Announcing BlueWorldTV.com!

[Jonathan Bird]

Hi All,
A few years ago I set out to create a family-friendly diving series for television. I created a pilot which won several awards, but never seemed to catch on in the TV world, so it got shelved. (Discovery Channel said "We like it, but it's too educational." So there you have it!) Since we shot around 15 segments, I have decided to start editing them and putting them on the web just for fun. I have also started posting them on YouTube, but the quality there stinks. So here is the link to the brand-new website where you can see them hot off the press. The first 3 segments are up, and the next 2 are being edited and scored right now. I hope to have them on-line in a month or so. After that I plan to make a new one available about once a month, time pending. We had some very fun adventures making this series, hope you will take the time to watch.

http://www.blueworldTV.com/

Best,
Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Interesting to compare how much worse they look on YouTube!

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=BlueWorldTV

Jonathan

[tarczy]

Okay . . . I can't resist . . .

Dude . . . what? . . . were you 12 when you shot that video? :eek:

[Jonathan Bird]

The pilot was shot in 2001. Subsequent segments were shot between 2001 and 2004. Yes, having children seems to have aged me!! :( Thanks for noticing, ya jerk! ;)

[Jonathan Bird]

The next segment will be on-line in the next 24 hours......a little story about the oceanic white tips in Hawaii....stand by!
Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

The new segment is available! Check it out!

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

As always, I welcome feedback. These shows are fairly high production value for internet distribution, so hopefully a lot of people are going to watch them! If you enjoy it, please pass the link around to ocean lovers of all ages.

Best,

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

The new segment is available! Check it out!

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

As always, I welcome feedback. These shows are fairly high production value for internet distribution, so hopefully a lot of people are going to watch them! If you enjoy it, please pass the link around to ocean lovers of all ages.

Best,

Jonathan

Absolutely great stuff!

But you are not getting anything from these like a pro and you have great expenses to create them ?

Are these to create reputation or ???

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Jukka,
I shot about 15 segments in the past few years as "piggybacks" on other projects. For example, when I shot my pelagic sharks film for nat geo in 2004/2005, I went to several locations for that film, and while I was there I shot Blue World segments in addition to the material for the film. The goal was that someday the series would be funded and I would have a few segments already shot to speed the production of the first 13 programs (which contain 3 segments each, so a total of 39 segments).

What happened is that my agent never found a home for the show (in spite of coming VERY close with several networks) and it quietly died when I started working on my latest film. As the world of acquisition and production rapidly went to HD, the segments that were shot in 2001-2005 were all getting more and more unmarketable because they are standard def. At this point, television broadcasters are not buying anything in SD, and SD is largely becoming the fare of internet video. I decided that purely for fun, I would (as time allowed) edit the existing Blue World pieces and start putting them on a website. One goal for this is just to have fun with it, maybe teach some people something about the ocean, maybe get some younger viewers excited about ocean exploration, and who knows, maybe getting a widespread audience on the internet will spur a buyer for the series. (Already, the pilot has been picked up by a startup network in the UAE).

What the heck, I shot them, seems a waste to let them go to waste. When I run out of episodes that are already shot, I'll decide at that point if I want to make any more. It's a lot of work to put a segment together, between the writing, editing, sound work, graphics, etc. I figure the internet is a great way to reach a lot of people, so it's worth it if I can get an audience going. So help me by sending the link to as many people as you can!

Jonathan

[Daniel]

Great footage Jonathon and entertaining too!

Cheers!
Daniel :)

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks man! The fun thing about doing these is that it's pretty easy to write an interesting and engaging story that only has to run 9 minutes. Carrying an audience for 50 minutes is a lot more difficult.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

We are now on iTunes with the show as a podcast!

Subscribe here:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=253700601


A new episode will be released TOMORROW morning (May 7) so I hope you watch it! The June and July releases are being edited now. We are doing a bunch of shark shows for the next 3 months.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

We are now on iTunes with the show as a podcast!

Subscribe here:
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=253700601


A new episode will be released TOMORROW morning (May 7) so I hope you watch it! Jonathan

So it took a while to learn i-tunes, but it was worth off, when I finally got it playing.

Absolutely great creature! You mentioned there that the Great did not want to come near the gage. I have seen somewhere film them have great interest of those being in the gage.
Is it allowed to have tunafish with you in the gage tiping it to come closer ( sorry I just dont know )?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

I have photographed White sharks in both Australia and Mexico and in neither place were they particularly interested in the divers or the cage. It was tricky to get them close enough to shoot.

The main reason I got the thing into iTunes is for ipod downloading. I'm hoping that will spur some interest.

The NEW episode is on-line!

Jonathan

[tarczy]

Great little video Jonathan! Especially liked the shots of you twiddling your thumbs and blowing o-rings. :D

For those looking for a direct link . . .

http://www.blueworldtv.com/video_html/5_great_white_sharks.htm (http://www.blueworldtv.com/video_html/5_great_white_sharks.htm)

I've been looking for my next dive trip. I think this will be a trip I take this year. Any suggestions as to the best way to shoot these monsters? I'm thinkin' the 24mm with the Ike 5" port instead of the 8" port. Seems to me the 8" port would be too unwieldy inside the cage. Probably use one DS-200 strobe instead of two.

Oh yeah . . . what did you think of the accommodations on the Ocean Odyssey? I'll bet it's a far cry from the comfy Aggressor boats. Probably more like the typically rugged California dive boats. :eek:

[Jonathan Bird]

Great little video Jonathan! Especially liked the shots of you twiddling your thumbs and blowing o-rings. :D

For those looking for a direct link . . .

http://www.blueworldtv.com/video_html/5_great_white_sharks.htm (http://www.blueworldtv.com/video_html/5_great_white_sharks.htm)

I've been looking for my next dive trip. I think this will be a trip I take this year. Any suggestions as to the best way to shoot these monsters? I'm thinkin' the 24mm with the Ike 5" port instead of the 8" port. Seems to me the 8" port would be too unwieldy inside the cage. Probably use one DS-200 strobe instead of two.

Oh yeah . . . what did you think of the accommodations on the Ocean Odyssey? I'll bet it's a far cry from the comfy Aggressor boats. Probably more like the typically rugged California dive boats. :eek:

Thanks dude! The Ocean Odyssey, in a word....blows. Since I have no other experience out there, I can't recommend a boat. I have heard that Doc Anes is the guy to go out with.

If you are careful with the dome, you will be fine. I would definitely use a zoom because you can't zoom with your feet. My choice would be 1 strobe for ease of use in the cage, with the 12-24 lens.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

The new episode (about Thresher sharks) is up!

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

Hope you enjoy it! It's one of my favorites...

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

The new episode (about Thresher sharks) is up!

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

Hope you enjoy it! It's one of my favorites...

Jonathan

I think it is the best of all episodes inside BWTV. Total compination with a suprise manta is just perfect, gongratulation!

I think it is one story how to get rebreather to Malapascua in one piece?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Jukka,
Thanks! Getting the rebreather there was easy, just pack it up and pay the excess baggage fee. The hard part was the sodalime, which they confiscated in Hong Kong!

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Everyone,
The July episode is now available. Sand Tiger sharks in NC, but with a very interesting twist.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Another new one...this one is about spotted dolphins in the bahamas!

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

We also filmed a bunch of new episodes this summer, so there is going to be a whale shark episode filmed in Holbox, a sea turtle episode filmed in Sipadan and a Tiger shark episode that we are filming in March in the Bahamas. All of these are in HD. In fact, we have only one more episode to post that was shot in SD and all the new ones will be HD.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Another new one...this one is about spotted dolphins in the bahamas!

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

We also filmed a bunch of new episodes this summer, so there is going to be a whale shark episode filmed in Holbox, a sea turtle episode filmed in Sipadan and a Tiger shark episode that we are filming in March in the Bahamas. All of these are in HD. In fact, we have only one more episode to post that was shot in SD and all the new ones will be HD.

Jonathan


Great work once again!

Great to see Scotty and the boat...

Jukka

[Papa Bear]

I think they are very good and I like the idea of the internet because it is the future. I do have to say something about the Gennie Spring segment. As a full cave certified diver I was a bit disturbed by your cave exploration without the proper gear. People look up to you and to you for information and penetrating beyond the Cavern section without the proper gear is never acceptable and I would warn anyone looking at that segment to "Do not do this without the proper training" and not the way I am. Where was your reel and the cave line, proper lighting beyond the camera light, your cave regulator, and most important your doubles? Also you need a par of cave fins. I have and use my Force fins, but for caves and doubles they just don't work without stirring up the bottom. You should have at least used the Re breathers it doesn't scare me too much for you, although it makes me take a deep breath, but for all those new open water divers that my try to follow you to the "Same Spot" Cave diving can kill you and many bodies have been brought out by a friend of mine of those who were only going to "take a look"! I like and respect you, but that is the problem many do and look to you as a SCUBA Hero and just like superman we don't want people jumping off roofs to see if they can fly. I think you need to add a safety section to that clip please! I would hate to think some one would try what you did without the right equipment or training because they "Saw you do it"! Just a heads up and a responsibility we all have as Cave Divers;)

[Jonathan Bird]

Great work once again!

Great to see Scotty and the boat...

Jukka

Thanks Jukka. That was shot in 2003. That is Scott's old boat. The new one is 30 feet longer and 10 feet wider!

Papa, I occasionally get a diver chastising me for the ginnie spring segment. Try to remember that this program is not designed for divers. It's a show about the underwater world for younger audiences and non-divers for the most part. The nuances of the distinction between cave and cavern are irrelevent for non-divers. Furthermore, if you have been to ginnie springs, you will know that the "cave" I dove in is not a cave at all. We "played it up" for drama and fun, but you are never in that whole segment out of sight of the entrance. If you hunt around on the site and watch the "overhead environment" video we did, it explains all the subtleties of this stuff to make the nitpickers happy. ;)

Jonathan

[Papa Bear]

I wasn't taking you to the wood shed just a reminder that I know all the "Hollywood" perception and that is my point perception is 95% the perception IS that you were cave diving and "Going deeper into the cave" audience demographics are certainly important but you never know who will see and what they will perceive from it. I am just saying into days world perception is is everything. I wouldn't want and I know you wouldn't want an "I saw Jonathan Bird do it!" Caves just seem to be a flame to a moth for young OW divers. Hey out of all you did with the series it is a small thing compared to the body of work! Dive safe and bring back a lot of great pictures!

