Gabon - November 2004

Here are a few pictures from a recent trip to Gabon, filming for BBCs` `Planet Earth` series.

I had 5 days doing helicopter aerials, accompanied by series producer Alastair Fothergill, over an impressive set of falls called Kongou, on the Ivindu river. Tony Gray, from Flight Logistics, brought out the Tyler mount from UK and fitted it in the Hughes `Vietnam` style helicopter.

 This was followed by balloon aerials over the forest in Lope National Park, using `Cinebule` with pilot Dany Cleyet-Marrel. It is an amazing and unique filming tool combining a hot air balloon and a motor driven propellor, enabling precision flying in 3D above the forest canopy.

I then spent 18 days in tree hides put up by James Aldred. Only marred by an abundance of African Bees that made filming difficult and painful!

Our efficient fixer was Ruth Starkey, who has spent several years working in Gabon with WCS.

E-mail: gavinthurston@hotmail.com