 per day , usually includes an edited movie of 40 minutes to an hour ...this is sometimes extra ..

some outfitters will accept a copy of raw footage for their promos in return for the observer rates.

as .450 says , ian lewis is top drawer ..pm me if you need more details of guys in the field

One of my clients had Zig from Osprey along to film his hunts (in Australia and NZ!) last season and I must say the finished product is amazing - they do a fantastic job. I think the rates they charge are very reasonable but of course not everyone can afford to tack that on to the cost of the hunt but if you can afford it I would highly recommend it.

Cheers
Matt

Tim Martin and Osprey are the best, there is no doubt. Generally speaking, however, cameramen are overpriced and they get in the way. This is the general concensus of a number of PH's whom I work with. Reading this forum, I can see that many others are of the same opinion. Certain PH's will push you to have a cameraman accompany your hunt, but be wary - these are often the glory boys who love to see themselves on film. Remember that re-enactments and staging will make you realize, everytime you watch your video, that it is not the true story of your hunt. At the end of the day, hunting videos have done a lot more harm than good for our industry.

I will be able to film and edit your hunt for $150.00 per day. That will include 3 copies of the DVD and it could be up to 2 hours long.
The DVD will all be broadcast quality as well.

quote:

At the end of the day, hunting videos have done a lot more harm than good for our industry.

I disagree. Television and videos have exposed African hunting to a whole group of hunters who in the past would not have even considered Africa as a possibility. Myself included.

We had many misconseptions about hunting in Africa. Before watching a hunting show about hunting in Africa just a few years ago I would have never even considered going to Africa. And there are many more out there just like me and my friends and family.

I think the TV shows and videos have shown us what a fantastic hunting destination Africa can be. And how easy it is to do. It is much easier for me to arrange my hunts in Africa than an elk hunt here in the USA.

I plan on going every year and if it were not for TV or video it would have never happened.

My last safari was filmed and I certainly felt it was worth while. I've got elephant, leopard, hippo, impala, baboons, kudu, lots of scenery anytime I want to "go back".

I've also hauled a video cam around on older hunts and have tapes somewhere and one day when I find them I will be able to relive those days too!

David, I really feel your comments about cameramen being overpriced and only getting in the way are way out of line. Obviously you have never worked with professional cameramen who knew what they were doing. I've been fortunate enough to work with some really good ones over the years.

I've only been doing video full time for the last several years but I got a compliment after a safari last year that really made me feel good. A fellow hired me to video his first African safari. When it was all said and done he told me that he appreciated how much I added to the hunt. As a cameraman who once was a full time guide on hunts in the US, I really appreciated his kindness. That comment meant more to me than any tip I've ever received after an assignment.

When I'm in the field I'm hunting, regardless if I have a camera on my shoulder or not. I wear binoculars every waking moment and help spot game, I help load and unload trucks, drag game and try to add some fun around the fire in camp. The last thing in the world I want to be is in the way. My money says the cameramen your PH friends say get in the way are not hunters, they're cameramen. There is a difference. In the US we call it woodsmen ship over there you call it bush craft. If you're hiring a cameraman who is lacking in the bush craft department, yes, he will be in the way at some point.

Hiring a cameraman is not much different then hiring a PH. Do your homework, ask a lot of questions and you'll likely find one who will add to the experience, not detract from it. If you find your cameraman is getting in the way, you need to let him know. If you do not want to loose time to recreations, let him know. If you want him to keep his mouth shut at the fire, let him know. It's your production, only the PH has more rank in the field, let him know what you want and expect and the final product will reflect a safari that was shot in a way you requested. I personally hate recreations, film 95% of my productions in real time. How can I do that? I'm a hunter, I know what is about to happen and anticipate with the lens.

As far as being overpriced, that is funny. I'll tell you what. I'll buy a box of pens, some paper and compose a journal for a client free of charge. You buy the over $10k US in video equipment I haul into the bush and film a safari free of charge. At the end of the assignment I'll bet you'll think differently about what a cameraman should be charging for daily rate. In the end you just might see that what we do we do because we love it, not because we plan on getting rich.

Some fair comment Tyge - as with any profession there are good and bad cameramen. I am not suggesting that all are overpriced and get in the way. You will note that I wrote 'generally speaking', and I certainly do feel that way. I personally know and have worked with some brilliant cameramen (the guys at Osprey, Ian Lewis) whom any hunter would be most happy to have on their hunt. I agree with your comments about hiring a cameraman being the same as hiring a PH or whatever - do your research etc.
However, I am speaking from relative experience as I have tried my hand at all forms of hunting journalism. Let me say here that whilst you think my comments are out of line, I think your comments re what it takes for me to get a hunting journal together are downright ridiculous. 'Buy a box of pens and some paper' - what is that supposed to mean? Do you have any idea what getting one of these journals together entails? No, I thought not, because I am the only person in the world that does, for your information. At least I have tried my hand at filming - how many twenty thousand word journals have you put together lately? I work with two big game operations that have both been in business for over 30 years, and am pleased to report that the vast majority of our clients prefer the idea of a journal to a video. A video, they say, you watch once with your mates over a few beers and then chuck it in the cupboard with all the other videos. A journal is forever. Each to his own. When I wrote that videos have done more harm than good, I was referring to all the wham, bam glory bull that we are exposed to. Does 'We're gonna let this buff die in the manner it chooses' ring a bell? What crap. Remember that we are not trying to convince the hunting minority or the anti-hunting minority - we are trying to swing the undecided majority. I know many undecided people, as I'm sure you do. All of them without exception abhor these glorified hunting videos. Finally, if I were to buy a hunt, I would hire Tim Martin to film it...

