MASTER CLASS
WORLD-TRAVELING, KAYAK FISHING FILMMAKER WILL RICHARDSON SHARES LESSONS FROM YEARS ON THE ROAD.
PHOTO: KENDALL LARSON
Will Richardson considers himself the luckiest guy in the world. “Ten years ago I started making whitewater films with Ken Whiting and now I’m traveling the world filming kayak fishing television shows.” As cameraman, editor, director and producer of Kayak Fishing Show, Kayak Bassin’ and many other projects, Richardson has turned his bachelor’s degree in acting and directing into a career playing in the wild. “If you see something in the show that is messed up, that’s me,” he jokes, “if it looks good then give credit to the star.” After thousands of miles and hundreds of fish, Richardson has learned a long list
of lessons about making kayak fishing videos. “Kayak anglers inspire me,” he says, “by pushing the limits of fishing and paddling, they encourage me to push my limits.” Richardson may be a master filmmaker, but he still takes lessons from other video
pros. “The first step is to watch other people’s videos and notice what you like and what doesn’t work,” he says. To learn from the masters, Richardson studies other action films and takes notes on effective camera angles, editing techniques and audio mixing. Then, he uses his own creativity to re-interpret his favorite techniques and tricks. Another way for an aspiring filmmaker to improve his art is to improve his
equipment. “Step away from the action cameras,” Richardson recommends. While he admits to using these indestructible and user-friendly video cameras for difficult shots on the water, to score professional quality film, he relies on professional quality equipment. “There are so many strong options for high quality video equipment, you don’t have to break the bank to make a professional quality production.” Audio is the Achilles heel of most action cameras. Richardson recommends adding
a Lavalier microphone that clips onto a shirt collar or PFD strap. “Improving the sound is the best way to improve your videos,” he says. His next tip is to think like a storyteller and keep the end product in focus. Before
shooting, pros make a list of the shots and scenes that will be in the final video. In addition to capturing the action, film the launch, the boats, the lures and rigs, sunset and sunrise, flora and fauna. “That’s what makes great B-role,” otherwise known as the scenes between action sequences that tell the story. Avoid long scenes with little action or interest. “I fast forward through about 90 percent of most videos I see on YouTube,” he says. Bad camerawork is another headache for viewers. Keep the camera lens clean, be
sure the camera is solidly mounted or held so the horizon stays level and try to stay calm. “We all get excited when a fish is on the line,” Richardson admits, “after pushing the
record button, take a deep breath and count to 10.” And keep filming after the fish is landed to capture the thrill of victory, or lost to capture the agony of defeat. Richardson’s last piece of advice is to focus on filming, not just fishing. “Put
down the rod and pick up the camera,” he says. One of the hardest parts of pursuing excellent video is transforming from a fisherman to a cameraman. He recommends giving cameras to your fishing buddies, too. “When your buddy hooks up, don’t cast into his spot, paddle over and get the shot!”
GEAR BAG Sony NX5U, Canon 5D Mark II and GoPro Hero, Miller Tripod, lens cloth and dry towels, NRS drybag and Sennheiser GW100 wireless microphone, headphones.
CUTTING ROOM Adobe Premiere and After Effects Watch Will Richardson’s work at
www.kayakbassinshow.com and
www.kayakfishingshow.com.
48…KAYAK ANGLER
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