Biographical Information on Boz Metzdorf

In 1985 musician, singer/songwriter Boz Metzdorf decided to stop performing and pursue another dream; wildlife filmmaking. After twenty years of playing in bands, duos and gigs as a solo artist, he decided for personal and health reasons to change careers. Boz continued to compose and record music while learning the intricacies of film/video production. A yearning to work with wildlife and conservation prompted the change of direction. "I needed to be closer to nature and farther from smoky bars and the night life."

Having done quite a lot of slide photography with nature as the theme, Boz had an idea of the research and patience it would require to get good footage. He took classes in film and video, production and post-production and began shooting footage. Writing scripts came naturally while editing and the technical part presented more of a challenge.

His first major work was an insightful and eloquent profile of Oliver Charley, Afton, Minnesota, co-produced with Mike Leitner. A farmer, filmmaker and pioneer conservationist, Oliver was not the usual landlord. "We saw him at one of his 16 mm movie presentations and took to him immediately. This 88 year old had a love of the land I had only read about, a living example of the Leopold land ethic."" Charley not only spurred on Boz's interest in producing films but also introduced him to bluebird conservation.

It's not surprising then that Boz and Mike's next film featured the Eastern Bluebird, documenting the history, life cycle and conservation of this American bird of song and folklore. Titled Jewels of Blue (not yet available on DVD), it was shown on public and cable television. This was followed by Bluebird Trails, a how to video on managing a bluebird trail, featuring Dick Peterson, well known for his dedicated work with bluebirds.

Later he would produce Backyard Blues, to complete the bluebird trilogy. An entertaining, heart-warming family story, it follows a pair of bluebirds as they raise two broods right outside the kitchen window in the Metzdorfs' backyard. This film premiered at the annual North American Bluebird Societies Conference in 1992 to a standing ovation.

In 1988 Boz and his wife Kate had started Birds Eye View Productions and began marketing to schools, libraries, DNRs, Fish and Wildlife agencies, Audubon chapters, nature clubs, sports clubs and individuals. Common Birds Of Your Backyard followed, covering many species of backyard birds, including their habits, songs, diet and plumage. Other productions included Birds That Nest In Boxes and Return of The Wood Duck , a conservation success story documenting the comeback from near extinction in 1900 to its' present day healthy status (currently being broadcast on Public Television throughout the midwest United States). In the works is Music of the Marsh, a story of the creatures that inhabit our shrinking wetlands.

Because it takes years to produce each movie, Boz works on three or four productions at a time. The soundtracks get as much attention as the visuals and Boz has composed and recorded original music for some of the films, including The Oliver Charley Story and Shades of Blue which is the soundtrack for the DVD, Backyard Blues. The musical score for Music of the Marsh is complete and now being recorded.

Boz continues to write songs and record CD's; the latest release being Green and Blue. In the works is a collection of songs written in the style of the 1920s and 1930s, called Back in Tin Pan Alley. It's all played with acoustic guitears, base, drums on some songs and is featuring Doug Rymerson on acoustic guitar and Dave Cushing on drums.