Thrilling Adventures in the Arctic: Filmmaker Chronicles the Treacherous World of the Frozen North

Summary

Explorer: Lost in the Arctic retraces the journey of Sir John Franklin, an adventurer who disappeared while trying to navigate the Northwest Passage.

Renan Ozturk, a daring filmmaker and adventurer, joined forces with Mark Synnott in their quest to locate the ultimate resting spot of Franklin. Throughout the arduous journey, they confronted perils and hazardous environments head-on. Undeterred, the team employed cutting-edge techniques, including 3D-printed drone handles, to skillfully record breathtaking footage. Their mission went beyond personal achievement, as they sought to document the expedition for a profound and significant cause.

National Geographic’s Explorer: Lost in the Arctic documents the expedition of Sir John Franklin, a famous adventurer who became lost in the Arctic. In 1845, Franklin and his team embarked on a mission to navigate the Northwest Passage, a vital trade route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific via the Arctic Ocean. Unfortunately, Franklin's ships got trapped in ice, leading to their discovery, but Franklin's whereabouts remain unknown.

To uncover Franklin's final resting place, renowned rock climber, author, and adventurer Mark Synnott retraced his journey. Synnott was accompanied by a skilled crew member, Renan Ozturk, who possessed a background in rock climbing and expertise in filmmaking and photography. Ozturk played a vital role in various tasks such as navigating dangerous ice to ensure the crew's safety. Remarkably, Ozturk managed to film the entire expedition for National Geographic's Explorer series while contributing to the group's survival.

Renan Ozturk spoke with Screen Rant about the length of his journey, the challenges he and the rest of the crew faced along the way, and more.

Renan Ozturk on Explorer: Lost in the Arctic

Screen Rant: With your vast array of accomplishments and adventures, it's evident that you've encountered numerous challenging situations. As we witnessed, the conditions often appear quite demanding. Amidst your successful career, do you still experience apprehension when faced with these circumstances?

Renan Ozturk: If you become too complacent on these trips, it can lead to disaster. I'm always a little worried, but this particular trip was different. Being in a vast ocean filled with ice is incredibly terrifying and unpredictable. Especially when you're in a fiberglass boat that's not really meant for this environment. At the same time, we were trying to film a show with only two people while also fulfilling our roles as crew members. These tasks were completely contradictory to each other. It's difficult to explain this to others, as it's not visible on screen. Behind the scenes, we experienced three months of constant daylight, where sleep was hard to come by. We had to shoot while keeping an eye out for potential collisions with ice.

Before embarking on this journey, we knew it would be the most challenging one yet. Unlike previous trips with Mark, we didn't have an outfitter taking care of us. We had to rely entirely on ourselves and our small team. There was no room for mistakes, and facing the dangers of the ocean added another layer of complexity. It didn't go perfectly, but that's what makes for a compelling story, in a way.

Someone mentions that you are on day 87. How long was the entire trip?

Renan Ozturk: After the main filming part ended, Mark continued all the way to Alaska. The journey covered a total of 8,000 miles from Maine to Alaska, spanning well over four months. While I do not have the exact number of days, it is safe to say that with numerous challenges and intense experiences, each day often feels like five days.

The watch schedule on the boat is determined by the number of people onboard at a particular time. For instance, if there are four people, each person will be on watch for two hours every six hours, following a rotating pattern. The watch shifts can occur at any time, whether it's during the early morning hours or in the middle of the day, resulting in a blurred sense of time. This irregular schedule made it challenging to keep the filming data organized, unlike a more traditional shoot where every day is clearly labeled. As for the filming itself, can you discuss the technology employed, such as the significant use of drone footage?

Renan Ozturk believes that the advancements in technology have revolutionized storytelling in ways that were previously unimaginable. During their expedition, they encountered challenges with launching and catching the drones from a moving boat. To address this, they used custom-made 3D-printed handles that attached to the drones to ensure they could be caught safely, even in rough seas. This innovation made the filming process much more manageable, as the team's fingers were protected from potential injuries.

In addition to this, selecting the appropriate camera gear was crucial. They used lightweight equipment whenever possible but also utilized cinema lenses used in Hollywood feature films for specific shots. They were mindful of when to use GoPros or underwater housings, depending on the requirements of the scene. However, there was always a concern that deviating from their crew responsibilities to capture the footage could compromise their safety margins. As filmmakers, Renan Ozturk and his companion Rudy constantly faced the challenge of balancing their storytelling objectives with the priority of safely completing their journey through the Northwest Passage.

Were you acquainted with the tale of Sir John Franklin prior to the initiation of this project? And while working on it, how much did you endeavor to empathize with the individuals you were searching for?

I had limited knowledge about Franklin before the trip, but it was an opportunity to delve into his story. The main objective of the trip was to immerse ourselves in Franklin's experience, even when we encountered challenges like being trapped in ice and fearing for the safety of our boat, similar to what happened to Franklin's crew. One of the advantages of these assignments is being able to join forces with individuals like Mark, who have extensively studied the subject matter. We put ourselves in their shoes and hold on tight, while striving to capture the historical narrative with the best possible documentation. Additionally, characters like Mark, Tom, and Jacob, our Inuit companion, share their unique perspectives, which adds depth to the storytelling. It is a fortunate position as a storyteller to be able to immerse oneself in these stories, absorb as much knowledge as possible, and then pass it on to others through these shows.

