Mark Emery

Many of you know that Ocala has been a film destination for years. Mark Emery has cataloged 40 films here, spending years focusing on learning how to film North- Central Florida’s wildlife. Historically, films made here were just scenes in films such as “Live and Let Die,” “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” or “The Yearling.” Today, series including the BBC’s “Planet Earth” documentary, and networks such as NBC, PBS Nature, National Geographic Television and Disney Plus are highlighting Ocala’s own back yard. Many of the films and documentaries were here because of the amazing underwater clarity of Silver Springs, which have an international reputation for beauty and biodiversity. Now we are finding that this fast-growing county is compressing the wildlife population that draws filmmakers, birders, fishermen, hunters, and hikers. In this lecture, Emery will share rarely seen scenes captured after hours both above and below the surface of the water. Prepare to be amazed at what is going on in your own backyard!