General Q&A with Jeff Corwin, Vanessa Garnick, David Mizejewski and Philippe Cousteau
Q: What is expected to attract viewers to tune in to Animal Planet's Spring Watch U.S.A.?
A: (Vanessa Garnick) Spring Watch U.S.A. connects Animal Planet viewers with nature, giving them a "bird's eye view" of spring families and spring events in the natural world. A: (David Mizejewski) Watching wildlife is a bit like learning a new language. Viewers are more aware of the incredible events happening all around them that they may have not been able to decipher before. Perceived generic birdsong suddenly becomes the territorial call of a male bluebird; the strange nighttime peeping reveals itself as the mating song of tree frogs. Each new discovery is like learning a new word, and once viewers begin to understand the vocabulary of nature they begin to crave more. The power of Spring Watch U.S.A. is in connecting people with the natural world around them, a phenomenon that is in decline among Americans — especially among children — at an alarming rate. This is the first generation in human history that has almost no connection to the natural world, and Spring Watch U.S.A. can make a difference by giving viewers the language they need to understand nature. This type of learning is additive. Q: Did nature intend to have reality TV?
A: (Jeff Corwin) I think nature is the ultimate when it comes to reality TV. Of course, this won't be the first time viewers witness a sea turtle or an otter on TV. What's really amazing about Spring Watch U.S.A. is that you'll see spring unfold in almost real time. It gives viewers the ultimate "fly on the wall" experience to observe natural history. Q: What kind of spring animals does Spring Watch U.S.A. feature?
A: (David Mizejewski) All the animals that are featured in Spring Watch U.S.A. are North American species. And, just because they are animals that might be found in our very own backyards or in the American wilderness doesn't mean that they're any less fascinating or exciting. These animals have amazing springtime behaviors that make them very interesting. I think the viewers truly are going to be surprised by some of the things they see and may not have known about the animals that live right around us. A: (Vanessa Garnick) Spring Watch U.S.A. is a unique experience in its own way because it proves that you don't have to go to Africa and travel to other exotic locations to witness wild animal behavior. Go to your backyard, and you can find spring unfolding right before your very eyes. Q: What kind of technology is used to capture the marvelous moments of spring as it unfolds in near real time?
A: (Philippe Cousteau) Animal Planet uses state-of-the-art technology to bring spring to life, including nest cameras that will record 24/7, dens cameras to film bears and squirrels and trail cameras to catch bobcats, alligators and foxes in action. Approximately 10 cameras are used in Kiawah Island with Jeff and Vanessa, and on the west coast, Animal Planet is using an underwater pole camera and underwater audio as I go underwater to track gray whales, sea otters, sea turtles and more. Additionally, several cameras will shadow David on his east coast observances. Q: What's particularly unique about the production of Spring Watch U.S.A.?
A: (Philippe Cousteau) One of the things that excites me about this series and I find unique is that you are watching nature happen in real time. For instance, while watching the series, you can look out your window and perhaps see a possum. Thanks to Spring Watch U.S.A., viewers are able to understand what is happening in that animal's life at that very moment; that immediate connection makes Spring Watch U.S.A. a unique show and different than anything I've seen before. It's an exciting, real-time experience. Q: What themes are explored through the six-part series?
A: (David Mizejewski) While filming Spring Watch U.S.A., we're trying to capture many themes including migration, courtship, parenthood, endangered species, leaving the nest and survival stories. We want to tell complete, compelling stories. Q: What can viewers expect to see happen in Spring Watch U.S.A.?
A: (Vanessa Garnick) Viewers can expect to see a variety of action spanning from the east coast to the west coast. Spring Watch U.S.A. aims to film the tracking of collared animals — such as bobcats, deer and fox — in their springtime movements as well as the trapping, tagging and release of black bears, terrapins, shrimp and jellyfish. In addition, viewers can experience stories about the Pacific gray whale migration and can learn about sea otters, lion seals and elephant seals. Viewers can spy on blue crabs during nighttime marsh wading and hundreds of salamanders as they make their nocturnal migration to a nearby vernal pond. These are just some examples of what viewers can expect to see, so be sure to tune in! CONTINUE » Q: How does Spring Watch U.S.A. approach natural history?
