ELECTRIC PICTURES PTY LTD
Filmography
Dinosaur Dealers (2002)
2 x 1 hour documentary series co-production with AlleyKat Productions for SBS and National Geographic
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Dinosaur hunters, fossil cops, shady dealers and middle-men, and the smuggling of prehistoric relics. From outback Australia to the 'Badlands' of USA and 'fossil goldfields' of China - this is the world of the "Dinosaur Dealers".
EPISODE ONE
"FOSSIL FEVER"
In Beijing, Chinese scientists are racing against time to protect rare and invaluable fossils from hordes of looters with links to wealthy dealers and collectors in the West. In a new scientific "gold rush", paleontologists, collectors and dealers from around the world covet China's fossil treasures. Anything and everything, it seems, is for sale. In California, fast-talking fossil auctioneer David Herskowitz is busy rounding up his wealthy clients, including a Middle Eastern Prince, encouraging them to part with big money for items in his next auction. Just US$20,000 for a sabre tooth tiger skull - cheaper than a 'Salvador Dali' painting - or how about US$25,000 for a woolly mammoth skull; perfect for your kitchen! In South Dakota, dinosaur hunters Fred & Candy Nuss are hoping to repeat the success of their recent exciting oviraptor find which fossil broker Mike Triebold calls the "Chicken from Hell". Fred's got that "Dino Fever" look again- he's sure that there is a 'big one' just under that next rock. The story threads of both episodes converge in Arizona at the world's largest fossil fair. Under Steve's tutelage John goes undercover seeking leads on the missing footprints. Can Steve and John recover the prints? Can the scientists in China win their battle with the fossil raiders of the Great Dinosaur Rush? Will David Herskowitz fast-talk his way into the pockets of his high-rolling clients? And will Fred and Candy close the deal on the "Chicken from Hell"? The answers lie in the world of the "Dinosaur Dealers".
EPISODE TWO
STEALING TIME
In the dead of night, 'fossil rustlers' hack out rare stegosaurus footprints from an Aboriginal sacred site in north-west Australia. For tribal custodian Joseph Roe, the scientific or commercial value of these fossils is irrelevant - the footprints are sacred to their Dreamtime stories. He wants them back and no scientist is welcome on his land until the prints are returned. Beyond Australia's shores, the illegal trade is booming and that has scientists and governments worried. Just how extensive is this shadowy world of international fossil smugglers? Who's stealing? Who's selling? And who's buying? Two uniquely skilled men are determined to find the answers by lifting the lid on the world of the "Dinosaur Dealers". Paleontologist Dr John Long is one of Australia's leading dinosaur experts. He also happens to be a black belt in karate. Having studied the stegosaurus tracks, he is furious about the theft and wants the prints returned. Joe Roe believes John is partly responsible for their loss and he is no longer welcome on his land. This adds a personal edge to John's quest. The man who may be able to help John is Sergeant Steve Rogers of Lincoln County Sheriff's Office in Wyoming, USA. Steve has good credentials: he has a US$50,000 contract out on his head from disgruntled fossil hunters. As an ex-undercover drug cop, Steve knows how to "walk the walk and talk the talk"..
Awards:
Honorable Mention, Social Issues Division, 2003 Columbus International Film Festival.