Wildlife
Film News - Jobs / Internships / Volunteering / Footage Wanted, Competitions & other opportunities!
from 2019
Please see below various opportunities, submitted by members and subscribers, or gleaned from other sources. Some are paid positions, some are voluntary. If you're a newcomer, we suggest that you get as much experience as you can, so offering your services for free when an opportunity arises will most-likely be worth it in the longterm, both on your CV, in the gaining of skills and the all importance of meeting/building relationships with people working in the industry. Entering competitions is highly recommened too. You may win, but even if you don't there's the exposure gained!
NB. The issue of Wildlife Film News where the item was first included in is shown beneath the photo. Do contact us if you have any problem contacting the employer or find that the opportunity is not as described or no longer available.
If you are a non-full member and would like an item/advert placed on the site/WFN, please make a payment here for £25.
We are looking for 1 Junior PM to work on Eden, a new mini landmark Natural History series.
Start date: Jan 2020 to approx. Nov 2020 to cover filming period. This may be extended according to production requirements up to 12 months.
Interviews are expected to be held w/b 16/12/19
BBC Studios Natural History Unit is embarking on a spectacular BBC One landmark production following on from the recent success of Seven Worlds, One Planet and Blue Planet 2. We are looking for a number of experienced and enthusiastic Producers to work on this major ground-breaking project.
Each Producer will be highly creative and organised, with excellent storytelling skills, visual flair and the ability to take an innovative, ambitious and imaginative approach to delivering outstanding content. They will have a clear and committed understanding of the constraints of budget and a be a very good team player. You will take responsibility for one or two programmes. The role includes involvement at every stage of the production process including research and pre-production; location and/or studio filming; and post production.
These roles are subject to greenlight. Please be aware we will be interviewing for these roles the week commencing Monday 16th December so please ensure you are available prior to completing an application.
BBC Studios Natural History Unit produces a range of technically challenging live shows, features based documentaries and super-landmark series such as Blue Planet II, Springwatch, Deadly Dinos and The Natural World.
The role will be based in Bristol but you may be required to travel to locations across the UK. In general normal office hours will apply however, the nature of the role means that a flexible approach to working time will be necessary.
Edit Assistant, NHU Landmark Expedition, BBC Studios
BBC Studios, Natural History Unit is looking to recruit a Technical/Edit Assistant for Mission Ocean X (working title) a six part series commissioned by National Geographic.
BBC Studios Natural History Unit is embarking on a spectacular BBC One landmark production following on from the recent success of Seven Worlds, One Planet and Blue Planet 2. We are looking for a number of experienced and enthusiastic Assistant Producers to work on this major ground-breaking project.
These roles are subject to greenlight. The interviews are expected to commence the beginning of January.
Edit Assistant required on NHU Landmark Expedition, BBC Studios Date posted: 04/12/2019 Location: Bristol, England, United Kingdom
BBC Studios, Natural History Unit is looking to recruit a Technical/Edit Assistant for Mission Ocean X (working title) a six part series commissioned by National Geographic.
FROM BBC STUDIOS NATURAL HISTORY UNIT - THE MAKERS OF BLUE PLANET II, WITH OCEANX MEDIA & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER JAMES CAMERON, COMES THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
Alucia2 can dive deeper, get closer and explore recesses of our seas inaccessible until now. Mission OceanX will capture the whole story of life on-board Alucia2, showcasing cutting-edge science, the thrill of exploration and extraordinary wildlife film-making. Mission OceanX has one goal... to push the boundaries of knowledge at the final frontier on Earth... our Oceans.
Each episode will have a singular, stand-alone mission that holds fast to one common theme... to take away a deeper understanding of our seas than ever before and leave behind a hopeful future. Each mission’s success rests with a cast of scientists, explorers and crew.
Role Responsibility
The role requires a technically proficient person. You'll be expected to manage your own time efficiently and to work flexibly to fulfil the role. You'll need a friendly attitude and a willingness to work co-operatively as part of a team. You should have the ability to assess priorities and adapt to fast changing circumstances and be able to work under pressure to set deadlines. You’ll be required to undertake a range of operational duties and to assist Editors and Post Production as and when required. Establishing and maintaining good management of media, operational and technical standards.
