Filmmaking

My career as a film producer began in 1983 when I founded the nonprofit organization National Audubon Society Productions.  I was president and CEO of the organization for 11 years. In 1994 I founded another nonprofit, National Wildlife Productions (part of the National Wildlife Federation, the largest conservation organization in the United States).  I led that group as president and CEO for 10 years.

Ted Turner and Chris Palmer

My projects for prime-time television and the giant-screen IMAX film industry have been broadcast on the Disney Channel, TBS Superstation, Animal Planet, and PBS, among others. My IMAX films include Whales, Wolves, Dolphins, Bears, Coral Reef Adventure, and Grand Canyon Adventure. I’ve had the opportunity to work with many celebrities who care about the future of our planet, including Robert Redford, Paul Newman, Jane Fonda, Ted Turner, and Ted Danson.

In 2004 I joined American University’s full-time faculty as Distinguished Film Producer in Residence at the School of Communication (SOC).  There I founded and directed, until my retirement in 2018, the Center for Environmental Filmmaking, whose mission is to train filmmakers to produce films and new media that effectively strengthen the global constituency for conservation.

In 2013, the Center produced a documentary adaptation of my first book, Shooting in the Wild: An Insider’s Account of Making Movies in the Animal Kingdom. The 30-minute film, hosted by Alexandra Cousteau, reveals an industry undermined by sensationalism, fabrication, and sometimes even animal abuse. Here is what filmmaker and scientist Dr. Randy Olson wrote about this film: Read Dr. Randy Olson’s comments. 

The most recent films I’ve executive produced, working closely with the Prince Charitable Trusts, are:

  1. The Culture of Collards. Produced and directed by SOC alumna Aditi Desai and MFA graduate student Vanina Harel.

  2. 50 Years of Farming. Also produced and directed by Aditi and Vanina.

  3. Farming for the Future. Also produced and directed by Aditi and Vanina.

  4. When Mickey Came to Town. This one is about how a group of “simple Virginians” defeated America’s favorite mouse. When Mickey Came to Town was produced by SOC graduate students, including producer and director Sam Sheline, editor Adam Lee, shooter Tony Azios, and researcher Elizabeth Herzfeldt-Kamprath.

I work closely with renowned IMAX film producer Greg MacGillivray and MacGillivray Freeman Films in Laguna Beach, CA.  I serve as President of the MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation, which funds and produces giant screen films on conservation and science issues.

 
An industry whistleblower tells of artificial caves and trained animal stand-ins.
 

Trailers

 
Twenty-two years ago, Disney thought they could impose an unwanted American History theme park on the people of central Virginia. They thought people wanted white-washed history with rollercoasters and battle reenactments. They thought people wouldn’t mind their plans for a massive development of apartments, hotels, and golf courses. They thought people wouldn’t notice the project’s impacts on traffic, sprawl, and the environment. They thought wrong. Produced and Directed by Sam Sheline. Executive Producers: Chris Palmer and Kristin Pauly. Edited by Adam Lee. Director of Photography: Tony Azios.
 
 
http://www.macgillivrayfreemanfilms.com Swim alongside some of the most graceful and extraordinary creatures on earth - wild dolphins. Dive the crystalline waters of the Bahamas and wind-swept seas of Patagonia in this IMAX film from MacGillivray Freeman Films. Narrated by Pierce Brosnan and featuring a soundtrack with songs and music by Sting.
 

How-To

 
Everything from backpacks to production equipment has been redesigned to fit the needs of filmmakers who work alone or in small production teams outdoors. Filmmaker Jamey Warner goes through his packing list for an outdoor shoot.
Filming outside means being subjected to a variety of weather conditions. When your project calls for it, filming in potentially destructive weather can be unavoidable. Filmmaker Jamey Warner goes through some tips to protect your gear.
It can be difficult for beginning videographers to frame a scene in a way that's captivating. While your eye will develop with time, here are some tips that can provide immediate results.
Hot or cold, wet or dry, you'll need to be dressed properly when filming outdoors. Here are some articles of clothing specifically useful for filmmakers to keep you safe and comfortable in a variety of climates.
Being prepared to film outdoors means having your gear ready for action. Rather than rushing to make sure your equipment is ready before your shoot, follow these steps at the end of your day to make sure you never get caught unprepared.