Schoolyard Films

Environmental and Natural History Films for Schools and Teachers... For Free! 

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Earth Day II - Added Event 2025 - Cinematographer, Tom Fitz

Added Date! The Earth Day Event Sold Out!

Join us for a captivating second presentation by award-winning cinematographer Tom Fitz, who will share insights into the art of filmmaking, showcase memorable and challenging shoot moments, and reflect on the lessons learned along the way. He will also explore the impacts of human activity on our oceans, highlighting the latest scientific discoveries and meaningful ways that we can contribute to a healthier marine environment.

Meet Tom Fitz and learn how You can help make a difference!

[schoolyardfilms]

Wild Dolphin Project - Wild Ocean Science Lecture - 5th Annual Event

Tom Fitz is an American cameraman, producer, and director who has documented our planet’s natural wonders for over thirty years. As a freelance cinematographer, Tom works for the BBC, PBS, National Geographic and many others. He is the recipient of four Primetime Emmy Awards for cinematography and two BAFTA awards. Tom’s work has been featured in Planet Earth, Frozen Planet, Blue Planet and more…

This fifth annual Wild Dolphin Project event is hosted by independent American broadcast news journalist in science technology and aerospace, PBS NewsHour Correspondent: Miles O’Brien.

Dr. Denise Herzing, Research Director and Founder of the Wild Dolphin Project, will be signing books and available for photos.

March 26th, 2022 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Eissey Campus Theatre 11051 Campus Drive - Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410

Tickets: $30 WildDolphinProject.org/tickets

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H2O Trickle Down Exhibition - Lighthouse ArtCenter - Tequesta, Florida

Florida's best photographers and filmmakers of Florida's wild and scenic places, from the Floridian aquifer to the ocean's deep, exhibit together at the Lighthouse ArtCenter, January 16-February 12, 2020.

Tom Fitz, six-time Emmy award-winner, has filmed all over the world for the BBC, PBS, National Geographic, and the Smithsonian.

Clyde Butcher, a legendary photographer and national treasure.

Carlton Ward, Jr., a conservation photographer and National Geographic Explorer, with a passion for nature that was born from the Florida landscape, is showing his stunning stills and films.

Edie Widder, PhD, received the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship for her work with Ocean Research and Conservation Association, where she serves as the Sr. Scientist and CEO.

Mac Stone, a native of Gainesville, grew up on the swamp, wandered the hammocks, and explored the springs where his love blossomed for all creatures that swoop and swirl, slither and slide.

Ruth Petzold followed her passion for nature and photography to exotic and remote locations of the world, both above and below the ocean’s surface.

As an added bonus to this timely exhibition, the original artwork of Charles Walker, one of Florida’s surviving Highwaymen painters, is on display in the pop-up gallery.

LIGHTHOUSE ARTCENTER GALLERY - 373 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, FL 33469 - 561-746-3101

Monday - Friday, 10 am - 4 pm ​Saturday, 10 am - 2 pm Sunday, closed

[schoolyardfilms]

Schoolyard has been busy!

We have produced FOUR new films that are currently available (all FREE) and are also featured in various international film festivals for 2019.

“Clear Water, Clean Water ? - Exploring the Floridan Aquifer”

(20 Minutes)

“Underground, Underwater, and in the Dark - Filming in the Florida Aquifer”

(5 Minutes) (A behind the scenes look at the Cave Diving film!)

“A Project for the Planet - Service Learning in your community”

(22 Minutes)

“Octopus - Superhero of the Sea”

(9 Minutes)

Please check the Films and Study Guides page for descriptions and for streaming and download options.

Update: Tom was recently recognized and won a 1st place 2019 “Telly Award” Gold Place for Best Cinematography for “Clear Water, Clean Water?”

Please help us to spread the word!

Let your fellow teachers and friends know about free Schoolyard Films and sign-up for our “Friends and Family” email updates! 

 http://www.schoolyardfilms.org/syf-contact/

Together we can make a difference! Thank you!

~ Education - Inspiration - Stewardship ~

[schoolyardfilms]

Climate Conversations - PBS Learning Media

On the PBS Teachers’ Lounge, they are sharing ideas on how to address the challenges of teaching climate change in the classroom. Gain more insights during the “Climate Conversations” virtual Professional Development event – Register for the Oct. 24 “Cross-Curricular Connections” session! FREE!  http://to.pbs.org/2vUWDzi    Register Link:

[schoolyardfilms]

Original post by drone dealer @innovativeuas. @djiglobal releases the all new and reinvented #ronin-2. At @nabshow in Vegas, Tom Fitz, cinematographer of Planet Earth 2, talks about his time with this incredible rig. #ronin #dji #ronin2 #handheld #stabilizer#planetearth #planetearth2 #djiglobal#cinematographer #film #professional#3axis #reddigital #arri #alexamini#nab2017 #nab

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A behind-the-scenes look at our latest film, this time about Florida's aquifer system. Editing is almost done! #floridanaquifer #schoolyardfilms

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Nuestra película "Coral Reef Rescue" está narrando en Español! A PBS Learning Media y iTunes. #arrecifedecoral #coralreefrescue #schoolyardfilms

[schoolyardfilms]

A “Behind the scenes” set and interview w/ Tom Fitz, at Ginnie Springs, FL about cave diving and film production on our new Floridan Aquifer film, coming soon! #floridanaquifer, #schoolyardfilms (at Ginnie Springs)

[schoolyardfilms]

The dynamic duo of Jessica and Kayla at @coralrestorationfoundation were key contributors for our "Coral Reef Rescue" story about replanting/repopulating coral reefs with hearty corals that can withstand Global Climate Change and bleaching impact. See how you can help be a part of the solution and save coral reefs! #schoolyardfilms #coralreefrescue

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Horseshoe crabs are actually blue blooded! Their blood is essential as a bacterial reagent used to test bio samples and medical equipment for contamination, but it is a sustainable cycle for the creatures as they are released back into the wild! Learn more about this fascinating creature in “Prehistoric Paramedics.” #schoolyardfilms #prehistoricparamedics

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Handle with care: divers hunt invasive lionfish, which are wreaking havoc on Florida’s delicate coral reef ecosystems. #invasionofthealienfish #schoolyardfilms. The data collected is in…and the invasive Lionfish have to go! See what you can do to help and manage their range and impact! @reef_org and others champion the way!

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@twfitz and Liam Fitz, narrator for our K-8 version of "Coral Reef Rescue," on stage for Q+A after a screening at @wildandscenicfilmfestival. #coralreefrescue #schoolyardfilms (at Del Oro Theatre)

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Liam Fitz, narrator of "Coral Reef Rescue," and @twfitz interviewed at @wildandscenicfilmfestival. #coralreefrescue #wildandscenic (at Del Oro Theatre)

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Coral Reef Rescue screening tomorrow at @wildandscenicfilmfestival ! Who's going to be there? #wildandscenic #filmfestival (at Del Oro Theatre)

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Put all your beach time to good use; why not take your kids on a beach clean-up day? This gannet is tangled in fishing line and was aided by rescuers at the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary in Jupiter, Florida. #backtothewildinflorida #schoolyardfilms (at Busch Wildlife Sanctuary)

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Grin and bare it! One of our favourite alligator grabs. Look close! She has her cool translucent nictitating membrane (3rd eyelid) down to help protect her eye from debris in the water. She is a reptilian beauty! #schoolyardfilms #alligatorstompchomp