Arctic Tale is both a great story and an environmental message all rolled into one. The film follows the linear story two young Arctic animals: Seela the Walrus and Nanu, the polar bear. Made from eight years of composite footage the film features a remarkable amount of science combined with a compelling narrative. I had a chance to speak to Adam Ravetch, the cinematographer and co-director (along with his wife Sarah Robertson) of the film on the phone – here's what he had to say.

Explain the idea behind using composite footage to form the linear story of a baby Walrus and a baby Polar bear.

Adam Ravetch: We really wanted to get people involved emotionally. So the whole process of shooting was about getting people close. To put a sequence together there were so many different elements we needed. So that was an ongoing process, how to best depict a scene. And right from the beginning the whole idea was to do a celebration of the quality of these animals. We didn't want to lecture to people, but we still wanted to teach in an entertaining way. We tried to find inventive ways to use intimate language too. It's all about accessibility. You have all these big groups that sponsor environmental themes, but the power of the image says it all. And that was another reason to go with the narrative method

How many hours of footage did you shoot?

Ravetch: About 800 over the years. We went into some archives into libraries around the world to fill in the holes too.

Why did you go after Queen Latifah as your narrator?

Ravetch: We always knew we wanted a woman to tell the story because Walruses are a matriarchal society and we were following the mother Polar bear too. And we needed a voice with gravitas that could handle the gravitas of the landscape, and Queen Latifah has this wonderful Alto. She has a quiet strength, but she also brightens up the film. She was Mother Ice, all knowing and intimate. When you're watching her you feel like she's talking to you.

How dangerous was shooting this film?

Ravetch: Going hypothermic was always a danger. Staying warm, making sure you come back with all your fingers and toes. We had to dive into the water in certain situations, and of course being side by side with animals that could eat you. Psychologically you'd have to stay positive because it could be demoralizing during elements like blizzards.

How did you get those amazing shots of Polar Bears swimming in towards the camera in the water?

Ravetch: Every animal has a personality and right away you can tell if a bear is approachable or not. So some of the shots could be taken swimming with the bear. Some, for the more aggressive bears, we took with a camera at the end of a long pole. It was a little dangerous, but we discovered some new science and I think we've put together a compelling story for families too.

Arctic Tale releases to limited theaters Wednesday, July 25th. For more information Visit the official website.

Related post categories: Features, Interviews : Adam Ravetch, Arctic Tale

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