[Sealizard]

my ginger ale. Giggle. :p

[Jonathan Bird]

Well everyone, a new episode is up.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

This one is about manatees. It is also the last of the ones we are going to post from the "old" standard def stuff. The next episode will be about whale sharks in Holbox, shot in HD.

As usual, please feel free to circulate the link to anyone you feel may be interested, especially educators. We are working constantly to improve the visibility of the program.

Thanks and I welcome your comments.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Well everyone, a new episode is up.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

This one is about manatees. It is also the last of the ones we are going to post from the "old" standard def stuff. The next episode will be about whale sharks in Holbox, shot in HD.

As usual, please feel free to circulate the link to anyone you feel may be interested, especially educators. We are working constantly to improve the visibility of the program.

Thanks and I welcome your comments.

Jonathan

Super work again!

Nice story and total combination.

Jonathan I am really impressed!

I will pass the link to my diving network.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Jukka!

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Jukka!

My pleasure Jonathan!

Remember all that you should have latest version of Quick Time...I think its now 7.3.1 and you can load/update it from here. I got some complaints that its not opening!

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/

Jukka

[David White]

The file doesn't open for me either. Probably because I have one of those Vista PC thingys. And yes, I have the latest version of Quicktime loaded.

[Jonathan Bird]

Hmmmm....that's discouraging.

Do any of the other ones not load? David, try a much earlier one (different codec) and tell me if it works!

Jonathan

[Daniel]

The file doesn't open for me either. Probably because I have one of those Vista PC thingys. And yes, I have the latest version of Quicktime loaded.

XP PRO with the latest version of QT and no luck either. :(

[David White]

Yes Jonathan, the other episodes load and play O.K. Whoo Hoo, maybe it isn't my new computer.

[Jonathan Bird]

Looks like we have some compatibility issues with the .mp4 format. I'll have to work on that today. I have been using a .mp4 file so that we can use the same file for ipods and web, but apparently some people can't watch the .mp4 files. Stupid PCs! Curse you Bill gates!:mad:

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Hi Everyone!

Jonathan Bird's Blue World was featured this month on PC Magazine's website as one of "10 Web shows to watch during the writers strike (http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/0,1206,l=221122&pg=0&s=25090&a=221123,00.asp)!"

Check it out!!

If you are having "24" withdrawal like I am, plan on tuning in to Jonathan Bird's Blue World every Monday night at 9 instead. :-)


Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hi Everyone!

Jonathan Bird's Blue World was featured this month on PC Magazine's website as one of "10 Web shows to watch during the writers strike (http://www.pcmag.com/slideshow/0,1206,l=221122&pg=0&s=25090&a=221123,00.asp)!"

Check it out!!

If you are having "24" withdrawal like I am, plan on tuning in to Jonathan Bird's Blue World every Monday night at 9 instead. :-)


Jonathan

Congratulation, Your efforts have been noticed!

To be in a competition with "24" is HOT STUFF

Jukka

[Clay Coleman]

Congratulations, you "pun-loving Bird". -Clay

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Clay, I can't figure out if the "Pun-loving" was a typo (along with the spelling of my name) or if they found some puns in there. I'm not really pun-loving, but hey, I'll take all the free advertising I can get!

Jukka, I was the one who made the comparison to 24, not them, unfortunately!! But they did put me up there with the onion, which is a very popular web show.

Those of you who were having trouble watching the new manatee episode, try it now!! Should be fixed...

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Clay, I can't figure out if the "Pun-loving" was a typo (along with the spelling of my name) or if they found some puns in there. I'm not really pun-loving, but hey, I'll take all the free advertising I can get!

Jukka, I was the one who made the comparison to 24, not them, unfortunately!! But they did put me up there with the onion, which is a very popular web show.

Those of you who were having trouble watching the new manatee episode, try it now!! Should be fixed...

Jonathan

So HERE IS SOMETHING:

Hey All, I am rather looking Jonathan Bird's Blue World than "24".

Jukka from Finland

[Jonathan Bird]

Now THAT'S an endorsement!! Take that Keifer Sutherland!

[David White]

That's better. Thanks Jonathan, I can now view your video. Once again, well done, and congrats on the free advertising..

[Clay Coleman]

Nice job, Jonathan! I'm wondering where you were with the alligator in clear water and when you were there. Did you get any footage of it underwater? -Clay

[Jonathan Bird]

Hi Clay, you are going to be disappointed! It was at Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, where I did the manatee standup as well. A good place to do standups with a reliable background where the animals can't get away! However all the underwater shots in the film were shot in the wild. (I actually have been able to dive and shoot several times in Homosassa Springs State Park and the water is not as clear as Crystal river. Also, the manatees are huge and fat....grossly overweight!)

I would love to come down to LA and go alligator huntin' (with cameras of course) with you. Lets make some pole cams!

Jonathan

[Clay Coleman]

I've spent some time in the Homosassa. In fact, my habitual place to stay down there is the Sea Grass, which is on the Homosassa. You're right; it's not very clear (or warm, either!). Back in my film days (way back to last year) I'd shoot with Provia 400 near the Park and get rather grainy, high contrast shots:
http://claycoleman.tripod.com/26ccebc0.jpg
The Homosassa is great for birds in the afternoon, though:
http://claycoleman.tripod.com/b8ad5bd0.jpg
Man, I'd love to have you down here in my neck of the Louisiana woods! We'll talk about it. -Clay

[Jonathan Bird]

I would love to do some polecam work with an alligator. I have to admit, I don't think I have the guts to get in the water with one!

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Some good news...and I'm announcing it here first!

At long last, my show is going to be on TV! It will be syndicated to PBS this spring. When I have more details, I'll let you know.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Some good news...and I'm announcing it here first!

At long last, my show is going to be on TV! It will be syndicated to PBS this spring. When I have more details, I'll let you know.

Jonathan

Congratulation Jonathan! Hope you will be rich soon:D

( Do you mean episodes in BlueWorldTV.com ? )

Jukka

[Papa Bear]

Very nice! Congrats!

[David White]

Well done Jonathan. Now we can watch them on the big screen.

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks guys. No, I won't be rich....it's PBS afterall! But I am excited that after all the work, we will finally get it on TV. We're still going to keep putting it on the website. The website stats are off the charts right now....we got a big endorsement from the NEA a couple weeks ago and our traffic went up 500% overnight!

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Hi Everyone,
An update. I have posted another episode on the website.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

This is called Exploring the Prinz Eugen. You wreck divers will enjoy this one.

Once the pride of the German Navy, this 700 foot long heavy cruiser was used by the U.S. as a test target for not one but two atom bombs at Bikini atoll. Today, at the bottom of the ocean, the radiation levels of the Prinz Eugen are low enough for safe exploration. Jonathan joins historian Mark Miller on a trip to explore this mysterious shipwreck. What they find about the condition of this wreck is surprising.

It was bombed at Bikini, but it sank at Kwajalein. It's an interesting story.

Jonathan

[Clay Coleman]

Another winner, Jonathan! Great stuff. -Clay

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Clay. I am getting a bunch of these ready so I can post a new one every month for at least the next year.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Clay. I am getting a bunch of these ready so I can post a new one every month for at least the next year.

Jonathan

WOW...cant wait!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

The latest episode is now on the site.

The Mysterious Hammerhead (http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm), shot at Darwin Island, Galapagos and in Hawaii.

I hope you enjoy.

Kentucky Public Television is the first network to confirm that they will be airing the series, starting later this month. We hope to have a lot more PBS stations airing it by fall. (It can take months to integrate into their programming schedule).

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hi Everyone,
An update. I have posted another episode on the website.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm

This is called Exploring the Prinz Eugen. You wreck divers will enjoy this one.

Once the pride of the German Navy, this 700 foot long heavy cruiser was used by the U.S. as a test target for not one but two atom bombs at Bikini atoll. Today, at the bottom of the ocean, the radiation levels of the Prinz Eugen are low enough for safe exploration. Jonathan joins historian Mark Miller on a trip to explore this mysterious shipwreck. What they find about the condition of this wreck is surprising.

It was bombed at Bikini, but it sank at Kwajalein. It's an interesting story.

Jonathan

I just noticed this episode...great work again Jonathan!

What was the max depth?

Can you tell me your big secret...how you are transporting all your gears + rebreather?

How you are getting these historical clips and pictures? Are they costing something?


Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

I just noticed this episode...great work again Jonathan!

What was the max depth?

Can you tell me your big secret...how you are transporting all your gears + rebreather?

How you are getting these historical clips and pictures? Are they costing something?


Hey Jukka,
Max depth on the Prinz Eugen is only about 100 feet at the bow. The stern is sticking above water!

To transport all the gear, we just paid a ton of excess baggage fees. I pack everything into plastic totes with a hinged lid made by rubbermaid (very tough ones) and check them in. Having a few people on the crew allows us to spread the excess baggage out among several people, so it doesn't look so bad to the airline.

The historical footage all came from the Library of Congress and the National archives. There is a fee to duplicate it but no fee to use it, because it is public property. If someone has used the footage in the past and there was a film to video conversion made of the footage you need, the fee to dub it is not that bad (a hundred bucks or so). Sometimes the fee can be pretty expensive if the footage is on film and no video transfer has ever been made of it, because you have to flip the bill for the first film to video conversion that they then keep in the library for dubbing future copies. I got all this footage for a film I made a couple years ago called The Silent Wrecks (http://www.oceanicresearch.org/television/kwajentry.html) about the battle of Kwajalein Atoll and I think we spent about $1500-$2000 total. It has been a few years, I forget the exact amount.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Some updates on Jonathan Bird's Blue World:

They have started the satellite feeds of the show so the public television stations can record it and start airing it. We have already received news of it being scheduled for broadcast in 7 states, which is surprising because it usually takes 3-6 months for something to get scheduled.

We have started a page to keep track of TV schedules for it here (http://www.blueworldtv.com/television.htm).

Most importantly, we are already on the air in two large markets: Los Angeles and Houston!

Very exciting!

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Some updates on Jonathan Bird's Blue World:

They have started the satellite feeds of the show so the public television stations can record it and start airing it. We have already received news of it being scheduled for broadcast in 7 states, which is surprising because it usually takes 3-6 months for something to get scheduled.

We have started a page to keep track of TV schedules for it here (http://www.blueworldtv.com/television.htm).

Most importantly, we are already on the air in two large markets: Los Angeles and Houston!

Very exciting!



Jonathan

Looking the schedules there is something coming out today....I would be nice to hear when you get some feedback from these:D

Jukka

[sorvju-f]

Wilma the whale is beutifull story of personalities underwater. Publishing this now when Island and Norway have declared to hunt some whales to Japanese market gives a message that they are names not just whales...stop killing them!

