Press Information Kit
Remarkable in its intimacy, YAKEL 3D sets the benchmark as one of the first
immersive 3D documentaries produced.
Set in a remote Vanuatu village and filmed over a three-year period, YAKEL
explores the fragility of one of the last remaining primitive cultures by
employing the most high tech cinematic story telling device available.
Shot in stereoscopic 3D (and delivered with 5.1 stereo sound), the producers
chose to use two Panasonic HVX202 cameras side by side, to record 720p at 50
frames (with up-resolution to 1080p for delivery).
Filmed by Emmy award-winning cinematographer Michael Single and Produced
and Directed by acclaimed documentary maker Rachael Wilson, the film takes its
narrative from the tribe’s charismatic 108-year-old chief as he worries for the
future of his people when he is no longer there to guide them. English sub-titles
appear in 3D within the 3D footage.
Dunedin based multi-award winning 3D graphics company ARL teamed with
The Video Factory to provide the 3D stereo-alignment and editing expertise.
Multi-award winning composer Neville Copland combines the melodic range of
the baritone violin with the tribal vocals to give YAKEL it’s hauntingly beautiful music.
The Vanuatu Cultural Center lent full support to the film with Jacob Kapere
accompanying the crew as the Cultural advisor and translator.
Film Crew Bios
Rachael Wilson – Producer/Director
Rachael Wilson is a multi-talented filmmaker. As an accomplished television
camerawoman with more than a 15 years experience, she’s gained many
international credits across a wide range of genres before turning her focus to
writing and directing documentaries. Her subject matter often leans towards
adventure, earth science and anthropology.
Director credits include prime time National Geographic and Discovery Channel
programming, ranging from the amazing everyday lives of tribes-people in
Vanuatu to the earth-shattering science behind China’s Sichuan Earthquake.
YAKEL 3D is her current film and first feature-length documentary. It is also
New Zealand’s first 3D feature-release.
Rachael has worked closely with Emmy-award winning cameraman Michael
Single for many years and together they have production company Speargrass Films.
Michael Single – Cinematographer
Michael is among the world’s top documentary cinematographers. With more
than 35 years experience, he specializes in natural history and adventure and in
recent years has turned his eye to shooting 3D for special venue theatres.
Boasting 27 filming expeditions to Antarctica, he's traveled via aircraft,
icebreaker and sailboat. Michael relishes working in challenging locations.
From the Polar regions to the Southern Alps of New Zealand, Nepal, Tibet, China
and the Aleutian Islands - there would be few people who have documented
more remote places in the world.
Michael has over 25 international awards including an Emmy for
Cinematography in 2000 for ‘The Crystal Ocean’ and the Golden Eagle Award for
Cinematography in 2006 for ‘Life in Death Valley’.