On the journey to our destination or even on King William Island, maintaining high morale can be challenging at times.

Renan Ozturk: We faced a severe shortage of food on King William Island, leading to a desperate situation that lasted for a considerable period. People were in a state of disarray, resorting to fights over meager resources like single cashew nuts. Amidst this challenging environment, I found solace in seeking out fleeting moments of beautiful light. The camera often served as a protective shield, allowing me to immerse myself in the reality unfolding before me through its viewfinder. Capturing these moments became a source of inspiration, knowing that I could bring fragments of this experience back with me. I've learned that the most difficult moments often hold the strongest appeal for storytelling. Utilizing the camera in such circumstances has become one of my valuable techniques. While it may serve as a temporary escape, the knowledge that I am documenting this journey for a greater purpose reignites my energy along the way.

It appeared that for almost a decade, nobody had ventured to explore what you all were pursuing. What do you believe has caused such a significant gap in these efforts?

Renan Ozturk: We had a firsthand experience of the treacherous nature of the island and the need for extensive support. When we shared our route of circumnavigating almost the entire island with the locals, they were amazed as very few people have attempted such a feat. It requires a significant amount of support, knowledge, and endurance to venture out into the wild.

This is what sets National Geographic and Disney apart - their unwavering support for these bold explorations that bridge the gap between the past and the present. For me, it was not just about unraveling the mystery surrounding this white man, but also about gaining a modern perspective on the current state of the Arctic, its people, and the imminent transformation into a major shipping route as Franklin had envisioned. With numerous articles highlighting the effects of climate change and melting glaciers, actually being on a mission with complete support, tools, and a crew is a different experience altogether. We understand the privilege we have in such opportunities and strive to use it to tell stories that truly matter.

Upon further research and discovery, I have learned that you possess remarkable skills as both a painter and filmmaker. As a talented artist and filmmaker, I am curious to know which aspects of the natural world inspire and captivate you the most.

Renan Ozturk: Initially, my artistic focus revolved around capturing the essence of landscapes. However, my interests have gradually shifted towards intertwining these landscapes with the human experience. Through deep character studies, I strive to connect with a broader audience and bring about positive change. Nevertheless, this particular journey presented a unique challenge due to its environment. While we sailed, we often found ourselves observing similar scenes from identical angles. Consequently, it became quite arduous to depict them in a fresh and enthralling manner. As we departed from Greenland and approached King William Island, the terrain resembled the Midwest of the Arctic. Everything appeared monotonously flat, making it arduous to craft aesthetically pleasing visuals for our audience. If one were to attempt to render a painting, for example, it would prove quite difficult unless a different perspective or elevation were introduced, such as employing a drone to shoot from a higher vantage point. This ordeal exemplifies why locating distinctive subjects can be bewildering and strenuous, as everything seemingly resembles one another.

I believe maintaining a sense of curiosity is essential. It is akin to Tom's unwavering curiosity for nearly three decades in his quest to locate Franklin. In some ways, it serves as an excuse for him to immerse himself in the wilderness, share hardships with his Inuit companions, and explore his own personal sense of beauty and understanding, forging a unique mental map of the land. Every individual possesses their own version of this, finding ways to embark on adventures that rejuvenate their spirit. The more people embrace this, the more they contribute positively to humanity, rather than being consumed by the relentless cycles of capitalism and the demands of survival. Although undoubtedly challenging, were there any particular moments or aspects of this journey that you cherish?

Renan Ozturk: Despite the high level of stress, the most remarkable instances occurred when we found ourselves stranded amidst the ice. On a few occasions, we were fortunate enough to venture off the boat and explore the fragmented sea ice, particularly in the company of Jacob, our knowledgeable Inuit companion. These experiences offered us a profound understanding of our surroundings. Unlike our fast-paced movement, devoid of any truly immersive village encounters, it was during these fleeting moments spent with the locals, out in the vast wilderness, that we witnessed their deep connection to the land and their unique interpretation of it. These are the moments that hold a special place in my heart, and are likely the most challenging to capture on film. They form an integral part of the overall narrative, which I hope will be conveyed in the final production.

About Explorer: Lost in the Arctic

In 1845, Sir John Franklin embarked on a historic voyage from England, commanding two ships and leading a crew of 129 men. Their mission: to pioneer the Northwest Passage, a lucrative trade route that would revolutionize global commerce. But tragically, Franklin's ships mysteriously vanished without a trace. Over the years, numerous expeditions have been launched in a relentless pursuit to unravel the enigma surrounding Franklin and his crew. Now, Mark Synnott and his team embark on a hopeful lead, determined to uncover the truth behind the fate of the ill-fated Franklin expedition.

Explorer: Lost in the Arctic airs Thursday, August 24th at 10/9c on National Geographic

Source: Screen Rant Plus