I dont wonder why these episodes are spreading to USA television channels with great speed!

Congratulation Jonathan!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Jukka!!

I just found out yesterday that we are going to be on the air in Boston (my home city!) which is cool! Starting in August we will be on Saturdays and Sundays on WGBH Kids at 3 PM and 7 PM.

First broadcast....PARTY at my house!!

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

We are now confirmed in over 14 states and climbing! The search for an underwriter begins in earnest now. Any CEOs of large corporations out there that would like to get involved in underwriting a TV show about the underwater world for great exposure on public television is in USA?

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

We finally got a listing on TV Guide (http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/jonathan-birds-blue/cast/293770)! :D

[Clay Coleman]

We finally got a listing on TV Guide (http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/jonathan-birds-blue/cast/293770)! :D

Cool! That's better than getting your name in the phone book! -Clay

[sorvju-f]

We finally got a listing on TV Guide (http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/jonathan-birds-blue/cast/293770)! :D

It is great pleasure to hear that your effort are giving result!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Jukka. Today is the premiere of the show in Massachusetts, so I am getting excited to watch my own show on TV today for the first time.

Last night I uploaded the next webisode to the website for anyone who is interested in learning about the airplane graveyard on Kwajalein Atoll.

Check it out (http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm)...

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Jukka. Today is the premiere of the show in Massachusetts, so I am getting excited to watch my own show on TV today for the first time.

Last night I uploaded the next webisode to the website for anyone who is interested in learning about the airplane graveyard on Kwajalein Atoll.

Check it out (http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm)...

Jonathan

This new episode is little bit different than earlier ones...you have used lot of pics with moving effects ( I thik it is called panning )...do you have some special program for that?

I think that to get a story to this episode and connect it to history...it is must to use material which is not just UW...anyhow you have managed to built the story inside this episode and this panning pics are giving great effect!

I also feel that you have developed with your narration skills.

Jukka

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Jukka. Today is the premiere of the show in Massachusetts, so I am getting excited to watch my own show on TV today for the first time.
Jonathan

How was it to see your own production from the TV?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

This new episode is little bit different than earlier ones...you have used lot of pics with moving effects ( I thik it is called panning )...do you have some special program for that?

You can do it from within Final Cut Pro, but it is easier to do with a little stand-alone application called Photo to Movie (http://www.lqgraphics.com/software/phototomovie.php), which is what I use. It's inexpensive and makes this very easy and quick.

It was fun to see the show on TV, but man the local cable company uses a lot of compression...the quality was probably about the same as watching on the internet!! (OK, it was better than the internet, but not as good as I'm used to seeing it at home).

By the way, we are now selling the entire first season (http://www.blueworldtv.com/dvd.htm) on DVD.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Gang,
I'm just back from 2 days shooting lobsters in Maine. Yesterday for reasons unknown to us, after being on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/BlueWorldTV) for a year, they listed one of the Blue World videos (Prinz Eugen) on the top level page as a featured video. We got over 70,000 views in a day! Traffic on our site has gone wild!

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hey Gang,
I'm just back from 2 days shooting lobsters in Maine. Yesterday for reasons unknown to us, after being on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/BlueWorldTV) for a year, they listed one of the Blue World videos (Prinz Eugen) on the top level page as a featured video. We got over 70,000 views in a day! Traffic on our site has gone wild!

Jonathan

My son gave this info to me also...friend of YouTube!

Doesn't this much loadings disturb anything?

Gongratulation!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

We just started a blog page (http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/) where I will begin posting some behind the scenes adventures from the show...

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey everyone, tonight at 10 PM Eastern time I'll be interviewed on the Jordan Rich Show on WBZ Radio in Boston (AM 1030). You can listen live on-line:

http://www.wbz1030.com/pages/6202.php

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hey everyone, tonight at 10 PM Eastern time I'll be interviewed on the Jordan Rich Show on WBZ Radio in Boston (AM 1030). You can listen live on-line:

http://www.wbz1030.com/pages/6202.php

Jonathan

How was it?

Jukka

[Clay Coleman]

I thought it went very well. The broadcast quality over the Internet was very good. Jordan Rich, for the most part, asked good questions, and Jonathan gave good answers. Let's just hope that a possible sponsor was out there listening! -Clay

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Clay. I made the mistake of bringing one of my new books for Jordan (not really a mistake...) and that caused him to talk about the book a lot. Not bad to get publicity for the book of course, but I was there to promote Blue World. Anyway, it was a fun time and he has a way of making the conversation go smoothly so his guests aren't nervous, even though it's live.

I have a recording of the show that I am going to make into an mp3 for my website.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Clay. I made the mistake of bringing one of my new books for Jordan (not really a mistake...) and that caused him to talk about the book a lot. Not bad to get publicity for the book of course, but I was there to promote Blue World. Anyway, it was a fun time and he has a way of making the conversation go smoothly so his guests aren't nervous, even though it's live.

I have a recording of the show that I am going to make into an mp3 for my website.

Jonathan

Great to hear it!

Actually Jordan is making money with his program so it is reasonable that you get publicity to your Blue World and to your book...somebody says that business is business;)

Jukka

[sorvju-f]

I got today DVD of Jonathan's Blue world Season 1 and copy of his new book Creatures of the deep blue.

DVD:

When I have followed Blue worlsd's episodes from internet it was great pleasure to see those from fullscreen LCD and that was something!

The book:

The book is full of stories added with amazing shots...and what I really liked...lot of descriptions how the diver is feeling seeing those amazing creatures underwater.

I also learned that it is not good to snorkel with the sharks!

There was one incredible split shot of sea lion couple from Glapagos...I could be one week without eating after that kind of shot!

Common:

The content of both are collected from long period and actually are impossible to create after couple of dive trips.

What I am suprised that results of nearly life time work with the best shots and shootages are sold around 20 USD... I can not get even one dive with that price nothing to mention about the traveling and gears I have spent huge mount of money...but like Jonathan is saying in his book: " My films and images bring the world beneath the ocean that I love so much into the lives of others, and that gives me great satisfaction. But the fact is I do this because I love it and for no other reason."

Gongratulation Jonathan!

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Jukka! I'm glad the box made it there alive!! I owe you a couple more DVDs that wouldn't fit.

When I was putting that book together I realized just how many dives and locations were involved...it's mind boggling. I must admit I had a ball doing it, but it was a lot of work over the years.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

For those of you that have any interest, the interview I did on WBZ radio in Boston is now on the Blue World website (http://www.blueworldtv.com/radio.htm).

Jonathan

[Neptune7]

That was a great interview. Well done mon ami!

[Jonathan Bird]

Merci beaucoup mon ami!

[Jonathan Bird]

A new segment has been posted! Giant Clams (http://www.blueworldtv.com/video_html/14_killer_clams.htm)!

Check it out!

[Shooter]

Great Episode Jonathan, I really liked it.

How ever if you returned home with out that ring I imagine Christine might of made that clams reputation come true.
LoL. Just kidding.

[Daniel]

Great Episode Jonathan, I really liked it.

How ever if you returned home with out that ring I imagine Christine might of made that clams reputation come true.
LoL. Just kidding.

LOL... I was thinking along the same line. What would happen "IF" Jonathan's ring accidentally slipped off.

I bet those video clips would have been part of the directors cut.

Cheers!
Daniel :)

[Neptune7]

The only thing missing is a sequence from that TV show with Loyd Bridges with his foot is stuck in one of those "killer clams."
I will be honest, it really scared me as a child and years later, the first time I saw one of those Tridacna gigas , I taught of Bridges.

P.S. I am sure you hurt when you saw all those yummy (but dead) steamers in your plate...But the show must go on!

Pierre

[Jonathan Bird]

Tim made me say that the steamers "are delicious" but anyone who knows me knows that I wouldn't touch one of those with a ten foot boom pole.

YECH! Fish are friends not food. And bivalves are....not something man was meant to eat. :eek:

Anyway, I talked to MGM about licensing the Sea Hunt footage of Mike Nelson getting "attacked" by the killer clam, and they wouldn't let us use it for a sum we could afford. Ironically, it wasn't the TV licensing cost that was prohibitive, it was the internet add-on. That ought to tell you something about where the big companies think the internet is going. They wanted around $3,000 for a 15 second clip, which was just too much for our budget.

Jonathan

[Neptune7]

Tim made me say that the steamers "are delicious" but anyone who knows me knows that I wouldn't touch one of those with a ten foot boom pole.

YECH! Fish are friends not food. And bivalves are....not something man was meant to eat. :eek:

Anyway, I talked to MGM about licensing the Sea Hunt footage of Mike Nelson getting "attacked" by the killer clam, and they wouldn't let us use it for a sum we could afford. Ironically, it wasn't the TV licensing cost that was prohibitive, it was the internet add-on. That ought to tell you something about where the big companies think the internet is going. They wanted around $3,000 for a 15 second clip, which was just too much for our budget.

Jonathan

WOW! Tim has a big influence! :rolleyes:

Forget MGM! Next time, we will do a reactment and "age" the sequence in post-prod.

[Clay Coleman]

I would have thought that "Sea Hunt" would be public domain by now. I've always wanted do to a dive satire with Sea Hunt footage. Lots of funny stuff in there! -Clay

[Neptune7]

I would have thought that "Sea Hunt" would be public domain by now. I've always wanted do to a dive satire with Sea Hunt footage. Lots of funny stuff in there! -Clay

That would be very funny to do!

Pierre

[Jonathan Bird]

I would have thought that "Sea Hunt" would be public domain by now. I've always wanted do to a dive satire with Sea Hunt footage. Lots of funny stuff in there! -Clay

It will never be public domain IMO. For that to happen, the copyright holder has to allow the copyright to lapse. I'm a little fuzzy on the law, but while copyrights do expire, they can also be renewed by the copyright holder quite easily. Something as potentially lucrative as Sea Hunt will probably never be public domain. What surprises me is that they have never made a DVD set of the whole series. Lots of potential cash there for people in the right demographic and age bracket!

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Gang,
I have just posted the LAST segment in season 1 for Jonathan Bird's Blue World (http://www.blueworldtv.com/). Here it is: The Shark and the Lamprey (http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm) (about Basking sharks).

Now we need to start editing the new season 2 episodes.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hey Gang,
I have just posted the LAST segment in season 1 for Jonathan Bird's Blue World (http://www.blueworldtv.com/). Here it is: The Shark and the Lamprey (http://www.blueworldtv.com/episodes.htm) (about Basking sharks).

