On the edge of of pulling the trigger to have a hunt videoed.
How many continue to watch their videos 3-4 years later?
The quality of production can be spectacular done by the right folks. But it is also the cost of one if not two more tags.

Are you going by yourself or is it a family affair?

If you are doing the hunt by yourself, you could consider it something you may or may not be interested in 10 years from now.

If you are taking the family do it. We watch family videos from our Alaska trip regularly.

I've spent hundreds of dollars trying to get a small camera that I can attach to my rifle for recording hunts. Most of the "action" cameras have a lens too wide to effectively show realistically the distances of the shot.

On my next hunt, I am going to use a regular video camera with a zoom. That should make for a more realistic view.

If this is a "once in a lifetime" hunt, then I would suggest getting a video if it is not too expensive.

Personally, I would not pay more than $200.00 for a video of a hunt (but I'm kind of cheap).

BH63

I have had all my hunts filmed and was lucky to get good footage on nearly all of them.The filming has become extremely expensive.I enjoy watching the videos over and over again especially the moment of the kill.I had fun editing the footage of my last hunt and creating a movie.The videos are precious.All this said I feel that without good shooting footage it is not worth doing-of course you can't predict the hunt outcome so it is a gamble.You need a good video guy as well.

Only ever had one hunt professionally video'd and edited. It was the 2015 hunt with CMS. To this day we now regret not having Justin go with us to Mozambique and video the Leopard hunt.

I found the hunt even more enjoyable having it video'd because I did not have to constantly try and "capture" the moment in pictures. It was being done automatically and with far better quality than I or Joyce ever could.

Yes we do occasionally watch the video ourselves but definitely with friends frequently pausing the video to relate the story of what they are seeing.

Cheers
Jim

quote:

and with far better quality than I or Joyce ever could.

Jim, Joyce says "speak for yourself!". That woman can do anything she sets her mind to!

I have video of every hunt I've done since 2001 (North America, Africa, Australia, New Zealand).

I do subject my family and friends to watching these on a regular basis!!!! I love watching them (the videos not family & friends)

Best regards, D. Nelson

quote:

Originally posted by Zephyr:
On the edge of of pulling the trigger to have a hunt videoed.
How many continue to watch their videos 3-4 years later?
The quality of production can be spectacular done by the right folks. But it is also the cost of one if not two more tags.

For me, I find watching hunting video's extremely boring, mine included. I don't think hunting is a good spectator sport. I know many and likely most, don't agree with that.

That said, I like Mark Sullivan's videos specifically because they are not boring. Action packed and typically full of shooting.

I've had one African hunt professionally videoed, and it was one videoed hunt too many. No interest in videoing any more hunts.

I wonder how much value videos like these will hold when someone gets old and is able to watch them with their grandchildren, or great grandchildren. I know I forget a lot of the little details that went on during a hunt and that I am reminded of when going through previous hunt journals.

I watched one of Larry Shore's videos just last night for the third time. I think that they are a great investment.

I've thought about it, but I couldn't put up with the two hours in make up and wardrobe every morning, the director and film crew, the constant re-writes and re-takes, etc., etc.

Acting is tough. I decided to stick to just hunting.

Have it professionally filmed, you will never regret it !!!!

quote:

Originally posted by Biebs:

quote:

and with far better quality than I or Joyce ever could.

Jim, Joyce says "speak for yourself!". That woman can do anything she sets her mind to!

Nice Jon. I read this to Joyce and she said, "Ahh"

I can translate for you. "He's a sweat guy. Why's he like Blasers?"

quote:

Originally posted by Michael Robinson:
I've thought about it, but I couldn't put up with the two hours in make up and wardrobe every morning, the director and film crew, the constant re-writes and re-takes, etc., etc.

Acting is tough.

I Didn't know you hunted with Andrew!

Do it! Some of best money I ever spent...

