A Scenic journey is an experience you will remember forever, and our on board videographers have a crucial role in helping you relive these unique moments. With their subtle presence, they will capture every wonder moment and document the magic that happens each day of your Scenic Eclipse voyage.
Here we speak with Martín Bianco, Scenic Eclipse videographer, to learn more about his career and how the fascinating days of discovery unfold.
Martín Bianco is an integral member of the Scenic Eclipse Discovery Team. So far, the Argentinian/Italian videographer has travelled to Greenland, Iceland, Canadian Arctic, Alaska, Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica.
How did you first become interested in film? And how did you come to be working with Scenic?
I became interested in photography at a very early age and at the age of nine I bought my first camera on a trip through the United States with my parents. That interest in photography was complemented by my interest in travel and outdoor activities. From those very first trips, my twin brother Pablo and I began to film and produce videos, exploring our young artistic expression.
In my early years I worked as an accountant and when I was 30, I decided to fully pursue becoming a professional photographer and filmmaker. I started my career in social events, sports and photographic campaigns, but was always focused on being able to combine my passion for travel, nature, and the creative aspect of videography. Happily, Pablo was already working as a videographer for Scenic Eclipse and was able to recommend me when they needed to expand their video team.
RIGHT: Martín Bianco
What do you love most about your job?
I get to see incredible places and have wonderful encounters with wildlife, while developing my creative abilities and learning new things every day. I firmly believe that working at Scenic helps me develop as a professional, but also allows me to grow as a human being, strengthening humility and awareness of the wonderful planet that we are lucky to inhabit.
Can you tell us about some of your favourite filming destinations or remarkable moments you’ve captured?
South Georgia island in the Antarctic region, off the southern edge of South America, is my favourite place to film because of the great concentration of wildlife and its colours. There was also one particular day during the last Arctic season that really stood out to me. During the journey from Kangerlussuaq in Greenland to Nome, Alaska, we saw more than 30 polar bears in Cunningham Bay, before finishing the day encountering a female polar bear and her two cubs on top of a big piece of sea ice. That day was absolutely amazing, and I will never forget it.
LEFT: Polar bears, Northwest Passage
Do you work to a strict schedule or just go with the flow?
Being part of the Discovery Team means being alert and prepared for the surprises of each day; we never know what is going to happen. The destinations we visit can be so remote and unpredictable that, while certain things can be planned, the vast majority are surprises. I always have to be prepared because I can be editing or filming somewhere on the ship and suddenly receive a message about approaching whales or an important wildlife encounter, and that means running out to capture it.
Walk us through a typical day on board.
My day normally begins by participating in the morning landing. If there is a reconnaissance flight, I try to be part of it to have another perspective on the destination. Then I’ll have lunch and join the second landing of the day for more filming. After dinner, I download the material, organize it, edit some photos from the day to share with the Scenic team and guests on board via our video wall, and prepare a video that we’ll show the guests in the theatre at the end of the voyage.
Depending on the day, I’ll try to organize myself to cover the largest number of activities or I’ll choose the ones I consider most important. When I have days at sea or just one activity during the day, I take the opportunity to start viewing the clips, planning interviews and select the music, so I can start to get an idea of what the final video is going to be like.
RIGHT: Zodiac excursion
What equipment do you use while filming on board Scenic Eclipse?
I usually use two camera bodies (one with a telephoto lens and one with a wide-angle lens), polarising filters, UV filters, ND filters, a stabilizer, a drone, several GoPros and my phone. To this, of course, are added hundreds of memory cards, cleaning equipment, backpacks for photographic equipment, waterproof backpacks, tripods, an editing station and external hard drives.
Do you have any tips for Scenic Eclipse guests who would like to shoot their own videos during the voyage?
I think the most important thing is to be aware of the magic of the places we visit, and to first enjoy the moment and then to try and capture it. Travellers should choose the best equipment for their needs; this can be a professional equipment for the most enthusiastic, or a compact camera for those who do not want to move with so much weight, or even a good phone for those who prioritize comfort. I certainly recommend having the patience to recognize a good moment and moving on the ground looking for better angles to improve the composition. Sometimes the scenery can be so incredible that people rush to shoot without appreciating what the whole landscape offers.
LEFT: Gold Harbour, South Georgia
Did you know?^
When Scenic Eclipse guests return home, they receive a special recap video that includes all the highlights from their journey. Reliving the precious memories and unforgettable moments, from that first polar bear sighting to the sail away party in a magical location, will truly spark your best memories. You can share your video with family and friends in person or through social media to inspire their own Scenic journey using the hashtag #ScenicWonder.
^ Scenic Eclipse voyage videos are included on selected Expedition and Discovery Voyage departures
