Synopsis
Short
A zoologist couple travels to West Africa to document some of the worlds deadliest snakes. Their expedition reveals a surprising similarity between handling deadly snakes and living in a healthy relationship.
Medium
Matej and Zuzana Dolinay have many passions, but topping the list are venomous snakes and educating people. Combining the two into a single mission, this driving force has taken them across the globe in search of our planet’s rarest snake species, documenting these findings and sharing the results on their successful YouTube Channel, Living Zoology.
Their next adventure takes them to the remote jungles along the west coast of Africa, in the country of Togo. Here, they hope to make a documentary film about the “Western Green Mamba”, one of the most venomous snakes in the world. Out of the four mamba species spread out across Africa, this is the only one that has eluded the lens of the Living Zoology team.
As their educational expedition unfolds, a surprising similarity emerges, the ironic parallels between working with deadly snakes, and the tenets of living in a healthy relationship. These “Figures” progress throughout the film and romantically capture our zoologists, echoing the love they have for capturing snakes.
“Figures” is a heartfelt adventure that is gripping for the wildlife enthusiast and romantics alike. It is a film set in remote and unusual parts of the world and yet, its message is relatable to everyone. Even those with a terrible phobia of snakes will be set at ease and come away with a big smile on their face. At its core, this film is a real life, behind the scenes look into how professional wildlife filmmakers get the job done. Through thick and thin, giving you a true, authentic experience for how it is actually like traveling across the planet to document deadly venomous snakes.
Long
Matej and Zuzana Dolinay are a husband and wife zoology team who are also acclaimed wildlife filmmakers. They have many passions, but topping the list are venomous snakes and educating people. Combining the two into a single mission, this driving force has taken them across the globe in search of our planet’s rarest snake species, documenting these findings and sharing the results on their successful YouTube Channel, Living Zoology.
Their newest adventure: an expedition into the heart of Togo. A French-speaking country along the west coast of Africa. This tiny region has a huge amount of history and unique ecological diversity and for this reason, Matej and Zuzana have chosen this location for their next documentary film. Of the four deadly mamba species spread across Africa, it is only in this small section of jungle along Africa’s west coast that contains the “Western Green Mamba”, the last remaining species in the series which the Living Zoology team has yet to research.
With their hearts set on filming this target species, they set off in search for the western green mamba. Accompanying them on this expedition, are several knowledgeable local snake catchers familiar with the ecosystems in the region. The consensus is that their best chance of finding these animals lies in the canopies overhanging a small river. Trying to find a green snake amidst verdant foliage is difficult enough, a challenge intensified by the lack of stability under their feet as they attempt to navigate the river… by foot. Without stable ground to walk on, capturing these deadly snakes for research poses an additional threat. But if you want to find this elusive species, you have to do what is necessary.
As their educational expedition unfolds, a surprising similarity begins to emerge, the ironic parallels between working with deadly snakes and the tenets of living in a healthy relationship. These “Figures” progress throughout the film and romantically capture our zoologists, echoing the love they have for capturing snakes. Principles like COMMUNICATION, PATIENCE, UNDERSTANDING, and INTIMACY, center our focus on the core of what matters during each scene.
Throughout the film, they come into contact with other deadly venomous snakes, as well as interactions with affable locals who add an additional layer of warmth to the journey. Displaying yet another beautiful contrast between the perils and joys of the world Matej and Zuzana find themselves in. Navigating the complicated twists and turns that arise in these situations requires tactics rooted in love and cooperation.
Despite the foreign nature of the plot, its message is remarkably relatable to everyone. Even those with a debilitating phobia of snakes will be set at ease and come away with a big smile on their face, and love in their hearts. Matej and Zuzana’s uncanny ability to dispel preconceptions and fears people have for snakes elevates them into the category of conservationist. This subtle method of evaporating fear through knowledge undoubtedly has a positive impact on the ecosystems snakes inhabit as it inspires humans to live in a more harmonious relationship with snakes. During the process of creating this film, this educational transformation is on full display.
“Figures” is a heartfelt adventure that is gripping for the wildlife enthusiast and romantics alike. It is a testament to love - love for wildlife, love for education, and love between two passionate individuals. At its core, this film is a real life, behind the scenes look into how professional wildlife filmmakers get the job done. Through thick and thin, providing an authentic experience into what it’s truly like traveling the planet and documenting deadly venomous snakes.