The Ideal Candidate
Efficient management, storage and ingest of all production media
Experience of UHD and proxy workflows and working with non-standard frame rates in a professional post-production environment
Demonstrates a working knowledge of end to end digital workflows
Excellent organisational skills with experience of maintaining detailed technical logs for large volumes of media and the ability to manage own time and workload effectively
Experience in assembling field download kits, and briefing location teams on offload techniques
Diligent liaison with post production houses to facilitate a smooth running media management process and all stages of post from capture to delivery.
Ability to juggle tasks effectively and prioritise requests from different quarters, especially if shooting/post production schedules overlap
Experience of working with both Avid Media Composer and Adobe Premier platforms
An interest in developing editor skills by assisting directors/editors with sequence assemblies, creating promos, trails, and web content.
Demonstrates good editorial judgement in relation to selection and suitability of material
Ideally, applicants should demonstrate a passion and creative thirst for natural history programme making, be a strong team player, and work well under pressure with a calm, unflappable disposition.
This role potentially involves working on location onboard Alucia 2 for some of the expeditions.
LIGHT & SHADOW GmbH are looking for a Full-Time Camera Assistant for wildlife film-making!
LIGHT & SHADOW GmbH is an award-winning film production company based in Germany, which produces wildlife films around the globe for the international TV market. LIGHT & SHADOW successfully cooperates with leading broadcasters such as ARD, ZDF, BBC, NDR, WDR, arte, ORF, Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel and Smithsonian Channel.
Our aim is to touch global audiences with the beauty and wonder of our planet, subjects often ignored in our fast-paced world. Our productions promote environmental conservation as part of a worldwide effort to save our planet for future generations.
Currently we are looking for a camera assistant in full-time employment, from February 2020 onwards.
Your tasks:
Camera assistance
Maintenance of equipment
Sound recording in 5.1
Making-of (stills, video & 360 degrees)
Second camera operation
Set construction
Your profile:
Studies of filmmaking and/or biology
Experience in wildlife photography
Elaborated technical skills
Willingness to travel and to spend long time abroad
Enthusiasm for nature, animals and outdoor activities
Patience and self-responsibility
Fluency in English and at least one other foreign language
Knowledge of RED cameras, DJI Inspire 2, Phantom Highspeed cameras
Driving license class B
Basic knowledge in cinematographic narrative techniques
This incubator for science filmmaking compliments the 43-year-old film festival and cultivates the authentic exchanges that have made IWFF a long-standing leader on the film festival front. Missoula is the perfect setting for LABS. The stunning Montana wilderness, the highly regarded University of Montana Wildlife Biology department, an impressive number of conservation-based organizations and the exceptional film community that our home, The Roxy Theater brings with it are reasons why this program offers such an impressively unique experience. Prior fellows' experience ranges from emerging filmmakers, media-savvy scientists, journalists who work within a broad scope of digital media, and conservation-based still photographers.
IWFF 2020 LABS will accept 12 Fellows into this highly competitive program and is tuition-free, lodging and meals are provided.
For nearly half a century, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) has developed some of Britain and the world’s top creative talent. It is widely acknowledged to be the top school of its kind in the UK and one of the best internationally. In 2018, the NFTS was awarded both the BAFTA for Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema and the Queen’s Anniversary Prize for Higher and Further Education.
The NFTS is looking to recruit a new Head of Department - Science and Natural History. This is a unique opportunity for someone who is excited about imparting their knowledge to, and inspiring the next generation of Science and Natural History film and television-makers.
The NFTS Science and Natural History Masters started in 2017 and has already established an enviable reputation. 100% of its first cohort of graduates secured a job in the industry within 6 months and graduate work is now regularly winning major international awards at festivals worldwide.
As an experienced Director or Producer you will have knowledge and practical experience of industry customs and practices, strong editorial skills, and importantly understand the enormous value and contribution made by other departments (Editing, Sound and Music etc) to Science and Natural History projects.
Applicants need to be excellent communicators possessing strong interpersonal skills and a passion for student learning.
For further information about this role and details of how to apply, please visit nfts.co.uk/nfts-jobs.
Closing date for applications is noon on Thursday 7th November 2019
At the NFTS, people are at the heart of what we do. We’re an inclusive employer and are committed to equality of opportunity, and building a culturally diverse workforce. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds.
iLCP Event: WiLD about Conservation with member Sandesh Kadur!
The International League of Conservation Photographers (iLCP) in partnership with Summit Photography Workshops is putting on WiLD about Conservation.
WiLD about Conservation is a one night, public event about the passion, perseverance, and patience required in conservation photography.