A: (Jeff Corwin) The series is a celebration of North American natural history and wildlife. It gives new definition to the term "natural history." Perhaps it should be called "natural presence" because you can be right there as it unfolds. Q: Is this series something that families can watch together?
A: (Vanessa Garnick) Absolutely, Spring Watch U.S.A. is a series that families can watch together. I have a large nuclear family — I grew up on a dude ranch in Wyoming alongside four sisters and three brothers. I certainly can imagine the entire family, including the grandparents, in-laws, friends and even the family pets experiencing Spring Watch U.S.A. together from our living room. The series is about birth; it's about spring and fresh starts, and what better way to enjoy such a beautiful program than with your loved ones! Q: With six, one-hour episodes, about how much do cameras catch on film?
A: (David Mizejewski) Spring certainly is an active time for wildlife. Many things are happening during this season, and our cameras capture a good amount. Many of the animals featured appear almost on schedule, meaning we pretty much know where and when something's going to happen. For example, I may look at spotted salamanders and wood frogs engaging in their breeding behavior in vernal pools, and we know that within approximately one week's time when the weather conditions are right, these animals are going to be there. With a little bit of knowledge, we are able to hone in on certain spots to get that amazing footage in real time. Q: Do the recent unusually warm winters make filming somewhat more unpredictable and difficult?
A: (Philippe Cousteau) Climate change is a serious issue we're dealing with and certainly a reality. It's going to be part of the story, and it's going to be something that unfolds while perhaps throwing some curve balls. But, we've anticipated this. It only adds to the complexity and richness of the stories we're telling. A: (David Mizejewski) In agreement with Philippe, climate change is a serious issue, and that's part of the story we're hoping to tell with Spring Watch U.S.A.. Global warming is no longer a debatable controversy. The scientific community is in overwhelming agreement that it is happening. However, how animals respond is still a big question, and Spring Watch U.S.A. explores that question. How will butterflies survive when the nectar plants they rely on begin blooming a month earlier before the butterflies emerge? How will waking up from hibernation during a warm spell in the middle of winter affect turtles? Some species may be able to adapt, but many others may not. Observing these changes can help us all figure out the best way to help wildlife threatened by global warming. Q: How does production of Spring Watch U.S.A. adjust to things that don't work out so well in nature?
A: (Jeff Corwin) Ultimately, nature is what it is; nature does what it does. Our job is not to filter out the unsightly or the sentimental stories. Really, that makes the stories complete. Spring Watch U.S.A. really is an event. And it's more than the four of us in this series; all the wildlife become characters, lending to very powerful moments. And as the stories unfold, Vanessa, Philippe, David and I take in the information, make sense of it and share it with the viewers. A: (Philippe Cousteau) Sometimes, people think that all animals are the same or generic. The truth is that animals have personalities, and these personalities are expected to come out during the filming of the series. Q: Is Spring Watch U.S.A. solely an Animal Planet TV program?
A: (David Mizejewski) Spring Watch U.S.A. is entirely interactive; it's not just something people see on television, Animal Planet encourages an interactive experience — getting people out in their communities to observe wildlife and the springtime phenomenon. Animal Planet, along with long-time partner The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), enhances the series by building an online/digital community and outreach platform that observes and logs data during the spring event. In a nutshell, there will be many opportunities for people to go out — perhaps literally in their backyards or in their community — and get involved. Viewers are encouraged to walk outside and report spring signs and sightings online, and Jeff, Philippe, Vanessa and I can respond to questions and comments within the context of the show. It's interesting to see what happens and what data is revealed from the viewers themselves. A: (Jeff Corwin) The interactive component allows us — Philippe, Vanessa, David and me — to connect with all the viewers. Spring Watch U.S.A. is as much a participatory experience as it is a wonderful celebration of spring, a season that I'm sure we all heartedly welcome.
