sea wolf
FILMMAKING workshop

Learn from industry professionals and create a stunning adventure film featuring rare wildlife encounters

IMMERSIVE WILDLIFE CINEMATOGRAPHY workshop

“An immersive experience will elevate your skills while you create a wildlife adventure film to take home”

Oct 23-30, 2024

Wondering how Island of the Sea Wolves was filmed? During this workshop we teach you the skills and techniques needed to create your own wildlife nature documentary.

A sea wolf stands on the beach as the waves crash behind it.

about the workshop

The filmmaking workshop is an introduction to the world of wildlife filmmaking. Learn from industry professional James Frystak how wildlife documentaries are made, and create your own wildlife adventure film.

Topics will include

  • How to create a wildlife sequence

  • How to optimize your camera for video

  • Resolution (does 4k matter?)

  • How and when to use slow-motion

  • Why filters matter

  • Hands-on experience with our professional camera equipment, such as: trial cameras, GoPros, gimbals, sliders, drones and cinema cameras

  • How music and sound fx can help enhance your story

  • Our top tips for making your wildlife videos look like the pro’s

Throughout this program, you will learn how to edit all your footage and create a stunning wildlife adventure film to take home.

A curious sea otter poses for the photographer
  1. Learn from the pros: Our workshop is led by a seasoned wildlife filmmaker who has worked on award-winning documentaries. You’ll receive personalized, one-on-one instruction to help you grasp the fundamentals of wildlife videography.

  2. Hands-on Experience: Improve your tracking sills with on-the-ground tips and tricks. Practice your newfound skills in the field, capturing the raw essence of nature with guidance from experts.

  3. Equipment Guidance: Don’t worry if you’re new to video gear. We’ll teach you how to operate cameras, lenses, and other essential equipment necessary for wildlife filmmaking. Discover the perfect gear for your style and budget.

  4. Storytelling Mastery: Learn the art of storytelling through video. Understand how to compose shots, choose the right angles, and capture the essence of the animal kingdom in your footage.

  5. Group Discussions: Engage in lively group discussions with your fellow participants, sharing experiences, tips, and insights. This collaborative environment fosters learning and networking among like-minded individuals.

  6. Exclusive Access: Benefit from our local expert knowledge to access hidden gems and unique wildlife encounters, ensuring that you are on track to capture awe-inspiring footage that others can only dream of.

  7. Small Group Setting: With a group of size of 5 guests, you’ll enjoy a personalized and intimate learning experience, with ample opportunity for one-on-one guidance from instructors.

Workshop Highlights

island of the sea wolves

Watch the Netflix special to get a feel for the landscape and animals on the west coast.

why storm wolves?

Moments captured against the elements are visually captivating, and the ensuing adventure supports the best stories. Seaforth Expeditions has expert local knowledge and has successfully facilitated the world’s best productions, filming sea wolves throughout the winter months. We are thrilled to offer you the chance to join us on a gritty filmmaking adventure.

These trips are geared towards individuals looking to take their skills to the next level and expand their portfolio in an extraordinary way. We will seek wildlife in challenging conditions, with dramatic seascapes and potentially wild weather. Evenings will be spent honing the technical skills with James, reviewing the day’s footage, and working on our short film. All this against the glow of a crackling wood stove and delicious home-cooked meals at our rustic shack in the woods.

This trip will be ten days in the field and require a weather window for getting in and out of our base camp. Seaforth Expeditions will handle all logistics, meals, and accommodation on this all-inclusive adventure, allowing you to focus on your creative process.

James frystak

Cinematographer

James Frystak is an Emmy Award winning, Canadian-based Natural History Cinematographer. He has captured images in some of the world’s most unique locations, from Baffin Island to Nepal, Patagonia, to deep inside the ice caves of a volcano. James continually pushes his limits, shooting in the most extreme conditions.

Best known for his latest Netflix series, “Island of the Sea Wolves,” James has shot and directed various projects from clients such as Disney+, BBC, Netflix, CBC and National Geographic. He also works as a professional lighting technician for major movie productions.

Check out James’s show reel!

tom mcpherson

wilderness guide

Tom McPherson is a veteran wilderness guide and the director of Seaforth Expeditions. He specializes in tracking, photographing and filming the elusive sea wolf. He’s most known for facilitating film crews working on “Island of the Sea Wolves” and other productions feature Sea Wolves on Netflix, BBC, NBC and Apple TV.