I have had 3 Safaris filmed. A 21 day, a 30 day and a 35 day hunt filmed. All by the same Professional Videographer, sadly no longer doing Safari videos.
I highly recommend it. It was the best money I have ever spent.

quote:

Originally posted by Antlers:
Do it! Some of best money I ever spent...

Exactly!

I have given up doing any taxidermy, and love watching all the funny shinanigans we had, even a few years later.

And if I may suggest, tell your video man to just take a video of everything.

Non of that silly Mark Sullivan stuff where the camera has to be at the right place, at the right time, to make you a Hollywood star.

A hunting video should be of the whole hunt. Not just the kill shot, followed by some heavy breathing.

Unless, of course, you are shooting someone else's animal with a 600 Nitro Express "because it is the biggest rifle made"

quote:

Originally posted by Saeed:

quote:

Originally posted by Antlers:
Do it! Some of best money I ever spent...

Exactly!

I have given up doing any taxidermy, and love watching all the funny shinanigans we had, even a few years later.

And if I may suggest, tell your video man to just take a video of everything.

Non of that silly Mark Sullivan stuff where the camera has to be at the right place, at the right time, to make you a Hollywood star.

A hunting video should be of the whole hunt. Not just the kill shot, followed by some heavy breathing.

Unless, of course, you are shooting someone else's animal with a 600 Nitro Express "because it is the biggest rifle made"

Saeed, you yourself state that Mark Sullivan is nothing but an entertainer. When I watch a video, any video, I want to be entertained.

Marks are entertainment, pure and simple.

In my experience I would pay the extra bit and get a videographer for the big game experience. There is a huge difference between making commercial videos and that of Personal hunting videos. I can not watch commercial videos as there is too much acting. Sorry just my opinion.

Videographers offer different packages .

Clients of mine have preferred the 20 to 30 minute videos. A lot will depend on area.This is a far cheaper option and quicker turn around. I would also recommend the Photo package. There is a lot that happens around you that only a cameraman can pick up and most have a great sense of humour.

My advice would be to hire a videographer to edit nothing more than a half hour highlight video. I prefer 15 minutes. A good videographer will edit it so that it flows .

At the end of your hunt the videographer will produce a basic highlight package that you can ask to be made longer or shorter. You will also have a thousand + pictures that you can select on your flight home.

Think of the cost of buying a video camera , still camera and editing costs or followed by the hours of editing yourself. Not only that but you are caught up in the moment and enjoying the experience while a pro captures the spirit of the hunt.

Film and drop the taxidermy. I regret very much not having filmed my first hunts. I edit my own films with iMovie. Just now sitting with my lion hunt. Great fun.

Good Hunting
Carl Frederik

Definitely worth it to me. I try to film. It is more cost effective than taxidermy. I carry an I pad with my videos on it when I travel. When i get bored, I watch them.

Thanks for all the sound advice.

quote:

Originally posted by Zephyr:
Thanks for all the sound advice.

IMO, it was more video advice than audio.

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
I've had one African hunt professionally videoed, and it was one videoed hunt too many. No interest in videoing any more hunts.

The last thing I want when I am hunting is another person to tag-a-long. I hunt for my personal satisfaction and take my own pics along the way. It has never been and never will be a consideration for me.

We had our first safari filmed by our PHs'. It was then given to a professional videographer to edit. It was very nicely done but, a little too professional. It missed out on lots of little funny things that made the trip memorable. The videographer did another video for us and added in some memorable moments (wife death hugging PH after taking her Impala, her jumping up and down pointing to the down zebra, etc.). These little things are way more enjoyable to watch then kill shots. Every year on our wedding anniversary we watch it.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
I've had one African hunt professionally videoed, and it was one videoed hunt too many. No interest in videoing any more hunts.

The last thing I want when I am hunting is another person to tag-a-long. I hunt for my personal satisfaction and take my own pics along the way. It has never been and never will be a consideration for me.

+1

Could not agree more. I actually am so tired of the whole videoing process with our hunters by the end of the season, the last thing I want is more of it.