Now we need to start editing the new season 2 episodes.

Jonathan

Jonathan, opening video for season 2 episodes is great...specially I liked the clip from you and manta:D

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Jukka! Yeah, that strobe flash in the background is you!! :D

That is a work in progress....will probably replace one or two shots with something else when we get back from the last of the shoots of the season (BC, Antarctica, Cayman).

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Jukka is talking about the sneak preview opening sequence (http://www.blueworldtv.com/video_html/season2open.htm) we posted.

[Neptune7]

WOW! Quite a good collection of shot.
Pierre

[Jonathan Bird]

About half of which were shot by Neptune7! Nice work Pierre!!

[Jonathan Bird]

Hi Gang,
Well, it's official!! We are DONE shooting season 2 of Jonathan Bird's Blue World (http://www.blueworldTV.com). I just returned from the final shoot of the season. We went to Grand Cayman to shoot a segment about Stingray City with famous artist Guy Harvey. There are some shots on the Blog page:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/

We have also hired Goodwin Youth (http://www.goodwinyouth.com) to do our branding and web campaign for season 2. This incredible company has done branding for some amazing brands like Band-Aid, Campbell's Soup and dozens of others. So stand back, because our new webpage (to be released in August) is going to knock your socks off!

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hi Gang,
Well, it's official!! We are DONE shooting season 2 of Jonathan Bird's Blue World (http://www.blueworldTV.com). I just returned from the final shoot of the season. We went to Grand Cayman to shoot a segment about Stingray City with famous artist Guy Harvey. There are some shots on the Blog page:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/

We have also hired Goodwin Youth (http://www.goodwinyouth.com) to do our branding and web campaign for season 2. This incredible company has done branding for some amazing brands like Band-Aid, Campbell's Soup and dozens of others. So stand back, because our new webpage (to be released in August) is going to knock your socks off!

Jonathan

Sounds good!

Nice to see soon somebody's else episodes as I haven't got anything ready yet...maybe to have some 10 years break to get everything ready:cool:

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

A little inside tip....

Our new JBBW website (http://www.blueworldTV.com) went live today...a week ahead of schedule. Not all the functionality is finished, some of the images are placeholders, but you can get a sneak preview. Next week we will have all the season 1 videos in again (larger than the old site) plus the first episode from season 2.

Hope you like the new look. We think it's cool.

Jonathan

[solisti]

I like the new look, looks light and very 'underwatery'!

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks! A lot of design time went into it. And no, I didn't design it!

[Sharp]

A little inside tip....

Our new JBBW website (http://www.blueworldTV.com) went live today...a week ahead of schedule. Not all the functionality is finished, some of the images are placeholders, but you can get a sneak preview. Next week we will have all the season 1 videos in again (larger than the old site) plus the first episode from season 2.

Hope you like the new look. We think it's cool.

Jonathan

Excellent new pages Jonathan!

I work as a teacher, so I especially like the education part where is study guides for students before and after the programs.

[sorvju-f]

Thanks! A lot of design time went into it. And no, I didn't design it!

What is the resolution of the screen....no more QT? Looks good!
I looked full sreen mode and 30" screen was too big for that, but original is excellent. Not went to HD yet?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

We are posting videos now in flash. I know, I hate flash too. Unfortunately, flash has a 98% install rate on computers, and Quicktime only 75%. People are used to flash from YouTube. Full screen is always going to look like crap....just not enough file size for that.

We are using a pretty high bandwidth to make it look better than your typical flash video. We are also showing the first season videos at 480x360 (shot in 4:3 standard def) now rather than 320x240. Looks better.

The new HD shows from season 2 will start hitting the site once per month, starting next week. They will be done at 480x270 (16:9) at least for the time being.

I'm rendering one right now.

[Jonathan Bird]

Excellent new pages Jonathan!

I work as a teacher, so I especially like the education part where is study guides for students before and after the programs.

Thanks Sharp. That content has always been there, just not as easy to find. We are trying to make the new site not only better looking, but easier to navigate and more fun. Check out the "behind-the-scenes" slide shows.

Jonathan

[Clay Coleman]

Cool! What is the first episode of season 2? -Clay

[Jonathan Bird]

First webisode of season 2 is called "Aquarist for a Day" and follows my introduction to being a guest aquarist at the New England Aquarium. It's a funny and entertaining segment. Should be posted in a few days.

[sorvju-f]

First webisode of season 2 is called "Aquarist for a Day" and follows my introduction to being a guest aquarist at the New England Aquarium. It's a funny and entertaining segment. Should be posted in a few days.

Nice to see HD show! Actually I made test with 480x270 both QT and flash and to me flash is giving better colours than QT....thinking also myself to use flash...and file sizes are slightly smaller.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

The first season 2 webisode is posted, although we are still not announcing it to the world, since there are more bugs to be worked out of the site.

I would like to ask people to watch this video and tell me about the playback characteristics.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

We are experimenting with using a flash player to play mp4 media and on anything but the fastest machine, I am experiencing studdery playback. You are my user group! Tell me what it looks like!

Thanks

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

The first season 2 webisode is posted, although we are still not announcing it to the world, since there are more bugs to be worked out of the site.

I would like to ask people to watch this video and tell me about the playback characteristics.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

We are experimenting with using a flash player to play mp4 media and on anything but the fastest machine, I am experiencing studdery playback. You are my user group! Tell me what it looks like!

Thanks

Jonathan

Hi Jonathan!

I looked it and it is really having professional look up and sound and still having your personality.

It was giving even to me new information how it is to run aquarium...it is fun, what is needed ( just remember that fun have to be natural to be enjoyable ).

Colors are great, but sorry to say, even my super-screen full size is not looking nice. I don't know if yo can change full screen to for example 2 X, which I think would still be "watchable". If not...I would leave full screen alternative totally away...

I feel flash is working well in existing resolution size and colors are good.

This sound feel like really being from 100 million dollar movies...works great together with video material.

I didn't have any problems with blayback...running smoothly.

Jukka

So totally I would say...close to perfect job...well done Jonathan!

Jukka

[solisti]

Full screen mode looks good on my laptop. Definitely one of the best picture qualities on web.

[Jonathan Bird]

I have been experiencing jerky playback on older laptops (Mac G4 with 1.2 GHz processor) but it plays fine on newer macs. Our web guy says that PCs seem to handle flash files better, and even really ancient PCs play the flash file fine, it's only the older Macs that have a hard time with it. I'm trying to get some confirmation on the PC end.

Thanks for the comments and kudos! It will never look great full screen, only because it just requires too much bandwidth. We are encoding the files at 480x270. The video on the opening page of the site is encoded at 640x360 which looks really nice, but takes too much bandwidth for most people's connections for something that is 10+ minutes long. A 1 minute teaser is one thing, but a 10 minute story is another.

Thanks for the comments on the sound, Jukka. I put a lot of effort into the sound editing. All the sound is very carefully crafted and mixed. Even the scuba diver sounds are put in carefully to sync with the picture. (The audio recorded by the camera is mostly the sound of the cameraman breathing, not the person on camera). Careful attention to sound is often what makes the difference between something being professional and not. A lot of editors make a pretty edit, but sound is that extra thing that takes a lot of time and makes a huge, subtle difference.

There are some really great segments to come in season 2...the fun is just starting.

I'm working towards getting all 7 half-hour shows out to tape this weekend...should be exciting.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

I put a lot of effort into the sound editing. All the sound is very carefully crafted and mixed. Even the scuba diver sounds are put in carefully to sync with the picture. (The audio recorded by the camera is mostly the sound of the cameraman breathing, not the person on camera). Careful attention to sound is often what makes the difference between something being professional and not. A lot of editors make a pretty edit, but sound is that extra thing that takes a lot of time and makes a huge, subtle difference.

You are right the sound is natural and important part of the movie...try to look movie without sound...all the wires and settings will be checked to get the sound back. Sound is the area I actually dont't know anything, but like wines you can notice when it is good.

I am also working with first segment from Guayaqil and videomaterial is good but what I should do with the sound:cool:...let's see.

Jukka

[scubagirl]

Looks good and sounds great on my laptop! It doesn't look like HD in full screen mode, but it looks good nonetheless. I didn't get any jerkiness at all (maybe because I have lots of RAM).

[Sharp]

I am also working with first segment from Guayaqil and videomaterial is good but what I should do with the sound:cool:...let's see.

Jukka


Are you having some music to select in Final Cut program already? I am having some music in my editing program Magix.

[tarczy]

The first season 2 webisode is posted, although we are still not announcing it to the world, since there are more bugs to be worked out of the site.

I would like to ask people to watch this video and tell me about the playback characteristics.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

We are experimenting with using a flash player to play mp4 media and on anything but the fastest machine, I am experiencing studdery playback. You are my user group! Tell me what it looks like!

Thanks

Jonathan


Sooooo . . . I just viewed Blue World Season 2 and almost fell out of my chair laughing hysterically! The opening scenes of of Jonathan actually "working" at the New England Aquarium, scrubbing floors and cleaning drains, are just too precious!! :D :D :D :D

[Jonathan Bird]

We were going for a "Dirty Jobs" theme on that segment. It's one of my favorites from season 2, but there are a ton of great fun ones coming!

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

The second episode is now posted. Not as funny as the first, but some great photography! (I am biased).

[tarczy]

The second episode is now posted. Not as funny as the first, but some great photography! (I am biased).


Yeah . . . I watched the Mandarin Fish segment and I must say . . . great photography!!! Having spent five nights "trying" to photograph Mandarin Fish in the exact same spot you were shooting, and coming up with nothing, I can honestly say that your shots were awesome. Something tells me you can see more in low light situations through a video monitor versus an SLR viewfinder. ;)

Congrats on gettin' the shots. Great segment!.

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks for the kudos, Mark!

Something tells me you can see more in low light situations through a video monitor versus an SLR viewfinder. ;)

The problem with video is that you need to put lights on the fish to shoot them. With stills you can theoretically use virtually no light to compose, then shoot at the critical moment, and the strobes disturb the fish less than the very bright constant video lights. This gets worse with HD because the cameras cannot operate with as little light as the SD cameras did. The trick then is that you need to get some fish that will cooperate with a video light. The way we did it was to use an assistant holding the video lights and he pointed them away from the fish until the last minute.

BTW, a secret fact...we shot the surface shots of me talking and the shots of me searching for the fish in Yap, but all the "action" shots of the Mandarinfish were shot in the Philippines during "Secrets of the Reef." We actually got skunked at Yap!

