BIRD’S EYE VIEW

Taking Flight Productions started by making two documentary films, one about the Great Gull Island and one about the Hudson Bay Project. These two research projects - among the longest running research endeavors on the globe - reveal so much about our world during the last half-century including: climate change; the effects of dangerous chemicals such as PCBs; the loss of habitat; and variations in ecosystems including the variety and number of species. In 2019 these two field projects associated with the American Museum of Natural History each turned 50 years old.

Both projects have had the same directors for 50 years since their inception in 1969. Directors Helen Hays of the Great Gull Island Project and Robert "Rocky" Rockwell of the Hudson Bay Project involved thousands of people, both scientists and volunteers, with ardor, grace and fun. These films not only highlight these two amazing directors and their significant contributions to science but also the myriad of personalities from many countries and backgrounds who have been involved in both projects over the years. Through the stories of these two scientists, our hope is to educate and to inspire the viewers to get involved directly in scientific fieldwork.

The Taking Flight Production Team is focused on keeping quality high and costs as low as possible. All of those involved are donating their time and talent or generously working for non-profit rates. We plan to give any remaining funding to support scientific fieldwork.