A: (Vanessa Garnick) Spring Watch U.S.A. connects Animal Planet viewers with nature, giving them a "bird's eye view" of spring families and spring events in the natural world. A: (David Mizejewski) Watching wildlife is a bit like learning a new language. Viewers are more aware of the incredible events happening all around them that they may have not been able to decipher before. Perceived generic birdsong suddenly becomes the territorial call of a male bluebird; the strange nighttime peeping reveals itself as the mating song of tree frogs. Each new discovery is like learning a new word, and once viewers begin to understand the vocabulary of nature they begin to crave more. The power of Spring Watch U.S.A. is in connecting people with the natural world around them, a phenomenon that is in decline among Americans — especially among children — at an alarming rate. This is the first generation in human history that has almost no connection to the natural world, and Spring Watch U.S.A. can make a difference by giving viewers the language they need to understand nature. This type of learning is additive. Q: Did nature intend to have reality TV?
A: (Jeff Corwin) I think nature is the ultimate when it comes to reality TV. Of course, this won't be the first time viewers witness a sea turtle or an otter on TV. What's really amazing about Spring Watch U.S.A. is that you'll see spring unfold in almost real time. It gives viewers the ultimate "fly on the wall" experience to observe natural history. Q: What kind of spring animals does Spring Watch U.S.A. feature?
A: (David Mizejewski) All the animals that are featured in Spring Watch U.S.A. are North American species. And, just because they are animals that might be found in our very own backyards or in the American wilderness doesn't mean that they're any less fascinating or exciting. These animals have amazing springtime behaviors that make them very interesting. I think the viewers truly are going to be surprised by some of the things they see and may not have known about the animals that live right around us. A: (Vanessa Garnick) Spring Watch U.S.A. is a unique experience in its own way because it proves that you don't have to go to Africa and travel to other exotic locations to witness wild animal behavior. Go to your backyard, and you can find spring unfolding right before your very eyes. Q: What kind of technology is used to capture the marvelous moments of spring as it unfolds in near real time?
A: (Philippe Cousteau) Animal Planet uses state-of-the-art technology to bring spring to life, including nest cameras that will record 24/7, dens cameras to film bears and squirrels and trail cameras to catch bobcats, alligators and foxes in action. Approximately 10 cameras are used in Kiawah Island with Jeff and Vanessa, and on the west coast, Animal Planet is using an underwater pole camera and underwater audio as I go underwater to track gray whales, sea otters, sea turtles and more. Additionally, several cameras will shadow David on his east coast observances. Q: What's particularly unique about the production of Spring Watch U.S.A.?
A: (Philippe Cousteau) One of the things that excites me about this series and I find unique is that you are watching nature happen in real time. For instance, while watching the series, you can look out your window and perhaps see a possum. Thanks to Spring Watch U.S.A., viewers are able to understand what is happening in that animal's life at that very moment; that immediate connection makes Spring Watch U.S.A. a unique show and different than anything I've seen before. It's an exciting, real-time experience. Q: What themes are explored through the six-part series?
A: (David Mizejewski) While filming Spring Watch U.S.A., we're trying to capture many themes including migration, courtship, parenthood, endangered species, leaving the nest and survival stories. We want to tell complete, compelling stories. Q: What can viewers expect to see happen in Spring Watch U.S.A.?
A: (Vanessa Garnick) Viewers can expect to see a variety of action spanning from the east coast to the west coast. Spring Watch U.S.A. aims to film the tracking of collared animals — such as bobcats, deer and fox — in their springtime movements as well as the trapping, tagging and release of black bears, terrapins, shrimp and jellyfish. In addition, viewers can experience stories about the Pacific gray whale migration and can learn about sea otters, lion seals and elephant seals. Viewers can spy on blue crabs during nighttime marsh wading and hundreds of salamanders as they make their nocturnal migration to a nearby vernal pond. These are just some examples of what viewers can expect to see, so be sure to tune in! CONTINUE » Q: How does Spring Watch U.S.A. approach natural history?
