TETIAROA SOCIETY | TURTLES OF TETIAROA
Capturing the extraordinary journey of sea turtle conservation.
The Project
Protecting sea turtles from rehabilitation to release.
As part of a five-film documentary collection produced for Tetiaroa Society and The Brando, a luxury resort on the remote atoll of Tetiaroa in French Polynesia, Big Bite Films documented efforts to protect and restore sea turtle populations.
Working alongside marine veterinarian and conservationist Dr. Cécile Gaspar, founder of Te mana o te moana, we explored the many stages of turtle conservation, from rehabilitating injured turtles to monitoring nesting sites and protecting vulnerable hatchlings. Filming across multiple locations, we captured the dedication and scientific work involved in giving these endangered animals a greater chance of survival.
The Creative Challenge
Capturing unpredictable wildlife moments across multiple locations.
Sea turtle conservation follows nature's schedule, not a production calendar. Nesting mothers arrive on shore at unpredictable times, often during the night, while hatchlings can emerge with little warning. With a limited number of shoot days, capturing these fleeting moments required careful coordination, flexibility, and a little luck.
The story spanned two distinct locations: a sea turtle rehabilitation facility on the main island of Tahiti and the protected nesting beaches of Tetiaroa. Capturing the full conservation journey, from the rehabilitation of injured turtles to the protection of nests and the release of hatchlings, required careful coordination across both locations without interfering with the researchers' work or the animals' natural behavior.
Our Creative Approach
Combining creative filmmaking with patience and adaptability.
We coordinated closely with Dr. Gaspar and her team to film the rehabilitation facility before traveling to Tetiaroa, where researchers conduct nighttime patrols to monitor nesting activity and protect newly laid eggs.
To visually recreate the nighttime research process, we used carefully timed dusk filming, specialized lenses, and controlled lighting to capture Dr. Gaspar walking the beaches and demonstrating how protective cages are placed over turtle nests. These sequences allowed us to convey the atmosphere of nighttime conservation work without relying on unpredictable nesting activity.
Then, in the final days of production, an extraordinary opportunity presented itself. A nest of baby turtles hatched, and our crew was on location before sunrise to capture their release. With only one chance to film the hatchlings making their way across the sand and into the ocean, we documented one of the most powerful moments of the story.
We also collaborated with our local crew to capture the release of a rehabilitated turtle at sea, completing the visual journey from rescue and recovery to a return to the wild.
The Result
Bringing the delicate journey of sea turtle conservation to life.
The finished documentary combines intimate wildlife cinematography, compelling conservation research, and moments of natural beauty to reveal the extraordinary efforts required to protect sea turtles at every stage of their lives.
Featured in The Brando's private airport lounge and guest villas as part of Tetiaroa Society's five-part documentary series, the film offers visitors a deeper understanding of the island's conservation programs and the importance of protecting these vulnerable marine animals for future generations.
Explore the Tetiaroa Documentary Collection
The Green Tour is one of five documentary films produced by Big Bite Films for The Brando and Tetiaroa Society. Each film offers a distinct perspective on the island's extraordinary environment and the people working to preserve it.
The Brando | Green Tour
Tetiaroa's Return of the Crabs
Mission of the Tetiaroa Society
The Return of the Birds to Tetiaroa
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From creative development and international production to editing and finishing, we bring complex subjects to life through thoughtful storytelling and visually compelling filmmaking.