Our three speakers are Sandesh Kadur, Doug Gimesy, and Katie Schuler - all award-winning photographers and filmmakers.
Sandesh is a filmmaker, photographer, and National Geographic Explorer. His most recent work includes filming for Netfilx’s Our Planet.
Doug is an Australian photographer focusing on animal welfare. He has been a finalist in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the Big Picture Natural World competitions, has won the Australian Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year ‘Our Impact’ category, and most recently, won the inaugural Wildscreen Panda PhotoStory Award.
Katie is a filmmaker based in Washington, D.C. who is most known for her award-winning film on pangolins, the world’s most illegally trafficked mammal.
VMI is looking for a Camera Technician/Driver to join their Bristol Camera Rental Facility team!
VMI currently has an opening for a Camera Technician/Driver to join our regional camera rental facility in St George, Bristol BS5 7XX.
Candidates must have a background in broadcast equipment with up to date working knowledge of current digital cameras and lenses (minimum 2-years experience).
This will be a combination of Camera preparation and driving required, so you must have a full driving licence.
You must also be able to hit the ground running, be a good team member, able to work independently and be a good communicator, as this is a small knightly knit team.
Reedy Reels wants your wildlife conservation films!
Reedy Reels Film Festival promotes the appreciation of the art of film-making while generating support for independent film-makers especially in the Upstate of South Carolina. The festival will engage the community and create exposure for local film-making while building inspiration and new opportunities for local artists.
This year, November 1st-3rd, they've got a two-hour session featuring wildlife conservation films. If you have great content, They'd love to see it.
The Big Picture Conference, Scotland’s only event dedicated to rewilding, comes to Stirling on 21st September 2019.
The day will focus on inspirational stories and experiences from around Scotland and from around the world, delivered by rewilding practitioners, policymakers and storytellers. Delegates can browse the Rewilding Market and network with attendees from all over Scotland and from many different sectors.
Tickets are on sale now. Venue: Macrobert Arts Centre, Stirling.
The Harry Percy Award for Young Wildlife Filmmakers launched in collaboration with the Born Free Foundation
by Jason Peters
30 April 2019
The Harry Percy Award for young wildlife filmmakers is a new annual competition for young film industry amateurs and professionals, looking to break into the world of wildlife conservation.
It is a chance to produce exciting new work and win a career-boosting cash prize, whilst helping to support Born Free’s mission to Keep Wildlife in the Wild.
Acclaimed wildlife filmmaker and presenter, Gordon Buchannan, is supporting this award and will be part of the judging panel to select the winning film. Gordon says:
"This is a unique new opportunity to support young people starting out in the wildlife film industry and I am very much looking forward to seeing the exciting work being produced.
Money raised through this campaign will enable us to launch this important award and raise awareness of Born Free’s vital conservation work.
It is a fitting tribute for a remarkable and talented young man who had a promising career in filmmaking ahead of him."
Watch this short film, created using Harry Percy's incredible wildlife video footage and still images, edited by Harry's good friend Matt Couldwell:
Matt says of his friend: "Harry Percy was one of most selfless, positive and generous people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. We bonded over our passion for wildlife conservation and visual storytelling where our focal point was to produce content that would make a difference. My aim is to continue the journey he started."
ABOUT HARRY PERCY, 1995-2018
In October 2018, freelance filmmaker and keen conservationist, Harry Percy, attended a Born Free event at the Royal Geographical Society in London.
There he met Born Free’s CEO Howard Jones and enthusiastically spoke of his ambitions to visit Africa to film the work of the international wildlife charity.
Just days later, Harry tragically passed away unexpectedly.
He was only 22 years old.
Aware of their son’s desire to become more involved with wildlife conservation, Harry’s parents Tim Percy and Dominique de Bellefroid contacted Born Free with the idea of launching the Harry Percy Award for young wildlife filmmakers, to honour Harry’s memory.
THE AWARD
The Harry Percy Award will be made to an individual who is judged to have employed the medium of film, to best effect for public understanding, whilst inspiring others to engage with the spirit and message of the film, to make positive changes towards co-existence.
The theme for the inaugural award will be Wildlife: Welfare and Captivity
First prize is £5,000. An additional amount of up to £5,000 will be made available to develop and create a Born Free film made by the award winner. There are also three runners-up prizes of £1,000 each.
Entries will be accepted between 3rd June and 31st August 2019.
Full terms and conditions, including technical information, how to enter and details about the judging process, can be found here.
