by Jeff Colbourne
Northern News Services

NNSL (Dec 12/97) - Two Yellowknife artists who teamed up to do a natural history video four years ago were recognized nationally and internationally recently.

Producer Ross Burnet and naturalist Jamie Bastedo's video, "Ernie's Earth -- The Wonders of Winter, Part I" was given an award by Interpretation Canada for its educational content and Part II received international recognition at the 44th Columbus International Films and Video Festival in Ohio.

"The idea for these two came about as an independent producer. I did some research in 1993 or so. There was a shortage of distributers of geography films," said Burnet.

"At that time, Jamie was doing his radio spots on the CBC about natural history. That's what gave me the first idea and then I approached him to see if he would be interested."

Ernie, played by Bastedo, is part woodsman, part scientist and naturalist. In the two videos Ernie takes a hands-on approach to explaining the wonders of winters.

In Part I, he explains snow crystals, snow properties, how you can keep warm in snow and how to build snow houses or quinceys.

In Part II, he explores sun dogs, satellite technology, animal adaptations, human adaptations and global warming.

"From a Northern perspective they're quintessentially educational," said Burnet.

"Edu-tainment," said Bastedo.

"Getting technical information and putting it in a form that's digestible, entertaining, inspiring and it's fun. That's kind of my style," said Bastedo.

"Trying to make the familiar fascinating and boring familiar. That's part of Ernie's style."

The videos are directed at a school-age audience but are sure to delight any audience, said Burnet.

"Ernie's Earth" is available for sale at the Northern Frontier Visitor's Centre, The Yellowknife Book Cellar, Choice Video and the Really Big Video Store.

Burnet and Bastedo hope to put out other videos on Northern wonders in the future. Topics like Bedrock Basics, Glaciation, and Northern Lights might be coming soon to a screen near you.