PolarX - The logistics behind NatGeo, BBC Planet Earth and Netflix | Jason Roberts interview

Morten Hilmer

19 Dec 2021110:39

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRJason Roberts introduces us to the world of Polar X, a film service provider specializing in logistics for filming in the Arctic and Antarctica. With a history of involvement in over 350 films, Polar X has played a crucial role in capturing the frozen world's wildlife, from polar bears to penguins. The video showcases their innovative solutions for extreme conditions, including the ice train - a mobile base equipped with amenities for long-term expeditions. Sponsored by Squarespace, the video offers a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of filming in some of the planet's most inhospitable locations, highlighting Polar X's contribution to our understanding and appreciation of these remote ecosystems.

Takeaways

🌍 Polar X is a specialized film service provider operating in extreme locations like the Arctic and Antarctica, supporting major networks and films.
🎥 Over its history, Polar X has contributed to more than 350 films, providing logistics for capturing footage of iconic wildlife such as polar bears, penguins, and seals.
🏔️ Their operations involve innovative solutions like mobile, heated, and fully equipped living units called 'ice trains' to support crews in harsh conditions for months.
🔧 The team designs and constructs their own equipment to meet the unique challenges of filming in polar environments, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and minimal environmental impact.
🐾 Polar X's approach to filming wildlife includes using state-of-the-art technology like drones, underwater ROVs, and gyro-stabilized camera systems to capture groundbreaking footage.
📡 They utilize satellite tracking for safety and coordination among crew members in remote locations, showcasing the importance of technology in modern expeditions.
🎬 Behind the scenes, Polar X's work demands extensive planning, specialized equipment, and the expertise to capture the beauty and brutality of the frozen world.
💡 Their innovative use of technology and modular living units allows the team to adapt to changing conditions and ensures that the focus remains on filming rather than survival.
🌐 Projects like 'Frozen Planet' and Disney's upcoming polar bear film highlight Polar X's significant contributions to wildlife documentaries and their impact on public awareness of polar regions.
🛠️ Polar X exemplifies the fusion of adventure, filmmaking, and environmental stewardship, proving that with the right team and technology, even the most inhospitable places on Earth can be stages for storytelling.

Q & A

What is Polar X and what services do they provide?
-Polar X is a film service provider that specializes in logistics for filming in extreme cold environments, specifically in the Arctic and Antarctica. They support international networks like BBC, National Geographic, and Netflix in producing wildlife films in these regions.
How many films has Polar X been involved with?
-Polar X has been involved in over 350 films in both the Arctic and Antarctica, contributing to the logistics of filming wildlife such as polar bears, penguins, seals, and reindeers.
What kind of accommodations does Polar X provide for film crews in polar regions?
-Polar X designs and constructs specialized mobile units for film crews to live in safely and comfortably in polar regions. These units feature heated floors, electrical toilets, showers, and a water maker for fresh water, accommodating crews for extended filming sessions.
How does Polar X ensure safety from polar bears?
-Polar X utilizes a safety system with sensors on all units that trigger lights to turn on if a bear approaches the camp. Additionally, they use polar bear-proof structures and a siren system for added safety.
What challenges do film crews face when shooting in polar regions according to Polar X?
-Film crews face challenges such as extreme cold temperatures, variable snow depths, accessibility issues due to ice conditions, and potential danger from wildlife like polar bears. Logistical challenges include ensuring the safety of the crew, transporting and maintaining equipment, and managing limited resources in remote locations.
What is the 'ice train' mentioned in the transcript?
-The 'ice train' refers to a modular and mobile accommodation and workshop system designed by Polar X for film crews in polar regions. It consists of interconnected units that provide living spaces, workshops, and storage for equipment, allowing crews to live and work in extreme conditions.
How does Polar X adapt their operations for different types of film projects?
-Polar X adapts their operations by designing their units to be modular, allowing for flexibility in accommodating different sizes of crews and varying project needs. They can support both large Hollywood productions and smaller nature filming projects by adjusting the configuration of their 'ice train' units.
What role does modern technology play in Polar X's operations?
-Modern technology plays a crucial role in Polar X's operations, from advanced mobile living units with amenities to safety systems for polar bear encounters. They also utilize specialized vehicles and equipment for transportation and filming in harsh environments.
What types of films and series has Polar X contributed to according to the transcript?
-Polar X has contributed to a wide range of films and series, including nature documentaries and wildlife films for BBC, National Geographic, and Netflix, as well as feature films and Hollywood productions that require filming in Arctic and Antarctic locations.
What logistical challenges does Polar X face in providing services in polar regions?
-Logistical challenges include dealing with extreme weather conditions, ensuring the safety and comfort of film crews, transporting and maintaining filming equipment in remote locations, and adapting to the unpredictable nature of polar environments.