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Thanks for the kudos, Mark!



The problem with video is that you need to put lights on the fish to shoot them. With stills you can theoretically use virtually no light to compose, then shoot at the critical moment, and the strobes disturb the fish less than the very bright constant video lights. This gets worse with HD because the cameras cannot operate with as little light as the SD cameras did. The trick then is that you need to get some fish that will cooperate with a video light. The way we did it was to use an assistant holding the video lights and he pointed them away from the fish until the last minute.

BTW, a secret fact...we shot the surface shots of me talking and the shots of me searching for the fish in Yap, but all the "action" shots of the Mandarinfish were shot in the Philippines during "Secrets of the Reef." We actually got skunked at Yap!

Jonathan

I thought that have I been all the time in wrong place in Yap...I have never seen mandarins mating. Anyhow story is which is important.

You have done everything, which is important in 5 minutes even with your starting sequence, which takes 20 % from everything. To me it is OK, but do you think it is too short for airing in television?

This one is from Yap:

http://sorvjuf.1g.fi/kuvat/Micronesia-Yap%202008%20Lokakuu/Mandariini%20Yap%20WM%20800.jpg/full

Jukka

[scubagirl]

Great segment, Jonathan! Those mandarinfish are really cute.

[tarczy]

BTW, a secret fact...we shot the surface shots of me talking and the shots of me searching for the fish in Yap, but all the "action" shots of the Mandarinfish were shot in the Philippines during "Secrets of the Reef." We actually got skunked at Yap!

Jonathan


Philippines!!???!!!

I could've sworn those shotes were taken in Lembeh.

Oh well. Once again . . . great job! Very tough subject to photograph.

[Jonathan Bird]

I have had excellent luck shooting mating mandarinfish in 3 of the 4 places I have tried: Malapascua, Philippines; Batangas, Philippines; and Lembeh. I failed at Yap, only because they didn't mate. I'm assuming the phase of the moon was just not right, because there were plenty of fish.

Jukka, because a single half-hour Blue World show is made up of three segments, each averaging around 8 minutes, we can be flexible. Some segments end up being too long, and others too short. So rather than try to "milk" a short one like mandarinfish out, or chop a long one like the Aquarium segment down, I just pair them up in the show so a long one and a short one are in the same show and they cancel each other out!

Jonathan

[Neptune7]

The second episode is now posted. Not as funny as the first, but some great photography! (I am biased).

Very good indeed! Was that all shot in Yap?

I like the topside scenes! (I am biased too) ;)

Pierre

[Clay Coleman]

I tried to view the site on 10/6 (I think that's what today is?) and it wasn't available. -Clay

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks for the heads up....we had a technical problem with the site for a couple days. I was not happy. The host took way too long to fix it too.

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Everyone,
We just posted the next Season 2 webisode! Whale sharks of Holbox (http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html)! Give it a look!!

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hey Everyone,
We just posted the next Season 2 webisode! Whale sharks of Holbox (http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html)! Give it a look!!

Jonathan

Jonathan, Pierre was saying after looking my first video production and comparing it to Galapagos episodes:
"You have come a long way my friend"
and that can be said to you also.

The totality IMHO is the best I have looked from your production.

Why:

Of course the story goes well together with the picture material, but that has been always.

The thing which impressed me most is your sound work. I read somewhere that Mozard was a unique composer, because he was able to create into his music several levels...in this video choosing different music against certain parts of video material works perfectly...connected to underwater/surface side sounds and you my friend, using your narration skills ( I feel these skills are developing to your personal direction from being little bit copy of somewhere...)

The side material in this episode is must and the amount of that is right...like nice shooting from Manta...

I also understood that it is big influence how the surface is influencing to content of this episode...rough see gives different feeling and here the calm surface is big part of feeling.

So Jonathan even you are pro, there is still going on development in your production. You have reached world top level in doing UW-productions...and you have done it mainly by yourself...without big support from natgeo, discovery etc.

Big congratulation from Finland

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Jukka!

Don't expect them all to be this good! :o Some are better than others!

Jonathan

[Clay Coleman]

I just watched the whale sharks. There's a scene of Jonathan boarding the boat that I find, somehow, very artistic and compelling (private joke). Seriously, nice stuff. -Clay

[Jonathan Bird]

I just watched the whale sharks. There's a scene of Jonathan boarding the boat that I find, somehow, very artistic and compelling (private joke). Seriously, nice stuff. -Clay

So artistic and compelling in fact that the guy who shot it has a line in the credits! :D Good work!

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

So artistic and compelling in fact that the guy who shot it has a line in the credits! :D Good work!

Jonathan

It looks like Jonathan have gotten his Season 2 DVD's and there have to be zillion of them:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/

Is Christine who is doing packing and sending work?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

We are both packing and shipping. Yours went out on Wednesday Jukka!

[sorvju-f]

We are both packing and shipping. Yours went out on Wednesday Jukka!

Posting must be hell of the work as doing it zillion times:p

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

The people who ordered it got them shipped ASAP. The others (DVDs to people who helped out on production, etc.) will trickle out over the next few weeks. No biggie, just lots of boxes and tape!

[Jonathan Bird]

New webisode posted today!

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

All about stingray city and Guy Harvey's research on stingrays on Grand Cayman.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

New webisode posted today!

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

All about stingray city and Guy Harvey's research on stingrays on Grand Cayman.

Jonathan

Great episode agains...this time I noticed real feelings...not actors;)

Jukka

I don't want to repeat myself with your sound work:p

[David White]

Wow, all alone at Stingray City...who would have thought it possible. Amazing footage of the schooling rays.

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks David. It was early. I think we were in the water at 6:30-7:00 AM for the schooling rays. The crowds start showing up around 8:30 and by 10 the place is mobbed, as you saw.

It's interesting that most of the action takes place in 3 feet of water with people standing up. Last time I was there (in 2003) they did it in like 10 feet of water on scuba.

My personal feeling is that this episode as too much of me blabbing. It was edited by Art Cohen and he felt that since so many of the other segments have minimal "face time" with the host, he should use a lot of it here. We wanted to use more of Guy talking, but he tended to sound very technical and use a lot of obscure biology terms that most adults, nevermind kids, wouldn't know!

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

I have watched so far some of the episodes...still many left for Chirstmas:D

One of the best episodes is turtles...whole life chain catched...( eating/mating/ competition/new life born/ leaving beach back to see...topside + UW )....the only thing I would have added to story would have been shootage of turtle bones in the cave ( existing in Secrets of the reef ).

One thing you might tell us little bit more is that when the turtle was arriving to bach for leaving the eggs you used night shot and little bit later you used lights....was there some reason for that?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Yes, if you put lights on the turtles before they start laying eggs, they freak and run back to the water. So we used IR. It looks green and grainy in the video, but it was pitch black. Very cool to see nothing at all--not even your hand in front of your face--because it is so dark, and yet you look in the viewfinder and you see stuff perfectly because of the IR.

However, once the turtle starts actually laying the eggs, she is committed to the undertaking and she won't stop, so you can turn the lights on. Some people say that the turtle goes into a trance but that's not true. She just gets to a point that she isn't going to stop laying eggs.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

There was new episode about mantas in YAP.

There is nice segment how to identify Zorro!

It is very beutiful to see mantas flying and actually I liked the segment where it was picture doing the narration ( means no narration ).

Good effect was also this trash flying with current.

I don't know is it just my personal feeling...but I would like to have some new world instead of "incredible" when surfacing. Specially, when looking your DVD with many episodes this word stayed in my head and I am waiting something new new when surfacing. After "incredible" continuing the narration by drawing your experience UW was perfect. I think that specially to those who are not diving it is important to describe the feelings divers have UW.

Ending episode to manta, which was far away suits well to story.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks and good point about "incredible." The problem we have is that since I have no dedicated topside cameraman, I usually have to re-create the scene of surfacing from the dive some other time, and I have lost the excitement and enthusiasm of the actual dive. So I have a hard time coming up with something interesting to say. I will take your advice to heart and try to come up with better post-dive comments.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Thanks and good point about "incredible." The problem we have is that since I have no dedicated topside cameraman, I usually have to re-create the scene of surfacing from the dive some other time, and I have lost the excitement and enthusiasm of the actual dive. So I have a hard time coming up with something interesting to say. I will take your advice to heart and try to come up with better post-dive comments.

Jonathan

Jonathan, don't understand me wrong...whole episode is absolutely great. Comment about surfacing narration was just my feeling after heard it many times. On the other side this surfacing narration was one of the best you have had due to going in the feelings you had UW.

Jukka

[sorvju-f]

It is easy to give tips for narration...specially when you yourself is behind the lense:p ...narration is NOT easy:

http://sorvjuf.1g.fi/Narration%20is%20not%20easy.mov

Jukka

[Sharp]

It is easy to give tips for narration...specially when you yourself is behind the lense:p ...narration is NOT easy:


Jukka

You have calm voice Jukka. We just have to find to way to get it more louder to the video?:rolleyes:

[sorvju-f]

You have calm voice Jukka. We just have to find to way to get it more louder to the video?:rolleyes:

??? my voice you can not hear from whole video??? Videographer is Pierre. I was shooting Pierre shooting Jonathan;)

Volume is straight how camera took it.

Jukka

[Sharp]

??? my voice you can not hear from whole video??? Videographer is Pierre. I was shooting Pierre shooting Jonathan;)

Volume is straight how camera took it.

Jukka

Okay, now I looked the right video. That looks and sound fun! It could be easy to speak so quickly whit own mothertongue, but for others it is difficult.

First I looked Jukkas Eagleray video, where is you narration.:o

[David White]

Well done Jukka. I always thought that Jonathan was a "one-take" kind of guy, a natural both in front of and behind the lens.

[sorvju-f]

Well done Jukka. I always thought that Jonathan was a "one-take" kind of guy, a natural both in front of and behind the lens.

Hi David!

Even so you and me have long way to go to reach the level of Jonathan;)
...even batteries are lasting:p

By the way there is Jonathans interview in JBBW-pages!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

I always thought that Jonathan was a "one-take" kind of guy, a natural both in front of and behind the lens.

Ha! You're so funny. I usually get it by the tenth take though.

[Jonathan Bird]

New episode is posted today....about the tropical fish rescue in Rhode Island.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

[Andrew]

That was a really good and very interesting episode Jonathan, any idea of how many fish they collect in total on these dives?