Explore the plot of Figures
Location
Togo is a slender strip of land along Africa’s west coast which pierces north into the jungle from the ocean’s edge. Roughly speaking, the country is 55 miles (90 kilometers) wide, and 360 miles (580 kilometers) in length from south to north. Bordered by Ghana to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Benin to the east, its dynamic history has given rise to a myriad of vibrant cultures, unique traditions and diverse ecosystems. The capital city and cultural center of the country, Lomé, is bustling with laughter and live bartering in its street, fueled by the beats of their rhythmic traditional Togolese music. If you delve deeper into the capital’s heart, you’ll eventually encounter Akodessewa Fetish Market, where locals purchase dead animals and parts of dead animal for voodoo rituals. A place which Matej and Zuzana were able to document during the making of their film and gain insights from locals on items for sale in the market. Outside the big city, Togo offers a wide range of biodiversity, including animal species like elephants, leopards, hyenas, lions and even various primate species. But like many West African nations in this day and age, it is currently suffering from aspects of soil degradation and deforestation. This has a heavy effect on the bird life and migration patterns of many species, as well as the snake populations. We experienced these issues first hand in the making of “Figures” and it is our hope that by bringing these issues to the public’s attention, we can raise awareness and protect these fragile habitats.
Togo country in relation to Africa
Living Zoology
Living Zoology Film Studio, founded by zoologists, wildlife filmmakers, and photographers Matej and Zuzana Dolinay, is renowned for producing captivating documentary films that authentically show the lives of wild animals in their natural habitat. Their work also includes scientific research and ecological initiatives. The married couple call the Czech Republic their home and are celebrated for their dedication in producing captivating films that shine a new light on the world of serpents. The duo has traveled the Earth, capturing a wide variety of snake species in stunning detail within the natural ecology they inhabit. The launch of their YouTube channel of the same name “Living Zoology” in 2014 has garnered international recognition as a premier outlet for snake content online. Driven by their passion for education and their desire to dispel negative stereotypes about snakes, their content is made widely available to the public for free, embodying their resonating motto, “the only difference between scary and beautiful is knowledge.”
Matej and Zuzana during production.
The Snakes
Western Green Mamba
Black-necked Spitting Cobra
Western Green Mamba
This highly venomous species (Dendroaspis viridis) can only be found along the coastal tropical zones of West Africa’s rainforests. It is an arboreal species, meaning they live primarily in trees. Because of the potent neurotoxin in their venom, bites are typically fatal. They are a slender snake that can reach lengths of up to 6 and a half feet (2 meters). As the name suggests, they have a striking and beautiful green coloration.
Puff Adder
Black-necked Spitting Cobra
Western Green Mamba
Puff adders (Bitis arietans), being the most widespread species of snake in Africa, is highly venomous and responsible for the biggest number of fatalities associated with snakebites on the continent. Another factor is their frequent occurrence in highly populated areas and aggressive disposition. Their name comes from its defensive behavior which is to loudly hiss at the intruder, and “puff” itself up. Inflating their body to appear larger and more intimidating.
Black-necked Spitting Cobra
Black-necked Spitting Cobra
Black-necked Spitting Cobra
Black-necked Spitting Cobras (Naja nigricollis) can commonly be found throughout much of sub-Saharan Africa and can be identified by a distinct black-band under its neck. This snake’s venom can harm in multiple ways. As the name suggests, they have the ability to spit their venom as far as 23 feet (7 meters), which, if it hits the eyes, can cause severe irritation or even blindness. If bitten, the cytotoxins cause external hemorrhaging, tissue necrosis and even asphyxiation.
West African Gaboon Viper
West African Gaboon Viper
Black-necked Spitting Cobra
The fangs of a west African gaboon viper (Bitis rhinoceros) can reach up to 2 inches (5 cm) making them the longest fangs of any snake. Its venom is also highly potent and can be deadly. This species is in decline but can be found in small numbers within the savannas and rainforests of West Africa. Perhaps the most distinguishing feature of these snakes is the prominent pair of horns present on their raised nostrils.