New Spanish Festival, #LabMeCrazy! Science Film Festival – Call For Entries
The #LabMeCrazy! Science Film Festival is an initiative run by the Museo de Ciencias at the University of Navarra. It is a film festival that offers a refreshing, modern take on scientific knowledge.
The goal of the #LabMeCrazy! Science Film Festival is to arouse scientific curiosity and convey a passion for science. The #LabMeCrazy! Science Film Festival brings together the best audiovisual productions to help you delve into the world of science using a new approach, tailor-made for you.
No matter where you live, you can join our online screenings during the festival. The experience will transform you. Are you up for it?
VALUES
The #LabMeCrazy! Science Film Festival promotes the following values:
CURIOSITY: a desire to learn about the unknown.
CREATIVITY: a passion to create.
INNOVATION: the ability to offer innovative ideas to improve existing processes and products and open up new fields.
RIGOR: precision in and ownership of one’s actions.
PASSION: intense emotion that translates into enthusiasm or desire for something.
PROACTIVITY: the ability to act ahead of time, in a change-oriented manner.
COMMITMENT: a devotion to nature and human beings in pursuit of the common good.
Awards & Prizes
Best Documentary. Trophy and diploma.
Best Reportage or TV Production. Trophy and diploma.
Best Short Fiction Film. Trophy and diploma.
Best Internet or Social Media Video. Trophy and diploma.
Best Student Production. Trophy and diploma.
Best University Production. Trophy and diploma.
Audience Award. Trophy and diploma.
Passion for Science Award. Trophy and diploma.
The winners will be invited to take part in the festival. The organization will cover all travel and accommodation expenses for the trip to Pamplona, Spain, for one person per award.
1. Competition entries can take the form of documentaries, reportages, short fiction films, television programs and any videos designed for the Internet or social media. They must have been completed after January 1, 2016, and must focus on any science-related topic.
2. There are six categories:
a. Documentary
b. Reportage or TV Program
c. Short Fiction Film (<25 min)
d. Internet or Social Media Video
e. Student Production
f. University Production
4. The jury for the preliminary phase will select the finalists for each category from all entries.
5. All finalists must provide a three-minute excerpt of the nominated videos, which will be made available to the media to promote the festival.
6. The jury’s decision will be final. The jury may declare any of the awards null and void and may also award special mentions.
7. All winners will receive a trophy and a diploma.
8. The winners will be invited to take part in the festival. The organization will cover all travel and accommodation expenses for the trip to Pamplona, Spain, for one person per award.
9. All winning videos will be stored in the festival archives for research and information purposes only.
10. The film producers, whether or not they receive an award, will retain all rights to their films.
11. The festival may use clips from the videos, lasting no longer than three minutes, to promote the festival among the media. Videos selected for the final phase may be screened during other activities organized by the Museo de Ciencias at the University of Navarra, in addition to the festival.
12. Participation implies acceptance of all the above-mentioned rules.
There's a new international contest, a film & photo festival for both professionals and amateurs, in Mimizan in the South of France.
FIFPAN’s aim is to promote the work of women and men who devote themselves to the professions of wildlife photographer, audio visual technician, filmmaker ...
GREEN SCREEN INVITATION: "Pitching Session" 2019
14 March 2019
PITCHING SESSION!
FRIDAY, SEP, 13 2019
Filmmaking story tellers of the natural world are invited to take advantage of this unique opportunity to pitch their planned project to a board of commissioners, producers and distributors at the PITCHINGSESSION of the International Wildlife Filmfestival GREEN SCREEN 2019.
To participate, the following must be submitted:
An Exposé, describing the project should be described, including approximate shooting time, locations and the people involved.
A short CV.
An approximate budget idea.
If available, a trailer or other footage.
The Pitching Session itself is open to the public and follows international rules:
The presentation of your project may take up to seven minutes.
After that the attending experts and decision makers are invited to evaluate the project and, if applicable, to express their interest.
If you have questions, do get in touch! Pitching directors Annette Scheurich annette@marco-polo-film.de and Udo Zimmermann udo.zimmermann@t-online.de are happy to provide further information.
The sooner we know who plans to pitch, the better, even if not all documents are ready.
A pre-selection panel will select 6 to 8 participants for the pitching session from the submitted projects
by 1st August 2019.
Some of the projects that have been presented in recent years are now in production! Participation is in any case an enriching experience!