quote:

When I wrote that videos have done more harm than good, I was referring to all the wham, bam glory bull that we are exposed to. Does 'We're gonna let this buff die in the manner it chooses' ring a bell? What crap. Remember that we are not trying to convince the hunting minority or the anti-hunting minority - we are trying to swing the undecided majority. I know many undecided people, as I'm sure you do. All of them without exception abhor these glorified hunting videos.

Your refering to the actions of one "Showman", and I use that term very loosely. You can't group all of us who work in the video and outdoor television industry in with him. That is one person out of hundreds of videos or shows that are filmed in Africa each year. There are good shows and bad shows. Just like good PH's and bad PH's. Good magazines and bad magazines.

You should not stereotype everyone in a field based on the actions of a slim few.

I used the 'showman' as an example - he is certainly not the only one and I could show you dozens of examples. However, I apologize to all the videographers who have taken my comments personally, because, as I have said, there are some great cameramen out there. One just has to find them.

I had Tyge Floyd film my leopard/plains game hunt last year. I guarantee, it was worth every penny. He gave me all of the raw footage(about 9 hours) and also put a DVD together for me. In the eight months since I've been back, I bet I've watched the DVD at least a dozen times. It's also gotten a few of my friends interested in hunting Africa as well (which I'm sure their wives really appreciate!).

Before I left, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about having an extra person tagging along and sticking a camera in my face. Since I've only had one hunt filmed, I'm certainly no expert on videographers, but Tyge really added to my hunt. It never felt intrusive to have him there and he was very helpful. Aside from taking hours of video and hundreds of still shots for me, he also assisted the trackers in spotting game, hanging baits and just about any other way he could. On top of that, he was a great guy to share a camp with.

When you add up the total cost of a safari, adding a couple thousand dollars to have a videographer is a bargin. While I haven't gotten my trophies back yet, I'm guessing that in the end I'll have enjoyed reliving those moments by watching my video than by standing in my trophy room surrounded by the mounts. As you can probably guess, Tyge is coming with me on my next safari. After having done it once, I think I'd feel like I was losing out on an opportunity if I didn't have it filmed.

Pete

I would strongly recommend you view some samples of a prospective videographer and talk to the clients in the footage.

It's just like doing a background check on the hunt you just booked. Check references and look at examples.

The initial capital investment as Tyge Floyd pointed out is not insignificant. Good equipment and software is not cheap. Not to mention the amount of time editing after the hunt.

I've seen some of Osprey's work and it was quite good.

Keep in mind the subject of the video (ie. you) have some responsibilities as well. You will have to wait sometimes for camera readiness and may have to wait to be cued for a shot. This is an added level of difficulty to the hunt. In some cases you're either not gonna get the video or not get the shot. Better decide up front what's more important to you.

I was quoted by the outfitter we hunted with in Tanzania in October $1,500 for 10 days for videoing and editing the hunt.

On my previous two times to Africa (both 2 x 1 hunts) we took turns videoing and hunting. We had fun doing that but while some of the video was ok most of it was pretty poor. I decided to not spend the $1,500 but instead invest the money in a new Sony HD camera and we would do the videoing ourselves.

As it turned out, they had a kid in camp that was doing the videoing for their clients but he didn't have a client in camp while we were there. We made deal with him and he videoed 8 days of our 10 day hunt.

The difference was that we were hunting and not videoing for one, and we have more and better video. My dad and I were on the hunt and it was something that we had been planning for a long time. We have some video of conversations and other candid momemts that we wouldn't have if we had videoed the hunt ourselves.

For $150 per day I would hire seriously consider hiring someone. Maybe we'll hire someone for our buffalo trip to the Capri in 2008?

is 6000.00 for a 21 day Tanzanian hunt too much? that is for a delivered DVD of the entire experience??

quote:

Originally posted by MARK H. YOUNG:

At $350 per day plus editing etc.

Count me out! Buzz Charlton only charges $100 per day and that includes making a viewable film out of it at the end of the hunt.

To add to what 500 Grains has said, Buzz charges $100 for the camera man if you are hunting with Buzz and you get a very nice watchable video.

For $150 a day, Buzz with dispatch one of his camera men to film your safari even if it is with another PH.

The extra $50 a day goes to pay for the outfitters' charge for the camera man in camp, which is covered already when the camera man is with Buzz.

At $100 or $150 a day, this is something that I wouldn't miss! I regret not having all of my safari time video'd.

Also, Ryan, one of Buzz's camera man/Appy PH's, who I know personally, is a really great fellow and super fun to have in camp. He is all but invisible when he is filming and doesn't encroach on your hunt, just captures it for your repaeted viewing pleasure.

On a $'s per viewing basis, I think I'm down to pennies a day since I've watched so many times here during our post duck hunting season/pre fishing season depression. And it is a great treat to my buddies who hope to go someday.

JPK