AV News 195 - February 2014
Spectacular! Spectacular!
Karen Collins
Colin and Rhona Balls presented their programme about the Falkland Islands
to a packed house at the opening evening of the Great Northern AV Weekend
on the 29th November 2013. They went in January 2013 and Colin had been
preparing the evening show ever since, only completing the programme two
weeks before the Great Northern.
I was fortunate to be one of the chosen few invited to watch a preview of 'The
Falkland Islands', presented by Colin & Rhona. Film, still images and music
entertained us throughout the two hour presentation. The film took us on a
captivating journey of 10,000 miles, from a small village in Lancashire to the
small group of Islands close to South America.
Upon arrival in the capital Stanley, the journey was to move swiftly from
Pebble Island, Saunders, Sea Lion, Weddell and Carcass Islands. The
landscapes were dramatic and the climate blustery. We were introduced to the
wildlife of the Islands starting with the King Penguins which sauntered
majestically along the beach. With their regal stance and heads held high, they
surveyed their 'Subjects'. The music had been chosen carefully to enhance the
high quality filming.
The musical contrast was wonderful against the sections of the film which
relied on the natural sounds of the Penguins. The actual recording of the
cacophony of noises emulating from the Magellanic Penguin, known to the
locals as the Jackass, was unmistakable.
Gentoo penguins emerged from the sea with Colin's timely rhetoric and
humour, holding our interest throughout. The Rock Hopper, both by name
and nature, amazed us with their constant battle against the elements.
The still images which captured the vast array of birds, some particular to the
Falklands only, were stunning and of superior quality. The Caracara, Cobbs
Wren, Long Tailed Meadow Lark and Perregrine Falcon were delightful to see.
Page 16