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INSIDE THE MEGA TWISTER

Film Info

48 minutes
National Geographic Studios for National Geographic Channel
Available for Free screenings ONLY
Synopsis:
The tornado that struck El Reno, Oklahoma, on May 31, 2013, defined superlatives. It was the largest, one of the fastest, and—for storm chasers—the most lethal twister ever recorded on Earth. Among those it claimed was Tim Samaras, revered as one of the most experienced and cautious scientists studying tornadoes. But this storm was unlike any he had witnessed before. In this National Geographic Special, we unravel the tornado and tell its story.

Action Items 

  • Educate yourself about twisters, tornadoes, and other life threatening weather events here: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/
  • Educate your kids by visiting the Science Kids website http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/weather/tornado.html
  • Stay up to date on the latest news and science behind this extreme weather http://esciencenews.com/dictionary/twisters
  • Research how to stay safe from severe weather by visiting the red cross website at, http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/tornado#About
  • Interested in becoming a storm chaser? Visit the storm tracker forum page at https://stormtrack.org/
  • Understand that scientists risk their lives to learn more about these severe weather incidents in order to better prepare you and your family.

Filmmaker Q & A

What inspired this story? 

We’ve had a relationship with Tim Samaras that goes back years, and his death was profoundly felt across National Geographic.  So finding out what really happened that day was all the inspiration we needed.
 
Describe some of the challenges faced while making this film?
There is a mountain of footage, and it all connects in the timeline of events, but figuring out exactly where in that timeline was most challenging.  We had to look for landmarks, characteristics of the twister itself, road signs, etc.  Was quite a feat, considering the amount of material.
How do you approach science storytelling? 

We didn’t want to make a typical storm-chasers show, we wanted science to lead the story.  The investigation, seeking the truth, comes from science so we let that guide our way.

What impact do you hope this film will have? 

We want what Tim wanted.  He dedicated much of his life to the study of tornadoes, in order to learn from them, better predict them, and save lives.  We hope this film inspires more research that can one day save lives.

Did the film team use any unusual techniques or unique imaging technology?
We wanted to re-create the events of that day, including the tornado, but in order to dissect what’s going on had to “stop” the storm as well.  The 3D technique we chose allowed for that pause, in order to analyze and discuss.
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        • Airport Transportation
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      • About Burgenland
    • Summit Archive >
      • 2021 Summit >
        • 2021 Summit Sessions
        • Program & Schedule 2021
        • Speakers
        • 2021 Partners
      • 2020 Virtual Summit >
        • Speakers 2020
        • 2020 Partners
      • 2019 Summit >
        • 2019 Program & Schedule
        • 2019 Session Recordings
        • 2019 Programming
        • 2019 Exhibitors >
          • Exhibitor Workshops
          • XR Demos
        • 2019 Partners
      • 2017 Festival & Summit
      • 2015 Festival & Summit
      • 2013 Festival & Summit
  • Awards
    • Media Awards >
      • 2022 Media Awards
      • 2021 Media Awards
      • 2020 Media Awards
      • 2019 Media Awards >
        • 2019 Judges
      • Media Awards Archive
    • Special Jury Recognitions >
      • 2022 Special Jury
      • 2021 Special Jury
    • World Wildlife Day Film Showcase >
      • Conservation Heroes
      • Recovering Species
      • Forests
      • Biodiversity >
        • Biodiversity: Final Jury
      • Living Oceans >
        • Ocean Finalists & Winners
        • Living Oceans Final Jury
      • Big Cats
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    • Legacy Award
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    • On Tour >
      • Films
      • Schedule
      • Host an Event
      • Tour FAQ
  • Frontiers
    • Media Lab >
      • 2022 Media Lab Fellows
      • 2021 Media Lab >
        • 2021 Media Lab Fellows
        • 2021 Media Lab: South Africa
        • 2021 Media Lab Mentors
      • 2020 Media Lab >
        • 2020 Media Lab Fellows
        • 2020 Media Lab Contributors
      • 2019 Media Lab >
        • 2019 Media Lab Fellows
    • Summit Fellowship >
      • 2022 Summit Fellows
      • 2021 Summit Fellows
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      • 2019 Summit Fellows
    • Cinematography Lab
    • Partner Labs >
      • African Conservation Voices >
        • Kenya
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      • 2020 Wild Women Media Lab: Africa
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    • Action Coalitions >
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    • Gear Hub
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