Coyote Howls as In the Shadow of White Mountain Enters Final Phase of Production

(Press Release) Peter Coyote, Emmy Award winning narrator, noted actor, award-winning author (Pushcart Prize; Pushcart Prize Overview) and seasoned environmental advocate recently performed the narration for In the Shadow of White Mountain.

“Well it certainly was not a howl, but a very mellow and expertly interpreted reading performance” said Producer / Director Rich Wargo of the recent narration recording for In the Shadow of White Mountain. “…and he did put his heart into it, something rare and precious anytime, but especially in the oft-jaded world of production. He’s definitely one-of-a-kind,” added Wargo.

As well as his extensive acting, writing and advocacy, Coyote served on the California State Arts Council, which enjoyed unmatched success during his tenure as director.

Well known for his roles (E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial, Erin Brockovich, Cross Creek) as well as his recognizable voice, he has narrated many environmentally-focused productions and takes his commitment to the environment seriously, making hands-on contributions to grass-roots efforts at preservation in many locales, from the Mattole and Salmon Rivers in the north, to the Anza desert.

Coyote brought this passion and interest in our world and environmental issues to bear on the narration of In the Shadow of White Mountain, and illuminates this narrative of how science at the White Mountain Research Station continues to help us clearly understand what is happening to our changing world, and what that may mean to our future.

Of the narration Coyote said, “I love this–this is a fascinating story, it’s very interesting, and it’s challenging.”

Producer-Director Rich Wargo said of the opportunity to work with Coyote, “I knew going into the session that not only Peter’s extraordinary voice talent, but his keen intellect would make an immeasurable contribution to the program. I was familiar with his range as an actor, and knowing that he was recognized with one of the most influential awards in American writing, I knew that he was not just our voice–but that he could be the heart of the program too. However during the session it became evident I had underestimated. I was floored with his grasp of issues and his personal involvement in such issues. Truly a man of action–not just words. We enjoyed many discussions of the science at White Mountain, about which he had an almost innate understanding. I think you’ll find that this understanding and his unaffected sincerity will resonate in the program.”

Having recently completed the final location taping for the program that included yet another journey to the 14,246′ summit while covering material about a new environmental observatory to be located there, In the Shadow of White Mountain now enters its final phase of post-production.

Frank Powell (l), Director of White Mountain Research Station, and Rich Wargo, Producer/Director of In the Shadow of White Mountain discuss the script at the summit. Note the gloves and warm clothing during the first week of August on a calm, clear, sunny day!
With the Owens Valley and The Sierra Nevada range as a backdrop, Powell is taped by the UCSD-TV crew.

The final weeks of production will include the creation of interpretive graphics and the process of “sweetening” the sound track with music and natural location sound (for an interesting perspective on sound in the White Mountains, see producer’s notes)–and of course the addition of Peter Coyote’s heartfelt narration.

A keyframe from an animation test to depict Beringia, better known as the Pleistocene land-bridge that connected North America and Asia during the last ice-age.