Eye of the tiger

"Eye of the Tiger" is a renowned song by Survivor, released in 1982 and famously linked with "Rocky III." Characterized by its energizing guitar riffs and motivational lyrics, the song embodies resilience and determination, becoming a cultural anthem for triumph and perseverance in sports and personal challenges

Crafting a Pee Cee-Powered Big Cat Documentary: Insight from Tiger Directors Mark Linfied and Vanessa Berlowitz after 1500 Days of Filming across Four Locations

In the depths of India's verdant woodlands dwells Ambar, a youthful tigress who has nurtured a litter of four cubs. As she imparts vital survival techniques amidst the jungle's perils, she fiercely shields her offspring from various threats, such as pythons, bears, and rival male tigers. Documenting the trials and triumphs of this majestic feline family is director Mark Linfield, alongside co-directors Vanessa Berlowitz and Rob Sullivan in the captivating film "Tiger."

The Disney+ Hotstar documentary, narrated by Priyanka Chopra Jonas, emerges from a staggering 1,500 days of filming. However, the decision to embark on this ambitious project wasn't an immediate one. Mark Linfield reflects on a journey that began nearly 15 years ago, recalling an initial reluctance when approached by Disney to create a feature-length wildlife program centered on tigers. Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz, having already produced numerous tiger-centric shows, initially declined, deeming the task too daunting. "It's difficult to capture 75 minutes of tiger behavior with lots of action, drama, and story," Linfield remarks. Consequently, they deferred the project and pursued films on various other wildlife subjects including monkeys, elephants, chimpanzees, and bears.

Six years later, the dynamic duo of Mark Linfield and Vanessa Berlowitz received a call from Indian forest conservationists urging them to reconsider crafting a tiger-focused film. Serendipitously, they discovered a compelling narrative featuring an exceptional tigress and her offspring. With renewed enthusiasm, Linfield and Berlowitz reached out to the channel to gauge its interest in revisiting the big cat project, receiving an enthusiastic affirmation.

Thus commenced the six-year odyssey to produce the documentary, spearheaded by Linfield, Berlowitz, and Roy Conli, amidst the challenges posed by two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Berlowitz reflects on the endeavor, underscoring the blend of passion and adversity encountered during the film's creation. "The documentary took over six years, with 1,500 filming days spanning nearly five years. It was a labor of love amidst formidable obstacles," she shares.

Filming these magnificent creatures presented formidable challenges due to their elusive nature. Linfield and Berlowitz attribute their success to the invaluable assistance of local guides, who expertly facilitated capturing the tigers' essence. "Tigers are incredibly elusive creatures, often spending two-thirds of the day asleep or concealed behind foliage, deep within the forest. Without our exceptional Indian guides and experts, we would have been at a loss," Berlowitz acknowledges. She reassures that despite the tigers' predatory nature, strict adherence to forest rules ensured the safety of all involved. "We observed all forest regulations. While they are formidable predators, staying within the confines of our vehicles ensured our safety," she adds.

Linfield emphasizes the indispensable role played by high-magnification telephoto lenses, equipped with gyro-stabilization, in capturing the documentary's stunning footage. "These lenses, used from a vehicle, allowed us to film animals even from a thousand millimeters away. We could film tigers while on the move, navigating through rough terrain where roads are often subpar," Linfield explains. He highlights how these gyro-stable cameras, coupled with powerful lenses, facilitated incredibly smooth shots, particularly evident in the gradual tracking of distant tigers. Linfield underscores the transformative impact of technology, contrasting it with the challenges faced decades ago when filming tigers. "When we first filmed tigers, we didn't have this technology. We would be perched on the back of a truck or a jeep, catching fleeting glimpses of tigers from one angle before they vanished in an instant," he reminisces.

"Tiger" not only offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the lives of these endangered creatures but also serves as a testament to India's remarkable conservation achievements. Vanessa Berlowitz underscores the significant increase in tiger numbers from approximately 1,500 in 2006 to over 3,500 presently, evoking a sense of pride within the forest department. India currently boasts 55 protected areas designated as tiger reserves, reflecting its commitment to conservation. As of 2023, India is home to 3,682 wild tigers, representing nearly 75% of the world's wild tiger population.

Complementing the documentary is "Tigers on the Rise," a companion show that illuminates India's conservation endeavors. Mark Linfield commends India's exceptional conservation efforts, emphasizing the scarcity of such success stories globally. "It specifically celebrates what an amazing job India is doing concerning its tigers. There aren't many good conservation success stories in the world at the moment, but your tigers are absolutely one of them," he concludes.

Source: mid-day