A: (Jeff Corwin) The series is a celebration of North American natural history and wildlife. It gives new definition to the term "natural history." Perhaps it should be called "natural presence" because you can be right there as it unfolds. Q: Is this series something that families can watch together?
A: (Vanessa Garnick) Absolutely, Spring Watch U.S.A. is a series that families can watch together. I have a large nuclear family — I grew up on a dude ranch in Wyoming alongside four sisters and three brothers. I certainly can imagine the entire family, including the grandparents, in-laws, friends and even the family pets experiencing Spring Watch U.S.A. together from our living room. The series is about birth; it's about spring and fresh starts, and what better way to enjoy such a beautiful program than with your loved ones! Q: With six, one-hour episodes, about how much do cameras catch on film?
A: (David Mizejewski) Spring certainly is an active time for wildlife. Many things are happening during this season, and our cameras capture a good amount. Many of the animals featured appear almost on schedule, meaning we pretty much know where and when something's going to happen. For example, I may look at spotted salamanders and wood frogs engaging in their breeding behavior in vernal pools, and we know that within approximately one week's time when the weather conditions are right, these animals are going to be there. With a little bit of knowledge, we are able to hone in on certain spots to get that amazing footage in real time. Q: Do the recent unusually warm winters make filming somewhat more unpredictable and difficult?
A: (Philippe Cousteau) Climate change is a serious issue we're dealing with and certainly a reality. It's going to be part of the story, and it's going to be something that unfolds while perhaps throwing some curve balls. But, we've anticipated this. It only adds to the complexity and richness of the stories we're telling. A: (David Mizejewski) In agreement with Philippe, climate change is a serious issue, and that's part of the story we're hoping to tell with Spring Watch U.S.A.. Global warming is no longer a debatable controversy. The scientific community is in overwhelming agreement that it is happening. However, how animals respond is still a big question, and Spring Watch U.S.A. explores that question. How will butterflies survive when the nectar plants they rely on begin blooming a month earlier before the butterflies emerge? How will waking up from hibernation during a warm spell in the middle of winter affect turtles? Some species may be able to adapt, but many others may not. Observing these changes can help us all figure out the best way to help wildlife threatened by global warming. Q: How does production of Spring Watch U.S.A. adjust to things that don't work out so well in nature?
A: (Jeff Corwin) Ultimately, nature is what it is; nature does what it does. Our job is not to filter out the unsightly or the sentimental stories. Really, that makes the stories complete. Spring Watch U.S.A. really is an event. And it's more than the four of us in this series; all the wildlife become characters, lending to very powerful moments. And as the stories unfold, Vanessa, Philippe, David and I take in the information, make sense of it and share it with the viewers. A: (Philippe Cousteau) Sometimes, people think that all animals are the same or generic. The truth is that animals have personalities, and these personalities are expected to come out during the filming of the series. Q: Is Spring Watch U.S.A. solely an Animal Planet TV program?
A: (David Mizejewski) Spring Watch U.S.A. is entirely interactive; it's not just something people see on television, Animal Planet encourages an interactive experience — getting people out in their communities to observe wildlife and the springtime phenomenon. Animal Planet, along with long-time partner The National Wildlife Federation (NWF), enhances the series by building an online/digital community and outreach platform that observes and logs data during the spring event. In a nutshell, there will be many opportunities for people to go out — perhaps literally in their backyards or in their community — and get involved. Viewers are encouraged to walk outside and report spring signs and sightings online, and Jeff, Philippe, Vanessa and I can respond to questions and comments within the context of the show. It's interesting to see what happens and what data is revealed from the viewers themselves. A: (Jeff Corwin) The interactive component allows us — Philippe, Vanessa, David and me — to connect with all the viewers. Spring Watch U.S.A. is as much a participatory experience as it is a wonderful celebration of spring, a season that I'm sure we all heartedly welcome.
Picture: DCI |
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of our Visitor Agreement. Please read. Privacy Policy.
Copyright © 2008 Discovery Communications
The leading global real-world media and entertainment company.