Nice that others like it. Not my bag. Just not interested in more bodies around when I am on my own personal quality time in the bush.

quote:

Originally posted by Skyline:

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
I've had one African hunt professionally videoed, and it was one videoed hunt too many. No interest in videoing any more hunts.

The last thing I want when I am hunting is another person to tag-a-long. I hunt for my personal satisfaction and take my own pics along the way. It has never been and never will be a consideration for me.

+1

Could not agree more. I actually am so tired of the whole videoing process with our hunters by the end of the season, the last thing I want is more of it.

Nice that others like it. Not my bag. Just not interested in more bodies around when I am on my own personal quality time in the bush.

It changes the hunt for sure. I understand those that do want to though as it is a great reminder of the hunt and something to share with friends and family back home. Pretty personal choice that really only you can make. I suspect that most videos get played a few times and then never watched again though.

i've never had one video'd, but i have filmed myself and my pops on several hunts.

i was with dad when he got his sable in '15. i can't tell you how many times i've watched that video, and how many tears it has brought back by re-watching it.

i guess it depends on how often you get to go to the dark continent, and if you like videos of yourself or not. for me, i like to try and film everything. i like re-living my adventures.

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

Originally posted by Use Enough Gun:
I've had one African hunt professionally videoed, and it was one videoed hunt too many. No interest in videoing any more hunts.

The last thing I want when I am hunting is another person to tag-a-long. I hunt for my personal satisfaction and take my own pics along the way. It has never been and never will be a consideration for me.

Can you imagine adding to the already long conga line of people involved in a Safari tracking day?

Also, when time for the shot comes, there's another dynamic, does the camera see what's going on from the perspective and view of the hunter/shooter?

I've never had one filmed, or filmed one of my own hunts. Too narcissistic. Plus who wants more shuffling feet through the brush on a hunt?

Like I said it is a gamble but if it turns out good you will be watching it every day of your life and refer to it anytime you are confused by the definition of the word "success".

Video is not for me..already too many people tagging along IMHO.

quote:

Originally posted by Duckear:

quote:

Originally posted by Zephyr:
Thanks for all the sound advice.

IMO, it was more video advice than audio.

Your killing me

I would love to have a video of the safari my father didn't go on but could have, with him. I had not thought of that. He has stage 4 COPD, so there won't be any more hunting for him.

I can tell you we have a very good 45 minute clip we made out of our move to Alaska video. We watch it regularly and it is a major source of family entertainment.

We make a video of everything on a hunt.

It never interfere with hunting whatsoever.

We hunt, and the video camera man takes the video. He is never in the way.

But, all our video camera men are professional hunters, and they know exactly how it is supposed to be.

I take a video of all activities with a small video camera I carry in the truck.

These include putting up baits, having lunch, skinning the animals we shoot.

This all makes wonderful memories, and it seems many members of AR enjoy it too.

In the past few years, I have been giving away over 2,000 copies every year.

I don't believe there are too many people out there that regret having a hunt filmed. There are so many day-to-day details that you can't possibly remember, and a video certainly helps preserves many of them. Everyone is different, but for me the memories are the most important part of any trip.

I used to do written notes and then in the late 90's started doing daily audio notes. It's a discipline to keep up with them while on a trip but well worth the effort later on. Now with an iPhone it's even easier. It's incredible the details you forget when you listen back on them.

quote:

Originally posted by d.unger:
I don't believe there are too many people out there that regret having a hunt filmed. There are so many day-to-day details that you can't possibly remember, and a video certainly helps preserves many of them. Everyone is different, but for me the memories are the most important part of any trip.

I used to do written notes and then in the late 90's started doing daily audio notes. It's a discipline to keep up with them while on a trip but well worth the effort later on. Now with an iPhone it's even easier. It's incredible the details you forget when you listen back on them.

I agree that writing things down is a very good idea.I regret not doing so on all of my trips.