On Assignment, James R. Larison
On Assignment, James R. Larison
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On Assignment
Memoir of a National Geographic Filmmaker

Author: James R. Larison

Narrator: Traber Burns

Unabridged: 9 hr 39 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/01/2022

Synopsis

An exciting adventure story with personal drama and high stakes, as well as a glimpse behind the scenes of the highly regarded National Geographic brandJim and Elaine Larison spent years studying, exploring, and living in wild places, making more than thirty environmental films, most for the National Geographic Society. These films won more than forty international awards from leading environmental and broadcast organizations. This memoir tells the story behind the adventure and describes the rather substantial personal costs of this career.While shooting film in Alaska, Jim Larison narrowly survived a devastating airplane crash in the Bering Sea. Later, while filming on the Great Barrier Reef, the Larisons fought off an aggressive twelve-foot tiger shark. Midway through their careers, the Larisons were nearly swept to their deaths by an icefall while filming on Mount Robson. Full of risk and personal conflict, On Assignment is also a touching look at the tender bonds that held the married couple together while they struggled to complete their many film assignments.The Larisons were changed by what they saw and what they captured on film: the destruction of forests, the death of coral reefs, and global warming. In the beginning, the Larisons wanted nothing more than to spend time in the wilderness. By the end, they were fighting for its very survival.

About James R. Larison

James R. Larison is a retired university professor who spent most of his career on the faculty of Oregon State University serving as a teacher, research scientist, and university administrator. For much of that same period, he also produced, photographed, and wrote films, most for the National Geographic Society. He has also published original research in Nature and the Auk, and has written and edited a dozen literature publications as director of communications for a Sea Grant college. He lives in Oregon.

About Traber Burns

Traber Burns worked for thirty-five years in regional theater, including the New York, Oregon, and Alabama Shakespeare festivals. He also spent five years in Los Angeles appearing in many television productions and commercials, including Lost, Close to Home, Without a Trace, Boston Legal, Grey’s Anatomy, Cold Case, Gilmore Girls, and others.

Reviews

Goodreads review by M on December 30, 2021

Very interesting with lots of adventure. Not quite as impressive as 9 days plus Mt Rintoul but it will do.......more

Goodreads review by Sinead on April 20, 2022

This book surprised me. I was fully hooked on all of the adventures and loved where the story took me in every turn. A nice full circle from start to finish.......more

Goodreads review by Stefanie on April 29, 2024

This is the personal memoir of a filmmaker for National Geographic. I loved watching National Geographic shows and documentaries when I was younger, and also enjoyed the magazine. I loved the photography, and always thought that must be an exciting job to have. After reading this book, I can say wit......more

Goodreads review by Kait on May 21, 2022

On Assignment is a memoir by James R. Larison, a National Geographic Filmmaker. This book was full of adventure and I loved hearing about all of author’s travels and lengths to catch the perfect shot. Some chapters had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know how life threatening situations in the......more

Goodreads review by Dale Bentz on May 02, 2022

It is not only through film that Larison can weave a fascinating story. His prose draws the reader into his world, captivating his audience, as his stunning adventures come to life jumping from the pages of his book into the imagination of a grateful reader. Bravo to this brave adventurer and his li......more

Quotes

“James Larison is a master storyteller who’s produced an adventure memoir and a love story as deeply rewarding as his best films. On Assignment is insightful and inspiring, honest, engaging, and, most of all, immensely entertaining.” Kevin Grange, author of Wild Rescues

“If you like National Geographic, you’ll love this book. Larison’s journey is truly one of adventure and a life well lived.” Jack Gustafson, wildlife biologist, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

“On Assignment is a compelling real-life adventure filled with danger and survival…Readers will be on the edge of their seats when learning about the difficulties of filming for National Geographic.” Carl Ziebe, former assistant director, Educational Films Division, National Geographic Society

“This captivating book gains elevation by the page, until we soon find ourselves in the rarefied air of an adventure memoir that engages on both the visceral and the cerebral level. Larison has penned a vivid chronicle rich with hard-won wisdom and brimming with life.” Chris Dombrowski, author of Body of Water

“No one works harder on his films than Jim Larison…What drives these films—and what is integral to their success—is more than technical prowess with a motion picture camera and a refined aesthetic sensibility; it is, as well, a passion for the subject at hand and a depth of knowledge about it. Jim’s passion for ecology, biodiversity, and the health of the environment is what fuels his desire to make his films the most effective communication tools they can possibly be.” Donald M. Cooper, former associate director and acting director, Educational Films Division, National Geographic Society

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