The Independent Hunting Film Culture

Hunting cinematography is amid a major shift from the tired, classic filming format to the cerebral, innovative pieces of art that are slowly gaining recognition in our industry. In such an entertainment driven field, there is no doubt that it creates a need for competition. This presents us with the obvious solution of film festivals; a creative arena once unknown to hunting filmmakers. HunterVids.com has sought to make these festivals accessible to filmmakers and fans alike in the form of a tour, a circuit that will feature some of the best and upcoming outdoor production companies and their promotional film excerpts. The three major players among these tours are the Full Draw Film Tour, Hunting Film Tour, and the Outdoor Film Festival.

The first and foremost of these is the archery based Full Draw Film Tour, which makes its tour across the country in historic theaters from Spring into Winter . Sponsored by Realtree and Hoyt, the proceeds from the ticket and raffle sales go into supporting Hunt of a Lifetime charity which helps challenged children to pursue a hunting adventure.

Without a doubt the Full Draw Film Tour, organized by Jon Walusiak, Kody Kellom and Walt Ramage, is taking North America by storm by creating one of the most competitive markets for creative hunting films.

• Full Draw Film Tour

One cannot go on without mention of the Sitka Gear-sponsored Hunting Film Tour which features both bowhunting and rifle hunting experiences. With some of the most reputable film companies participating, it is a guarantee that the featured pieces are not only visually stunning in taking you on a wild adventure but also capture the human aspect of a fair chase hunt. This enthralling film tour, organized by owner, Gary Gillett, boasts over 25 location stops, following business associate, Chris Kieg’s successful Fly Fishing Film Tour of previous years.

• Hunting Film Tour

Lastly, the Sportsman Warehouse Outdoor Film Festival presented by Boone and Crockett Club, encourages submissions from professional to amateur film producers for all species. Festivals are held with Conservation partners at their national conventions with awards being given at the highest level related to species. The award winners will travel to 120 locations across the country as well as being featured on a major cable network. The Outdoor Film Festival by Gary Wilson provides film producers of all levels the opportunity for recognition through their Festival, Tour and a TV promotion.

• Outdoor Film Festival

The exposure gained from film tours of this nature will undoubtedly continue to create a greater market for cultivated filmmakers. The tours themselves offer the hunting community the chance to come together in camaraderieship to support the organizers, sponsors, film producers and help with conservation and other charitable causes. As the hunting industry expands, HunterVids continues to be the premier online venue for these films and an integral stepping stone for us to share our art. We hope to see you, as a face in the audience, or on the big screen at one of these tours. This is only the beginning.

Article by: A. J. DeRosa & Amy Hern