Also, I remember reading something on seahorses and how they live in very small area their whole lifetime, what happens with the one you released, did you just pop in the water or is this only certain types that are territorial like this?

Andrew

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Andrew...it was one of those days when so many things went wrong (mostly the weather and the crappy viz) but the story was strong enough to carry the segment even with less than ideal conditions.

They collect hundreds of fish throughout the day. All kinds of interesting fish show up too. They even caught a juvenile lionfish one year.

Not much is known about the local species of seahorse, but they likely have very small home ranges just like other species, so we put it back right where we got it. It's a small cove, and I knew exactly where we found it.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Are you fans of Jonathan Bird's Blue World on FACEBOOK?

NO????

Well sign up here (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jonathan-Birds-Blue-World/62200680551)!!!

[Andrew]

Am now boss... :p

[Jonathan Bird]

Cool! Thanks!

[Jonathan Bird]

We just came back from shooting a segment at the GA Aquarium in Atlanta. Besides that it snowed there, it was a great trip. Hard to imagine how large their Ocean Voyager exhibit is. 6.3 million gallons, but that doesn't really mean anything until you see the place from INSIDE that huge tank. It's so large, they have FOUR whale sharks, and the largest one is 23 feet and growing.

I posted a few pics on our blog:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

We just came back from shooting a segment at the GA Aquarium in Atlanta. Besides that it snowed there, it was a great trip. Hard to imagine how large their Ocean Voyager exhibit is. 6.3 million gallons, but that doesn't really mean anything until you see the place from INSIDE that huge tank. It's so large, they have FOUR whale sharks, and the largest one is 23 feet and growing.

I posted a few pics on our blog:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/

Jonathan

That I love to see!

I am going to West Palm Beach trough Atlanta in April, but no time to visit there:(

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Heads up...the new video (Tiger sharks!) was posted today. Official release is tomorrow.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Heads up...the new video (Tiger sharks!) was posted today. Official release is tomorrow.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

Jonathan

Lot of good stuff:

- lemon catches live fish
- comparison of tiger and lemon is good
- "white action"
- night dive
- ending shooting

I just can not be without loving this episode.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

- lemon catches live fish


Thanks Jukka. Pierre and I will have to tell you about that shot when we meet in WPB.

[tarczy]

Suh-weet!!

Best webisode yet! ;)

It's official . . . my 10-year old stepdaughter (pictured below) viewed the Tiger Shark webisode and said it was "awesome." She also thought Jonathan was "funny."

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i284/mongo255/Aja/_MG_8373-1.jpg

Mark

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Mark!! That's the kind of enthusiastic response I like to see! (She is very cute. Almost time to get her certified!)

At OWU I was telling Howard Hall about how we almost got you and Snyderman killed on that trip with bad air of all things. :o

Jonathan

[Neptune7]

Thanks Jukka. Pierre and I will have to tell you about that shot when we meet in WPB.

Cool shot indeed and the "crunch" sound remind you that those lemons can bite hard...

Pierre

[Jonathan Bird]

Yeah, and that crunch is not foley....that is the actual sound!

[tarczy]

Yeah, and that crunch is not foley....that is the actual sound!


Ha!

. . . . and I thought that "crunch sound" was nothing more than the "creaking" of your video light arms as the shark's nose hit the arm.

Silly me! ;)

[tkelly]

Yeah, and that crunch is not foley....that is the actual sound!

Did they damage the lights? or did the lights hold up? Come to think of it, did you need the lights, it doesn't seem like you were that deep.

[Jonathan Bird]

No, on that little baby housing I was using, the lights just add mass to make it smoother shooting. The lights are old Ikelite aluminum halogens. They are tough as nails. Those lights are indestructible. I have been using them for 15 years!! (Ikelite is coming out with some bright LEDs soon so I will probably switch.) I really like the Sunray LEDs (Light & Motion) but they are way too expensive for my low budget.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

New webisode posted! This one is about sea turtles and it's one of my favorites from season 2.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

[sorvju-f]

and it's one of my favorites from season 2.


There is nothing more to add to that!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Gang, I'm just back from Andros in the Bahamas. A little write up (http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2010/04/we-return-from-bahamasagain.html) is in our blog. Unfortunately, it was a quick trip and I didn't have time to shoot any underwater stills.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hey Gang, I'm just back from Andros in the Bahamas. A little write up (http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2010/04/we-return-from-bahamasagain.html) is in our blog. Unfortunately, it was a quick trip and I didn't have time to shoot any underwater stills.

Jonathan

Sounds like interesting...sometimes there are bad period in UW-shooting...nothing goes like planned...

But there is also saying from fisherman: " If I don't have hooks in the water...no fish!"

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

We posted a new webisode (about mangroves) the other day. This one is more on the educational side, rather than "adventure" but it's a good basic primer on mangrove plants. Pierre and I shot most of it in Yap. Tim Geers and I shot the rest in Mexico.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

Another exciting bit of news in case I forgot to mention it here...Blue World has been nominated for 3 Emmy awards. Pierre is heading down here for the awards ceremony later this month. We'll know if we win any of them on May 22. Wish us luck!

May is crazy month as we are writing some grant proposals that are due this month. Trying to find funding. Money is so hard to find right now!

Jonathan

[tarczy]

Trying to find funding. Money is so hard to find right now!

Jonathan


What ever do you mean?

Obama signed a $750 BILLION stimulus bill last year, not to mention all the bailout monies spent.

The U.S. is awash in cash!

Word of advice when writing your grants . . . wherever possible - insert words like, green, renewable, solar, wind, Global Warming, carbon footprint, etc. You're sure to get double the money you request!! :rolleyes:

You're next award will be for creative fiction writing.

Best of luck!!

[sorvju-f]

We posted a new webisode (about mangroves) the other day. This one is more on the educational side, rather than "adventure" but it's a good basic primer on mangrove plants. Pierre and I shot most of it in Yap. Tim Geers and I shot the rest in Mexico.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

Another exciting bit of news in case I forgot to mention it here...Blue World has been nominated for 3 Emmy awards. Pierre is heading down here for the awards ceremony later this month. We'll know if we win any of them on May 22. Wish us luck!

May is crazy month as we are writing some grant proposals that are due this month. Trying to find funding. Money is so hard to find right now!

Jonathan

I really liked your mangrove episode...I even learned something new myself. It is refreshing different episode.

At least one man in Finland gives all his votes to Jonathan and Pierre...you both have really worked for the episodes and that should be rewarded!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

What ever do you mean?

Obama signed a $750 BILLION stimulus bill last year, not to mention all the bailout monies spent.

The U.S. is awash in cash!

Word of advice when writing your grants . . . wherever possible - insert words like, green, renewable, solar, wind, Global Warming, carbon footprint, etc. You're sure to get double the money you request!! :rolleyes:

You're next award will be for creative fiction writing.

Best of luck!!

LMFAO!! So true, so true. We'll just put in the grant that we are going to document how global warming is affecting the life in the sea and we are sure to get the money!

I really liked your mangrove episode...I even learned something new myself. It is refreshing different episode.

At least one man in Finland gives all his votes to Jonathan and Pierre...you both have really worked for the episodes and that should be rewarded!

Jukka

Thanks Jukka. Keep your fingers crossed on May 22!!

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Gang,

We posted a new webisode (about Wolffish) today. Kinda fun adventure between Maine and British Columbia.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

Also, if you hunt around on the "extras" page you might find a few funny things...such as the Emmy acceptance speech.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hey Gang,

We posted a new webisode (about Wolffish) today. Kinda fun adventure between Maine and British Columbia.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

Also, if you hunt around on the "extras" page you might find a few funny things...such as the Emmy acceptance speech.

Jonathan

PRO is PRO even giving the Emmy acceptance speech:p

I feel your wolffish episode is one of the best...why...it is different and thats why stays in my mind...and I like the camera work.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Gang,
We are in Australia shooting Blue World! Check out the blog for some updates!

Jonathan

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2010/06/blue-world-team-entry-2-from-queensland.html

[sorvju-f]

Hey Gang,
We are in Australia shooting Blue World! Check out the blog for some updates!

Jonathan

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2010/06/blue-world-team-entry-2-from-queensland.html

Looks like lot of activity...somehow I was disappointed to viz-figures...one of my dream is to see this shark with many names...and those great looking teeth.

Jonathan....do you want to go there again?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

I would go back to the southern area (Sand Tigers, Wobbegongs), but the GBR is kinda boring.

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Gang,
We posted a new webisode yesterday...a little late for July. I have been on vacation with the family. Check it out....cenotes!

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_2.html

Jonathan

[solisti]

Way cool webisode, those cenotes are really just amazing.

About the pottery, wasn't it in a place where it could not possible have been just dropped into? Maybe taken in during the dry period or (more likely) found somewhere else and put there for the tourists and documentarists? :confused:

[Jonathan Bird]

Our divemaster said it is hard to tell if it truly ancient pottery or not, but probably not. Makes good TV though. When I was working many years ago in the cloud forests of inland Honduras, we had lunch with a guy that was planting a field and found an ancient Mayan pile of pottery. He called the government and they have so many of these reported that they can't deal with them all, so they told him to go ahead and plant his field. So I swiped a few of these precious artifacts and brought them home (just shards of broken ancient pottery) and they are quite fragile and soft. Not sure they would hold up underwater at all.

[scubagirl]

Thanks for the cenote webisode, Jonathan. I haven't been there since 2005, and now I'm thinking of going back there again soon. I forgot how crystal clear the water is (and I always enjoy that warm salt water layer!) ;)

[Jonathan Bird]

The first time I dove the cenotes, I was on a press trip for Sport Diver and I thought, this will be boring...there is nothing alive in there. (I like critters). But as soon as I got inside, I was absolutely blown away. Cenotes are SO beautiful that it's breathtaking.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Anyone see this in Sport Diver this month? Images by Jukka and Pierre!

[Andrew]

Well done guys and a nice write up Jonathan. Any chance of seeing their pics as we have a different Sport Diver mag here in the UK?

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Anyone see this in Sport Diver this month? Images by Jukka and Pierre!

That diver-Jonathan picture seem to be approved by many. We have to make more.

Jukka

[Clay Coleman]

Hmmm. All this time I've been trying to get pics of critters. Maybe I should just shoot Jonathan for publishing possibilities.

[sorvju-f]

Hmmm. All this time I've been trying to get pics of critters. Maybe I should just shoot Jonathan for publishing possibilities.

