Mudskipper (media company)

Mudskipper is a media company founded in 2016 by award-winning filmmaker and wildlife photographer Amoghavarsha JS. It was, at the time, the first factual entertainment startup in India. Indian protected areas (like wildlife sanctuaries and tiger reserves) as well as unprotected areas, a few African countries, the Arctic expanses, Australia, the Pacific Islands, Sri Lanka and the United States of America are some of the locations that the company has filmed in, using drones for wildlife filmmaking.

Mudskipper
Founded2016, Bengaluru
Key people
Amoghavarsha JS (Founder & CEO)
Websitemudskipper.in

Since its inception, the company has worked with the National Geographic and BBC, with Sir David Attenborough and collaborated with Grammy winner Ricky Kej. Work produced by Mudskipper was showcased in the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former French President François Hollande in the presence of several world leaders.[1]

Work
  • Wild Karnataka[2] - As India's first blue-chip natural history movie, Wild Karnataka showcases the rich biodiversity of the Indian state of Karnataka. It is narrated by Sir David Attenborough. It was released in PVR screens within India in January 2020 and was shown at a special screening at the United Nations headquarters on World Wildlife Day (March 3). Amoghavarsha JS co-directed this 4K ultra-HD film with Kalyan Varma. It is the first Indian wildlife film to be released in theatres as well as one that created history by completing 50 days in the theatres.
  • Song of Kiribati [3] - This work on the Republic of Kiribati brings to light the dangers of climate change and how this country in the central Pacific Ocean will be the first to get submerged if the current situation persists.
  • Shanti Samsara[3] – This is a collaboration with Grammy Award winner Ricky Kej and other artists to promote environmental consciousness through music. This album was launched by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and former President of France François Hollande at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris.[1]
  • Indian Wildlife National Anthem[4] – This was another video on the Shanti Samsara album that was launched pan-India.
  • Kudrat / Love Divine[5][6] – This film spreads awareness on human-elephant conflict. The video was launched at Vidhana Soudha (Bengaluru) by actress and environmental activist, Diya Mirza.
  • Kali[7] – This award-winning film on the Kali River that flows through the Western Ghats of India, follows the journey of a 100-year-old grandmother to the source of the river. Following a response from policymakers after watching the movie, the Dandeli Anshi Tiger Reserve was renamed to Kali Tiger Reserve. The movie won the Impactdocs Award of Merit in 2016.[8]
  • One Australia – This film that captures the Australian landscapes, was made in collaboration with Australia-India Youth Dialogue (AIYD)[9] and the Government of Victoria. It was launched by the Australian High Commissioner to India.
  • River Terns of Bhadra[10] – This film showcases the lives of River Terns that throng the Bhadra backwaters in the summers. It is one of India's first wildlife films to be licensed under Creative Commons (a copyright permission that grants creative work). Nominated at the CMS Vatavaran 2015 film festival,[11] the film was made using hidden camera traps, underwater cameras and high-speed cameras. Premiering at the UB City Amphitheatre in Bangalore to celebrate Wildlife Week, the film assisted the cause of conservation.
  • Jaya Hai Kannada Thaye[12] – This music video saw Grammy winner Ricky Kej and Amoghavarsha JS (who not only served as Director but also as Director of Photography), joining hands. Launched on 6 regional channels, this is India’s first wildlife music video. It gained a million views in a week.
  • Science Express - This mobile scientific exhibition train featuring the company’s work travelled across the country and reached out to more than two million people.

Accolades
  • Apart from invitations to give lectures in academic institutions, the heads of Mudskipper were also invited to the prestigious Convention on Biological Diversity in 2012 to present a case on the importance of media and photography in conservation.
  • Mudskipper represented India in 2013 and 2015 Australia-India Youth Dialogue (backed by government of Australia), and also received a special grant.
  • The company was awarded the Karnataka Biotechnology and Information Technology Services (KBITS) - Elevate startup grant.[13]
  • Shanti Samsara, the film produced by Mudskipper, was showcased in the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, and former President of France, François Hollande.
  • Films by Mudskipper on climate were change screened at the UN General Assembly in New York.
  • Indian Wildlife National Anthem by Mudskipper made a record on social media: it received more than 2 million views in 48 hours, which is one of the highest for any wildlife video.
  • Mudskipper’s films had special screenings organized by Dolby across the United States of America.
  • The work of founder Amoghavarsha JS has been exhibited by UGallery and Williams Sonoma.
  • Amoghavarsha JS represented Mudskipper on the Star Plus show TED Talks India Nayi Soch hosted by Shah Rukh Khan.[14]

National and International Recognition

Kali

  • Nominated under Conservation 4 Water category for the Environment and Wildlife Film Festival CMS Vatavaran
  • Won the Impact Docs Award of Merit, United States of America (2016)[15]

Kudrat / Love Divine

  • Won the ‘Best Music Video’ Award at the Los Angeles Independent Film Festival, United States of America (September, 2016)[16]
  • Official selection in the EcoFilm Festival, 6th Edition in Mexico (2016)
  • Official selection under “Panorama Cortometraggi” in the 20th CinemAmbiente Environmental Film Festival in Italy (2017)

Song of Kiribati

  • Official selection in the EcoFilm Festival, 6th Edition in Mexico (2016)

Collaborations

Along with State Forest Departments, the Mudskipper team has collaborated with people and organisations for the purpose of creating films that stress on the topic of conservation. It has collaborated with Grammy winning artist Ricky Kej, government bodies, academic institutions, non-profit organisations and companies.

National Collaborations

International Collaborations

References
  1. "PM's documentary show in Paris reveals state link". Bangalore Mirror.
  2. Datta, Sravasti (4 March 2019). "A majestic celebration: Wild Karnataka, India's first blue-chip natural history" – via www.thehindu.com.
  8. "Awards of Merit January 2016".
  9. "Australia India Youth Dialogue". AIYD.
  11. "Film Entries 2015 | CMS VATAVARAN".
  21. [Philip Island in Victoria and Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary and rainforests of Tarkine Rainforest in Tasmania]
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