Outlines

00:00

🎥 Introduction to Polar X Operations

Jason Roberts, representing Polar X, invites Morton to explore their extensive operations dedicated to supporting film services in the Arctic and Antarctica. Polar X has contributed to over 350 wildlife documentaries, providing logistical support for filming iconic species like polar bears, penguins, and seals. The segment highlights their adaptability to extreme conditions, showcasing their innovative ice train, a series of mobile units designed for safe and comfortable living in harsh environments, equipped with amenities like heated floors and electrical toilets.

05:02

🔧 The Modular and Versatile Ice Train

The ice train is a modular system designed by Polar X to accommodate the diverse needs of film crews in remote, icy environments. Initially built for a specific project, it has since been adapted for various large-scale productions, including Hollywood films. This system includes multifunctional units like the boys' toys workshop, equipped with essential facilities for camera maintenance and storage. The segment emphasizes the practicality and adaptability of the ice train, highlighting its ability to provide a comfortable and efficient workspace in the most extreme conditions.

10:05

🛠️ Innovations in Field Operations

Polar X's approach to field operations combines traditional techniques with innovative technology, ensuring safety and efficiency. The segment explores the adaptations made to accommodate the unique challenges of polar filming, such as custom-built living units and advanced sensor systems for polar bear detection. It also delves into the logistical complexities of operating in such environments, including dealing with extreme weather and ensuring that the crew and equipment remain safe and functional at all times.

15:08

🎬 Behind the Scenes of Wildlife Filming

This segment offers a behind-the-scenes look at the filming process for wildlife documentaries, revealing the extensive preparation and logistical support required. It discusses the balance between capturing cinematic footage and the realities of working in remote, challenging environments. The narrative showcases the dedication and ingenuity of the crew, who often have to adapt to unpredictable conditions and wildlife behavior to get the perfect shot.

20:10

🌍 Exploring Polar X's Global Operations

Polar X's operations extend beyond the polar regions, involving a range of projects from nature documentaries to Hollywood films. This segment highlights the company's versatility and capacity to manage large-scale productions with diverse requirements. It also touches on the importance of adaptability and innovation in the field, showcasing custom-built equipment and the use of technology like drones and underwater ROVs to capture unique perspectives on wildlife.

25:10

🛠️ Specialized Equipment and Techniques

This segment delves into the specialized equipment and techniques used by Polar X to capture high-quality wildlife footage. It discusses the challenges of filming in extreme conditions and the solutions developed by the team, such as custom modifications to standard equipment and the use of advanced technology like gimbals and drones. The narrative emphasizes the importance of expertise and creativity in overcoming the logistical and technical challenges of polar filmmaking.

30:13

🎥 Reflecting on a Career in Wildlife Filmmaking

Jason Roberts reflects on his extensive career in wildlife filmmaking, discussing the evolution of the industry and the increasing technical demands of modern productions. He shares insights into the process of creating compelling wildlife documentaries, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and the ability to adapt to the environment and the subjects being filmed. The segment provides a personal perspective on the challenges and rewards of working in one of the most demanding fields of filmmaking.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Polar X

Polar X is the name of the film service provider featured in the video. It specializes in facilitating the logistics of film productions in extreme environments, particularly in the Arctic and Antarctica. The company is involved in various aspects of film production, from location scouting to providing specialized equipment, ensuring that film crews can operate effectively in these challenging conditions. The script mentions Polar X's extensive experience, having contributed to over 350 films, demonstrating its significant role in the industry.

💡Wildlife Films

Wildlife films refer to documentaries or cinematic productions that focus on capturing and showcasing various aspects of wildlife and their natural habitats. In the script, Polar X's involvement in wildlife film production is highlighted, with mentions of their logistical support for filming polar bears, penguins, seals, and reindeer. These films are crucial for educational, conservation, and entertainment purposes, often providing viewers with insights into the lives of animals and the challenges they face.