I have been shooting different kind of objects, but this is the first time I feel myself as a paparazzi:p

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

For our next "behind the scenes" extra, we have posted an interview with "cameraman Tim."

http://www.blueworldtv.com/extras.html

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

For our next "behind the scenes" extra, we have posted an interview with "cameraman Tim."

http://www.blueworldtv.com/extras.html

Jonathan


It is always great pleasure to see somebody, who really likes his work!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

We have a new cameraman-in-training here in the Blue World. Todd Kelly (tkelly here on uwphotochat) is joining me in Mexico in January as the newest member of the Blue World film crew. Congratulations Todd!

We're getting him set up with a Fathom lens for his housing and we'll be down filming sailfish and Bull sharks (if there are any left by the time we get there). :mad:

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

We have a new cameraman-in-training here in the Blue World. Todd Kelly (tkelly here on uwphotochat) is joining me in Mexico in January as the newest member of the Blue World film crew. Congratulations Todd!

We're getting him set up with a Fathom lens for his housing and we'll be down filming sailfish and Bull sharks (if there are any left by the time we get there). :mad:

Jonathan

This is really great to hear...soon many of my friends will be rich:p

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

HA HA HA HA!!! You so funny!

[Andrew]

Congrats Todd on your new job... just watch out for that boss though!

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Jonathan is now famous ( and rich soon :p ). Unfortunately that means that he is more and more busy to be here:(

Kids are recognizing him in the street and new episode under work from one of his fan!

Jukka

[tkelly]

Congrats Todd on your new job... just watch out for that boss though!

Andrew


Thanks Andrew. I know what you mean about the boss, the rumor is he has a Bird's brain...and a Bird's eye for that matter. But that is what we like about him!

[Andrew]

When is there going to be a blue world DVD produced in European format :confused: I know my 2 year old would enjoy it :D

[Jonathan Bird]

I fear that being rich is a long way off unfortunately and if it ever happens will likely to be because I took a job working as the USA branch of Jukka's company, not by shooting video!!

Andrew, I read on-line that most European (i.e. PAL format) DVD players will play NTSC disks, as long as the region coding (copyright protection) allows it. Does anyone know if that is true? We DO NOT region-code our DVDs so they should play in Europe as long as the player supports NTSC.

The opposite is not true...most north American DVD players will NOT play PAL DVDs unless you buy a special model that is advertised that way. (They do make them, but they are more expensive).

That being said, our DVDs will play on computers anywhere in the world.

Jonathan

[Andrew]

Jukka is your company also wanting an English or South African arm as that sounds a good way to get rich... :D

I recently put a US DVD in my player at home but it did not work (maybe as a couple of years old), when I tried it on my computer it said I could change my settings to US but that I could only do this a couple of times before it would lock (can't remember how many, maybe 5?). Maybe my laptop is different so must give it a go to see what it says.

Andrew

[sorvju-f]

Jukka is your company also wanting an English or South African arm as that sounds a good way to get rich... :D

I recently put a US DVD in my player at home but it did not work (maybe as a couple of years old), when I tried it on my computer it said I could change my settings to US but that I could only do this a couple of times before it would lock (can't remember how many, maybe 5?). Maybe my laptop is different so must give it a go to see what it says.

Andrew

Two years in this television...HD...3D...Blu-ray world is one lifetime...

Most of American movies are in 24p format and in Europe new players are able to play them, but remember that your television should be able to show those also ( 24p support ).

There are offers for BD-players close to EUR 70...Andrew it is time for you to go shopping when you are back in England;)

If you want A = America, B = Europe and C = Asia disks to work you should buy unlocked ( area free ) player...they are bit more expensive. I have not had need for Asia disks yet and don't have area unlocked model.

I have no problem with Mac to play Jonathan's blue world disks. I can even play Jonathan's blu-ray movies, but he can not play mine.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

I recently put a US DVD in my player at home but it did not work (maybe as a couple of years old), when I tried it on my computer it said I could change my settings to US but that I could only do this a couple of times before it would lock (can't remember how many, maybe 5?). Maybe my laptop is different so must give it a go to see what it says.

Andrew

Andrew, there are two issues here. The first is the DVD player supporting NTSC format. The second is "region coding". Commercial DVDs have a region code that keeps people in one region (Europe) from playing DVDs meant to be played in other regions (Africa, Asia, North America, etc.) So even a PAL DVD made to be played in Asia will not play in a PAL DVD player in Europe if the region code won't allow it.

The fact that your computer is asking you to change the region code to play the commercial DVD means that the DVD in question has a region code in it. Basically, it's like low-level copyright protection. I will send you a blue world DVD in NTSC with no region code and you can tell us what happens. It will be a good experiment. PM me your address!

Jonathan

[tkelly]

The region encoding was not really about copyright so much as segmenting the market. The studios wanted a way to sell DVD's to different parts of the world with different content and different release dates. The idea being that you can release an English version in North America at Christmas, but not have to release the Australian version until spring. Also, the DVD's would generally only contain captioned languages that were appropriate for a given region.
Of course the studios did not care that people actually speak a language that may not be available within the region they lived, or that people may buy a DVD while traveling...

The NTSC and PAL variations evolved due to the frame rates that TV is played at. The frame rates of evolved based on the electrical current standard used in homes in different countries. The electrical standards involved larely based on the imperialism that dominated the countries in the 19th and 20th century. This is why Japan appliances can be plugged in in the US, and both countries use NTSC.

SECAM, another standard, is used by the French, I think because they had to be different. ;)

There is map here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PAL-NTSC-SECAM.svg

[Jonathan Bird]

The studios wanted a way to sell DVD's to different parts of the world with different content and different release dates. The idea being that you can release an English version in North America at Christmas, but not have to release the Australian version until spring. Also, the DVD's would generally only contain captioned languages that were appropriate for a given region.

Interesting!

[Daniel]

This web site provides software with a 21 day trial; give it a whirl... it may address some of the issues tabled in this thread.

http://www.slysoft.com/en/

[Jonathan Bird]

Well, Todd and I are back from Mexico. It was quite a trip. The weather was miserable! The Bull sharks were all killed by fishermen. But we managed to squeak out a Sailfish segment, and two cenote segments. Here's my Blog report:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/01/jbbw-team-goes-to-riviera-maya.html

I'm capturing footage now, looking outside at all the snow and counting the days until I go to the Silver Banks for whales.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

We are back from a long weekend on Grand Cayman finishing our segment about Jake, the 13 year old getting certified to dive. Here are a couple fun things about it to read and watch!!

Blog post:
http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/04/jake-completes-his-training-on-grand.html

Some videos made by local Cayman news organizations!

http://www.cayman27.com.ky/news/item/9341

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO5w2CgLX9c&feature=player_embedded

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Silver Banks blog post:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/02/back-from-silver-banks.html

Working at the Mystic Aquarium:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/03/blue-world-filming-at-mystic-aquarium.html

Next thing, this weekend Todd and I are going to brave 43 degree water, 26 miles off the coast of Bar Harbor, Maine, in an attempt to film Gray Seals in crystal clear water. Keep your fingers crossed! Stills hopefully to post on Monday!!

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Silver Banks blog post:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/02/back-from-silver-banks.html

Working at the Mystic Aquarium:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/03/blue-world-filming-at-mystic-aquarium.html

Next thing, this weekend Todd and I are going to brave 43 degree water, 26 miles off the coast of Bar Harbor, Maine, in an attempt to film Gray Seals in crystal clear water. Keep your fingers crossed! Stills hopefully to post on Monday!!

Jonathan

My fingers crossed!

You have been in Antarctica more than hour in the water during one dive...what's brave in this?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Well Jukka, I just got word from the captain that the shoot is postponed because of huge swell. Even though the wind is predicted to be decent the next couple of days, the swell is too much. We are rescheduling for the next couple of weeks when the weather looks better.

[sorvju-f]

My fingers crossed!

You have been in Antarctica more than hour in the water during one dive...what's brave in this?

Jukka

Maybe something wrong with my fingers?:p

Jukka

[sorvju-f]

Silver Banks blog post:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/02/back-from-silver-banks.html

Working at the Mystic Aquarium:

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/03/blue-world-filming-at-mystic-aquarium.html

Next thing, this weekend Todd and I are going to brave 43 degree water, 26 miles off the coast of Bar Harbor, Maine, in an attempt to film Gray Seals in crystal clear water. Keep your fingers crossed! Stills hopefully to post on Monday!!

Jonathan

This will have one of the most beautiful story in all of your episodes.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Which one?

[sorvju-f]

Which one?

Sorry wrong post to quote...i Mean story about Jake and you.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

That is certainly the one that is getting a lot of attention!

[Jonathan Bird]

Well, we have finished the FINAL shoot of season 3. Now we must complete the editing. Programs need to be delivered to the closed captioning service by the end of June. Read about the final shoot here (http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/05/final-shoot-of-season-3.html):


http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/05/final-shoot-of-season-3.html

[sorvju-f]

Well, we have finished the FINAL shoot of season 3. Now we must complete the editing. Programs need to be delivered to the closed captioning service by the end of June. Read about the final shoot here (http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/05/final-shoot-of-season-3.html):


http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/05/final-shoot-of-season-3.html

Big Congratulations!

On the other hand it leaves certain empty feeling when getting big work done...but the results are like like David D is saying memories...to you and to all those taking part to this work...and like David D is saying good memories are more valuable than diamonds and huge amount of cash ( he is speaking just about stills, but I am expanding this philosophy little bit;))!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Christine and I were on local TV for 90 seconds the other day. Kinda funny:

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/morning/zip_trips_town/north-reading-jonathan-bird-20110617

This weekend is the BIG WEEKEND! We have the rented HDCAM deck coming and all 9 new season 3 episodes go out to tape for delivery to be closed captioned and satellite feed!!

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

Here he is! Pierre on National Canadian Television for his work with Blue World!

https://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=10150334133260130&oid=62200680551&comments

How cool is this?

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Pierre is cool as selling UW-action and wine in same program even I understood
only the word JBBW from everything....I just wonder how it is said really in french language ( in Finland it is JBSM = Jonathan Birdin sininen maailma )...:D

[Jonathan Bird]

( in Finland it is JBSM = Jonathan Birdin sininen maailma )...:D

That has a nice ring to it!

[sorvju-f]

Christine and I were on local TV for 90 seconds the other day. Kinda funny:

http://www.myfoxboston.com/dpp/morning/zip_trips_town/north-reading-jonathan-bird-20110617

This weekend is the BIG WEEKEND! We have the rented HDCAM deck coming and all 9 new season 3 episodes go out to tape for delivery to be closed captioned and satellite feed!!

