Since 2013, Leonardo's thermal imaging technology has revolutionized wildlife filmmaking, enabling the capture of breathtaking footage in the most challenging environments. This groundbreaking technology played a pivotal role in the BBC's 2024 series, "Mammals," narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Cameraman Louis Labrom shares his experience using Leonardo's SLX-SuperHawk and SLX-Merlin cameras to illuminate the hidden world of nocturnal creatures. From the tiny Etruscan shrew to the majestic African leopard, the series unveiled astonishing behaviors never before seen on screen.
One of the most thrilling sequences involved filming spotted hyenas hunting Cape buffalo in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater. To capture this extraordinary event, the crew mounted a Leonardo SLX-Merlin camera on a 6-axis gyro-stabilized gimbal, creating a dynamic and immersive viewing experience. Louis emphasizes the challenges and risks involved in this undertaking, but the results were undeniably spectacular. The footage showcases the incredible teamwork and perseverance of these often misunderstood predators, offering a new level of insight into their complex social structure. Read the full article here.
Learn more about our wildlife documentary work in our Top 10 Memorable Moments in Nature Captured by Leonardo Thermal Imaging Technology for the BBC.
Watch the first episode of BBC One series Mammals, which features footage captured using our Thermal Imaging technology (available to those based in the UK).