How to film a bird landing on Electrical Wires for Safety Video?

[Jordan Watson]

Hey guys,

2 Questions:

1. I'm reviewing a storyboard that a client has sent me and they want a shot of a bird landing safely on electrical wires (telegraph poles). Should I get a VFX team to create an animation? or Is there an easier / cheaper way?

2. They also want a dead animal (sheep or horse) on the ground that has been electrocuted from the sub station. What's the best way to do this?

Thanks in advance!!

Jordan Watson

[Brian Drysdale]

Unless you know a location where birds regularly land on power cables everyday, you may have to animate it. The local power company or bird watching society may know of such a location. Filming wildlife material takes time, especially if you're after a particular behavior.

 

You should talk to your local big animal vets or dept of agriculture about obtaining a dead animal. A dead sheep sounds easier to handle than a larger animal like a horse or cow.

[Jordan Watson]

Thanks Brian, I appreciate your reply!

Will suggest this to the client.

 

Cheers,

Jordan W

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I think you should get birds landing on power cables (not on high tension wires). The moment a bird connects with both the wires, they get electrocuted. Since most of the times they perch on one wire, it doesn't become a problem for them. In India, we often find common birds like crows, rock pigeons etc perched on wires in the cities.

 

Getting shot of an animal electrocuted would definitely be a challenge. May be VFX guys can do that.

[Will Barber]

You could probably find stock video of it somewhere, if your client would allow that option.

Edited June 30, 2014 by Will Barber

[Jordan Watson]

Thanks guys for your help ! We have discussed the budget and it looks like getting a stock video is the most effective/quickest solution. We have changed the storyboard to suit.

Cheers,

Jordan Watson