Jonathan

I remember that this deck was rather expensive...hope everything goes well.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Thanks Jukka! $675/day! :D

[sorvju-f]

Thanks Jukka! $675/day! :D

Are you planning to have any Blu-ray disks from season 3...I have intrest.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

We plan to release Bluray at some point, maybe a combination of season 2 and 3. Not sure when. We need an authoring program and we also need a reduction in the cost of license fees. Then we need a reasonable assurance that we can sell some! As much as I love Bluray, I don't think many people actually buy them.

[sorvju-f]

We plan to release Bluray at some point, maybe a combination of season 2 and 3. Not sure when. We need an authoring program and we also need a reduction in the cost of license fees. Then we need a reasonable assurance that we can sell some! As much as I love Bluray, I don't think many people actually buy them.

Just you to know I am ordering 20 when ever ready!

Jukka

[solisti]

I took a look of the first posts in this thread. Blue World has made quite of a yourney since that.

[Jonathan Bird]

Maybe I should make a new thread!

Jukka, 20? Sheesh, that's a good reason to get started!

[tarczy]

As much as I love Bluray, I don't think many people actually buy them.

When you have a 70" LED Sharp Aquos Quattron (http://www.sharpusa.com/ForHome/HomeEntertainment/LCDTVs/Technology/732Series.aspx), BluRay is absolutely essential. I buy two or three BluRay movies every other week.

You should put up a poll to see just how many people buy BluRay entertainment. ;)

[sorvju-f]

When you have a 70" LED Sharp Aquos Quattron (http://www.sharpusa.com/ForHome/HomeEntertainment/LCDTVs/Technology/732Series.aspx), BluRay is absolutely essential. I buy two or three BluRay movies every other week.

You should put up a poll to see just how many people buy BluRay entertainment. ;)


I absolutely agree with Mark...why to concentrate to top rated camera gears if you are not even planning to use full quality from those. I understand some market points in this question, but to my own use the quality have to be the best one!!!!

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

I'm actually with you guys. But we are in the minority.

I own about 50 Bluray movies now. I love HD. I only record in HD on my DVR because I hate watching SD.

But the fact is that Bluray has not done well in the market. They have lowered the prices of BR movies to almost the same as DVD (except for those BR+DVD combo deals) to try to spur sales. Sony is finally starting to loosen their grip on the license fees to encourage more titles. (Although not enough to make it that affordable for a small producer yet).

You can read a little about the license fees here
http://www.blu-ray.com/news/?id=3027

With the new lower fees, it would cost us $1,040.00 in licensing fees to do a run of 1,000 Blue rays on top of the actual cost of the replication. (Most of that is in up front fees. The cost to do 2,000 copies would only be another $0.04/copy additional.

Those fees, plus higher replication costs mean that producing a blu ray is about 4-5 times more expensive than DVD. And most people still buy DVDs. So it's hard to get excited about replicating blu ray for the show when it's unclear we could even sell enough to cover the cost of the press run!!

It does bum me out to be making standard def DVDs for sale when we go to a lot of effort to produce in HD. And on top of that, it probably airs in HD in only 10% of the markets. Oh well.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

When you have a 70" LED Sharp Aquos Quattron (http://www.sharpusa.com/ForHome/HomeEntertainment/LCDTVs/Technology/732Series.aspx), BluRay is absolutely essential. I buy two or three BluRay movies every other week.

You should put up a poll to see just how many people buy BluRay entertainment. ;)



Man, that's a big TV! Show off!

But no 3D???

;)

[tarczy]

Man, that's a big TV! Show off!

But no 3D???

;)


Size matters, buddy! ;)

I think 3D tv's are a fad. I can't stand having to wear special glasses in order to watch tv.

[Jonathan Bird]

Check out our BLOG from Bonaire. We did a lot of work and I only did THREE dives! But it was one of the most amazing shoots ever. I learned to free dive from a world champion, and we met some of the Wounded Warriors--something I will never forget.

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/08/blue-world-team-heads-to-bonaire.html

[tarczy]

Check out our BLOG from Bonaire. We did a lot of work and I only did THREE dives! But it was one of the most amazing shoots ever. I learned to free dive from a world champion, and we met some of the Wounded Warriors--something I will never forget.

Next time I'm on a trip with you, I hope you will teach me some of your new-found freediving skills. Going from 2:15 to over 3 minutes is an incredible improvement.

Great blog! Wish I could've been there.

Mark

[sorvju-f]

Check out our BLOG from Bonaire. We did a lot of work and I only did THREE dives! But it was one of the most amazing shoots ever. I learned to free dive from a world champion, and we met some of the Wounded Warriors--something I will never forget.

http://jonathanbirdsblueworld.blogspot.com/2011/08/blue-world-team-heads-to-bonaire.html

I feel that variety of JBBW episodes is expanding...that its great.

How about season 3 DVD's ( Blurays ) are published?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Jukka,
The season 3 DVDs are now authored and are going out for replication when we get back from the Maldives.

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hey Jukka,
The season 3 DVDs are now authored and are going out for replication when we get back from the Maldives.

Jonathan

Can you bring some episodes to have a look in Maldives? Anyhow my order of 20 pieces is in.

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Jukka,
I'll bring some DVD-Rs of the new season for watching on the boat. :) When I get back, the final artwork should be in place for the DVD project to be replicated, and then we'll have 1,000 or so copies kicking around. ;)

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

I had a look of the new webisodes from season 3 of JBBW.

http://www.blueworldtv.com/s3_e01.html

and

http://www.blueworldtv.com/s3_e02.html

The new opener have totally new clips but the music is combining the opener to previous seasons and somehow to JBBW.

One thing I noticed is the growth of professionalism when following from season to season. It is natural that learning by doing can be seen. I feel that these last two webisodes are technically the best trough the JBBW history.

There have been used more editing effects...like this 3 times zooming/speed effect in Georgia Aquarium ( whaleshark, great hammerhead and manta ray ),...but absolutely not too much...using these effects too much will be editing webisode not underwater webisode.

Also I can notice planning/development of voice capturing and editing to serve the total impression.

Of coarse stories varies and story influences to total evaluation even more than technics. If the story gives to the audience something, which they did not know earlier...more points.

Blue holes of Andros:

Personally I feel that this wepisode is maybe the best. Different, many new things I did not know earlier, spooky views combined with maximum viz cave views gives contrast.

Georgia Aquarium:

There have been aquarium webisode earlier...but this one is different as you get shots of many of UW big animals we have search round the world from different seas. It gives idea about demanding processes to educate these animals and how to take care every day life with them. It has interesting part of showing how to get the whaleshark to this Aquarium...how did you do this sequence Jonathan...I guess that you did not travel to Taiwan just to get this shot?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

Hey Jukka,

Thanks for the comments. I don't know if we are any more "professional" in our production or editing in season 3, but we are finding our "groove" a little better and knowing what makes a good segment. We definitely did lots of "time warp" effects as we call them in season 2 (and even a couple in season 1) so this is nothing new to our editing style. Maybe the editing is just a little smoother? Who knows. Our editing has never been over the top. We have always kept the editing fairly traditional documentary style. However, you won't hear me say "incredible" that much though because you told me to stop saying it!!

Season 2 had a large difference in my opinion between the "great" segments and the "okay" segments. Some of the season 2 stuff was really awesome (Tiger Sharks, Greenland sharks, Antarctica) and some was just okay. We don't have the budget we wish we had, so a lot of segments are kind of leftovers or created from a library of stock footage. There is certainly some of that in season 3 as well. I'm sure you will find some of the season 3 segments not as good as some of the season 2 segments. Fortunately, we have a lot of really cool stuff in season 3 to come! As always, a great story is more important than the best cinematography and editing. Of course, all three together are what we aim for. :)


To answer your question about the Georgia Aquarium, not we didn't go to Taiwan. In fact, the footage of the entire whale shark capture and transport was supplied to us by the Georgia Aquarium. They have a very capable video department that shoots a lot of their own productions. What was interesting is that all that footage was shot and supplied in standard def. We upconverted it and put it into an HD show and doesn't look bad. It's a little soft in HD, but of course on the internet or DVD there isn't a huge difference. We felt that the story would benefit from seeing how the sharks got there, and the Aquarium was happy to help us out. I think it really added to the story.

Jonathan

[Jonathan Bird]

FYI, if anyone wants to see these two webisodes, they are the first two releases from Season 3 on the website:

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_3.html

Jonathan

[sorvju-f]

Hey Jukka,

Thanks for the comments. I don't know if we are any more "professional" in our production or editing in season 3, but we are finding our "groove" a little better and knowing what makes a good segment. We definitely did lots of "time warp" effects as we call them in season 2 (and even a couple in season 1) so this is nothing new to our editing style. Maybe the editing is just a little smoother? Who knows. Our editing has never been over the top. We have always kept the editing fairly traditional documentary style. However, you won't hear me say "incredible" that much though because you told me to stop saying it!!

Season 2 had a large difference in my opinion between the "great" segments and the "okay" segments. Some of the season 2 stuff was really awesome (Tiger Sharks, Greenland sharks, Antarctica) and some was just okay. We don't have the budget we wish we had, so a lot of segments are kind of leftovers or created from a library of stock footage. There is certainly some of that in season 3 as well. I'm sure you will find some of the season 3 segments not as good as some of the season 2 segments. Fortunately, we have a lot of really cool stuff in season 3 to come! As always, a great story is more important than the best cinematography and editing. Of course, all three together are what we aim for. :)


To answer your question about the Georgia Aquarium, not we didn't go to Taiwan. In fact, the footage of the entire whale shark capture and transport was supplied to us by the Georgia Aquarium. They have a very capable video department that shoots a lot of their own productions. What was interesting is that all that footage was shot and supplied in standard def. We upconverted it and put it into an HD show and doesn't look bad. It's a little soft in HD, but of course on the internet or DVD there isn't a huge difference. We felt that the story would benefit from seeing how the sharks got there, and the Aquarium was happy to help us out. I think it really added to the story.

Jonathan

I noticed that you are not using "incredible" any more...I feel that your narration after coming up from blue holes was good one.

Is there any changes you have done with the sound ( technically or operationally )?

What your opinion as the best episode from all the seasons?

Jukka

[Jonathan Bird]

It's hard to pick one but I love Antarctica!

[scubagirl]

FYI, if anyone wants to see these two webisodes, they are the first two releases from Season 3 on the website:

http://www.blueworldtv.com/season_3.html

Jonathan


Great episodes, Jonathan!