Ball Python
West African Gaboon Viper
Blanding’s Cat Snake
Ball Pythons (Python regius) are popular pets among reptile keepers due to their docile nature. They are a nonvenomous constrictor and smallest of all the python species in Africa. Found typically at night in grasslands, scrublands, and open forests, this species gets its name from its tendency to curl themselves into a defensive “ball” shape. Keeping their head out of harms way when approached by a predator.
Blanding’s Cat Snake
West African Gaboon Viper
Blanding’s Cat Snake
The iconic eyes of the Blanding’s Cat Snake (Toxicodryas blandingii), as the name suggests, resemble those of a cat. But contrary to the relaxed demeanor of some felines, this snake is a bit more unpredictable in the temperament department. Though they are rear-fanged and mildly venomous, they pose little threat to humans. Preferring an arboreal lifestyle, the Blanding’s Cat Snake can reach up to1.5 meters in length (4.9 ft).
The Vision
Director’s Approach
“Figures” was conceived with one goal in mind: bridge the gap between the extraordinary endeavors of these wildlife filmmakers and the familiar experiences we all encounter. To take this wild journey of discovery and draw connections that resonate with diverse audiences across the planet. A tale that is focused on snakes, and yet, tells a profoundly human story. Film is about perspective, and if all I brought to the table was a predictable plot with only surface level meanings, MY passion for seeing this project through would not exist. As directors, we have the responsibility to exceed the viewer’s expectations and tell stories in a way they don’t see coming.
Traditionally, films of this genre would depict such expeditions as an exotic spectacle, full of over-the-top and ultimately unnecessary drama. My vision was different. Seeing eye to eye with me, Zuzana and Matej agreed that the additional work that would be required to keep this journey entertaining without contriving drama was worth it. Both out of respect for the viewers, but also out of respect for the snakes. They don’t like the negative energy associated with hyperactive giants making them do take after take in the hot jungle just as we don’t like doing that either. Handling green mambas is dangerous enough as it is, and we felt our story was compelling enough with the love elements that harping on danger constantly would have been a disservice.
As far as working in uncontrolled jungly environments goes, I have plenty of experience in this area and enough knowledge to know that keeping things simple is a virtue. In order to tell these type of stories authentically, you need to be on your toes and be able to change gears on a moment’s notice. As the director, at all points during the day, you are running an impossible to solve algorithmic calculation in your head. What cut aways do I need for this scene? How will these shots tie into the message of the scene we shot 5 days ago? If we don’t find another snake for 4 hours, will there be enough batteries to get the coverage we need for the release? What if it starts raining… on and on and on with the “what if’s” so minimizing complexities is generally the best course of action. The more elements you can personally control, the better the outcome will be.
The team and I are extremely proud of our continued hard work on this project and it is an honor to present it. We are very thankful in the support we have received from our fans and dear friends, which is why we felt the responsibility to put our best feets forward on this one and show the world what can be accomplished in the space of wildlife documentaries.
Cinematic Perspective
My aim with the cinematography was to make it feel like you are right there with Matej and Zuzana on this expedition. I planned to execute this by using a higher ratio of wide-angle lens shots and physically moving the camera closer to the stars of the show, recording a majority of the action scenes hand-held. This is a tactic I have been hesitant to employ in the past but here it worked. Typically in wildlife films you might see in this genre, there is a heavy use of telephoto lenses and gyro-stabilized gimbals for the camera set-ups. On this production we did not have that luxury nor did we want those tools. The goal was to keep it raw, and minimal, to keep things authentic. The use of the Vista Vision sensor on RED’s 8k Dragon was a luxury I was willing to deal with however. A story of this magnitude needed a comparable camera system that was small enough, and powerful enough to survive countless bushwhacking treks through the jungle and come out on the other side in one piece. The dynamic range and clarity of this camera is unmatched which made it the perfect companion as a cinematographer. Many times in natural light situations you need the ability to push and pull exposures around during the color correction process, and that’s where the true power of the R3D codec shines. There were times in the blazing heat we would be filming a scene in the dark shade of the jungle and still I was able to get nice looking exposures without clipping on either side of the histogram. Also, I would be remiss to mention the 8K resolution. It was really important to me that all the beautiful details in the snakes could be discerned. Every scale and drop of venom needed to feel hyper-realistic, and I was able to accomplish this with the RED Raptor VV.