May, 2001 - Brian Cousin, HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution's video producer, received
the coveted "Silver Reel" award at the Media Communications Association (formerly the
International Television Association) 33rd Annual Festival of Awards in Media Excellence
held in Philadelphia.
The "AiME" award, or Award in Media Excellence celebrates distinction in media communications.
A total of 365 entries were received, of which, the award winning entry titled:
"Marine Bioluminescence: Secret Lights in the Sea" earned the Silver Reel in the External
Communications category. This 26-minute program is part of the HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic
Marine Science Educational Series.
"Secret Lights in the Sea" was co-produced by Brian Cousin and Edith Widder, Ph.D. of HBOI's
Bioluminescence Department in the Marine Science Division. Together they have assembled
a fascinating video populated by strange creatures that few people have the opportunity
to see with their own eyes. The footage in this program provides a rare glimpse of the
remarkable phenomenon of visible light made by living creatures.
Fireflies are probably the best known bioluminescent creatures. A few other land dwellers
have the capability, like some earthworms, centipedes and fungi. But on land,
bioluminescence is rare. By contrast, in the oceans, bioluminescence is very, very common.
In fact, it would be difficult to find any place in the ocean where bioluminescence
doesn't occur.
This video illustrates some very unique behaviors captured by the Bioluminescence Department
at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution. Dr. Widder's research identifies how
bioluminescence helps animals to survive in the ocean. Footage was obtained using the
JOHNSON-SEA-LINK Research Submersible Brian Cousin enjoyed this project. During his
eight-year career at HBOI he has been involved with producing numerous videos on marine
mammals, research submersibles, eutrophication on coral reefs, marine science education
and aquaculture. His is a one-man operation: from shooting on land and in the sea, to
scripting, to editing and scoring each program. "I really enjoyed working with Edie on
this program. Hers is one of the truly fascinating studies taking place at HARBOR BRANCH.
There were some interesting technical challenges associated with putting this program
together as well, like colorizing bioluminescence displays recorded using high-intensity
black-and-white cameras. I think we did a pretty good job. It gives me great satisfaction
to help make the work of HARBOR BRANCH scientists accessible to a broader audience. There's
so much incredible work going on here."
Dr. Widder adds, "I think bioluminescence is something you have to see to believe. Words
seem inadequate to convey a phenomenon that is so extravagantly beautiful and abundant
and yet so little known. I'm very grateful to Brian for making it possible for me to
share the wonderful things I've seen in such an entertaining and educational video."
It is estimated that more than 75% of the animal species in the
mesopelagic zone of the
world's oceans produce their own light. "Secret Lights" contains one-of-a-kind footage
showing marine bacteria, strange looking fish and gelatinous zooplankton producing arrays
of light that they turn off and on in beautiful patterns. These creatures use bioluminescence
to hunt for food, find mates, and avoid predators. Since 99% of our biosphere is ocean,
bioluminescence may be the most common form of communication on our planet.
For more information on bioluminescence, go to www.biolum.org.
Also catch a glimpse of the dragonfish from our home page in the June 2001 issue of National Geographic Magazine.
BUY "SECRET LIGHTS IN THE SEA" ONLINE AT OUR GIFTSTORE!
For Wholesale and Bulk Academic Pricing Contact dsmith@hboi.edu
About The
Media Communications Association International:
The Media Communications Association International is a global community of professionals
devoted to the business and art of visual communication.
The organization is made up of are professionals who work in video, film, distance learning,
web design and creation, and all forms of interactive visual communications, along with all
associated crafts. Members create programs that use visual media to convey important messages
and information for corporations, small businesses, agencies, non-profit organizations, the
government, education, the medical field, broadcast and cable television, etc.
Secret Lights in the Sea - Excerpt One
Secret Lights in the Sea - Excerpt Two
Secret Lights in the Sea - Excerpt Three
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