💡Logistics

Logistics in the context of this video refers to the detailed organization and implementation of complex operations involved in filming in remote and extreme environments. Polar X provides logistical support by handling the transportation, accommodation, equipment, and safety aspects of film productions in the Arctic and Antarctica. The script emphasizes their expertise in ensuring that film crews can focus on their work without worrying about the challenges posed by the harsh conditions.

💡Ice Train

The 'Ice Train' mentioned in the script is a unique, mobile living and working space designed by Polar X for film crews in polar regions. It provides a stable, warm, and equipped environment for crews to live and work in while filming in extreme cold and remote locations. The Ice Train's adaptability to the changing snow depths and its polar bear-proof features are highlighted, showcasing how it enhances the efficiency and safety of film productions.

💡BBC, National Geographic, Netflix

These are examples of international networks that have collaborated with Polar X for their documentary productions, as mentioned in the script. These collaborations highlight Polar X's reputation and expertise in supporting high-profile wildlife and nature documentaries, contributing to films that reach a global audience and have a significant impact on public awareness and education about the natural world.

💡Arctic and Antarctica

These are the two polar regions where Polar X operates, as stated in the script. The Arctic and Antarctica are some of the most challenging environments on Earth, with extreme weather conditions and remote locations. Polar X's specialization in these areas underscores their capability to handle the logistical complexities of film productions in such extreme environments, providing essential support for capturing the unique wildlife and landscapes found there.

💡Modular Living Units

These are specially designed accommodations mentioned in the script that Polar X provides for film crews in polar regions. These units are adaptable and can be configured according to the specific needs of a production, offering amenities like heated floors, electrical toilets, and showers. The modular design allows for scalability, catering to both small and large crews, ensuring comfort and efficiency during long filming expeditions.

💡Safety Measures

The script discusses various safety measures implemented by Polar X, such as polar bear-proof living units and sensor lighting systems to alert crews of potential dangers. These measures are crucial for ensuring the safety of film crews working in the unpredictable and hazardous conditions of the Arctic and Antarctica, allowing them to focus on their work without the constant threat of environmental risks.

💡Environmental Impact

While not explicitly stated, the script implies that Polar X is mindful of the environmental impact of their operations, given the sensitive nature of the Arctic and Antarctica. The use of modular living units and the emphasis on safety and efficiency suggest that Polar X aims to minimize its footprint while supporting film productions, aligning with broader concerns about preserving these pristine environments.

💡Film Equipment

The script mentions various pieces of specialized film equipment used by Polar X, such as cameras, drones, and gimbals, highlighting the technical aspects of filming in extreme conditions. This equipment is essential for capturing high-quality footage of wildlife and landscapes in the polar regions, illustrating the intersection of technology and creativity in documentary filmmaking.

Highlights

Jason Roberts, representing Polar X, a film service provider for locations in the Arctic and Antarctica, introduces their operations.

Polar X has contributed to over 350 films featuring wildlife in polar regions, including work with BBC, National Geographic, and Netflix.

The Ice Train, or Gypsy Caravan, is a specialized vehicle designed for living and working in extreme cold and glacial environments.

Polar X's logistic solutions include heated floors, electrical toilets, showers, and water makers, enhancing comfort in harsh conditions.

Safety measures include polar bear-proof structures and sensor systems to alert of bears' presence in camps.

Polar X's workshop unit is crucial for efficient equipment management and maintenance in extreme conditions.

The ice train system is modular and adaptable, serving both small nature film crews and large Hollywood productions.

Polar X's logistic operations aim to minimize domestic chores, allowing film crews to focus more on filming and less on survival tasks.

Jason Roberts emphasizes the importance of experience and knowledge in handling logistics for film productions in polar regions.

The video includes a sponsored segment by Squarespace, highlighting their easy-to-use website building platform.

Polar X's extensive collection of equipment includes a piston bully for moving heavy loads and grooming snow paths.

Polar X's operations are global, with equipment storage in locations like the Falkland Islands and northern Canada.

Polar X's diverse range of vehicles and equipment is tailored for various filming needs, including wildlife and Hollywood feature films.

Jason Roberts shares insights into the challenges and rewards of filming wildlife, emphasizing the importance of patience and adaptability.

Polar X's services are sought after by major networks like BBC, Disney, and National Geographic for their efficiency and expertise in polar filming logistics.

The interview showcases the intricate and demanding nature of providing logistical support for wildlife film productions in extreme environments.

Transcripts

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