top of page
Zavodovski island penguins

Our Oceans’ Most Daunting Expedition

Tighten Your Chinstrap

Filming on an active volcano is no joke, you really have to tighten your chinstrap for that kind of adventure! Zavadovski posed one of Our Oceans’ most formidable challenges. A thousand miles from the nearest landmass, encircled by towering cliffs and frigid waters, and at its core, an active volcano, few locations present as many logistical hurdles. Yet, amid the perpetual storms and tumultuous high seas, lies a penguin sanctuary - a haven for over 2 million chinstrap penguins, offering a prize worth braving the elements for. For series DoP Justin Maguire, drone operator Ryan Tidman and Our Oceans Series Researcher Inka Cresswell, it would be the adventure of a lifetime.

Chinstrap penguin
Zavodovski volcano

JOURNEY TO THE END OF THE WORLD: LEARNING TO SAIL IN THE WORLD'S MOST TUMULTUOUS SEAS

For Inka, the adventure began the moment she stepped aboard the Vinson of Antarctica, a polar expedition vessel designed for high-latitude sailing. "I had always wanted to learn to sail but never expected my first lessons to be in the middle of the world's fiercest ocean, navigating enormous waves and icebergs," Inka recalls. The Our Oceans and ship’s crew worked in shifts of three hours on and six hours off, battling through treacherous seas for days on end.

the fortress: accessing zavodovski

But when they finally arrived at Zavodovski, they discovered the adventure had only really just begun. Timing their arrival between storms was crucial for a safe landing with low swell, especially considering the team needed to climb cliffs with over 30 cases of filming equipment. They scouted two potential entry points: an open beach, which seemed ideal until binoculars revealed it was teeming with Antarctic fur seals, forming an impenetrable barrier, and a small inlet with a sheer rock face. The latter required climbing the rocks between waves, establishing a pulley system to transport equipment, and hiking to a suitable campsite. Despite the physical challenge, this route was the least intrusive option for accessing the island and after much effort, they made it.

CAPTAIN’S LOG

After their experience navigating the cliffs and waves, the team were determined to document the chinstraps’ own daring ascents to bring food back for their youngsters.

 

"The drone was instrumental in this sequence; it allowed us to scout coastal areas for new behaviors," Inka explains.

 

Ryan spotted the white water entry point from the air with his drone, enabling the team to map a hiking path to the perfect filming spot. However, flying the drone in high winds was perilous, with constant threats of crashing into cliffs or being drenched by sea spray. Positioned with his camera and telescopic lenses, Justin also had to contend with rogue waves threatening to drench his equipment and himself in freezing waters.

 

And that wasn’t all! The team also had to stay on constant alert due to the sleeping giant that formed a backdrop to their shoot. An active volcano that could send pyroclastic flows at any moment. Throughout filming the team had to carry gas masks due to the risk of an eruption and were accompanied by a volcanologist who was regularly assessing volcanic activity as well as completing her own research on the volcano. The team also were able to collaborate with Penguinologist Dr Tom Hart who was studying the breeding pairs and carrying out penguin counts across the island. This collaborative effort not only delivered a mind blowing sequence for Our Oceans but has enriched the overall understanding of the island's ecosystem.

the 44 day journey

Our Oceans crew
Zavoodovski island crew with chinstrap penguins

For Series DoP Justin Maguire, this shoot set a personal record - 44 days door-to-door, with just eight days on location. Just as he was getting to grips with the environment, it was time to leave. Fortunately, the intense effort paid off!

Chinstrap penguins silhouette

Photos by Ryan Tidman and Inka Cresswell ©Netflix 'Our Oceans'

freeborne media
  • X
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • TikTok
bottom of page