As the promotion of emerging talent in naturefilm has always been a concern of GREEN SCREEN, submissions by newcomers and ambitious young filmmakers are expressly encouraged. Please feel free to spread the word!
See you at GREEN SCREEN in Eckernförde! September 11th-15th 2019!
EarthxFilm Youth Film Competition
Powered by Planet911
Through educational initiatives such as our youth film competitions, EarthxFilm provides youth with the tools to become the next heroes for our planet.
Our Goals
Encourage and incentivize the next generation to be environmentally conscious.
Challenge young adults to think outside of the box to raise awareness.
Drive young adults to take action and get involved in their communities.
Inspire the next generation to express themselves and explore their creativity using film and social media.
How to Enter
To Enter the spring 2019 EarthxFilm competition, make a documentary, narrative or animated film that is 50 seconds or less, follow official rules, and submit between January 28 and March 17, 2019.
Emergency Call to Action!
Planet 911 wants the world to know youth creative activists are using words, music, dance, art, and film to raise awareness and share solutions about climate change.
How is climate change affecting you, your community and your world? More...
You’ve got 60 seconds to convince the public of the need to protect Kosciuszko National Park from the damaging impacts of feral horses using the digital medium of film, are you up to it?
We’re offering cash prizes of $3000 and $2000 to the best and most convincing videos in our Reclaim Kosci video competition.
All entries must be submitted online by midnight AEST, Thursday 21 March 2019.
How to enter
This competition aims to bring awareness to the feral horse problem in Kosciuszko National Park, as well as the controversy surrounding it. Your 60-second short film or animation can be on a theme of your choice but must address at least one the following criteria:
Criteria 1: Make a video to persuade the public of the need to remove substantial numbers of the feral horses in Kosciuszko, using humane and effective means, including using lethal options.
Criteria 2: Make a video about why the 2018 Kosciuszko Wild Horse Heritage Act needs to be repealed.
Criteria 3: Make a video to raise awareness of the impacts of feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park.
Our sponsor the Paddy Pallin Foundation has made available some fantastic prizes:
Experts choice prize is $3000 in cash.
People’s choice prize is determined by interactions on social media. Winner receives a $2000 cash prize.
Judging
Experts choice: The judges will look for a creative, engaging and inspiring submission. Your entry will be judged on: relevance of your entry to the competition criteria; creativity expressed; technical ability; effectiveness of the entry.
People’s choice: The winner will be judged by the video with the most combined likes and comments on the social media platforms Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Public voting will commence on 8 March 2019 and close on 29 March 2019.
More information on the campaign is available at reclaimkosci.org.au Reclaim Kosci is led by the Invasive Species Council and supported by the National Parks Association of the ACT, National Parks Association of NSW, Colong Foundation for Wilderness and the Nature Conservation Council of NSW.
Jointly sponsored by the Center for Environmental Filmmaking and The Nature Conservancy, our annual comedy competition is now open for submissions! filmfreeway.com/eco-comedyfestival2019
The theme is Climate Change. Yes, it’s a vast, unwieldy topic that already has everyone rolling their eyes, so we are challenging you to produce a short (less than three minutes), humorous video that will be seen on YouTube and at the DC Environmental Film Festival on March 21st. Help engage audiences in climate change! The contest is open to anyone worldwide who has a flair for producing videos.
There are four categories: K-8, High School, College/University, and Nonstudent.
$2,000 in prizes! DEADLINE: February 20th
This year, we have two guest finalist judges: comedian Bethany Hall who is currently a comedian-in-residence at the AU/SOC Center for Media and Social Impact, and her husband Keith Haskal, a producer of Seinfeld’s “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee”.
To see previous winners, go to the Center for Environmental Filmmaking website: www.environmentalfilm.org (Special Programs).
IWFF LABS is open and accepting applications till February 15th
IWFF was founded to showcase ethical wildlife media and to foster a sense of community around wildlife filmmaking. We aim to facilitate dialogue between scientists, filmmakers and the general public. IWFF LABS is for filmmakers and scientists to advance ideas, tools and working methods that will address pressing environmental, wildlife and conservation issues through media.
Ideal IWFF LABS applicants may be but are not limited to:
Scientists, researchers, and managers working in the natural sciences, especially with a focus on ecology, biology, wildlife science, or conservation, who have an interest in using visual media to expand their science communication skills. Filmmaking students or emerging filmmakers, journalists or other media makers interested in deepening their science communication skills and advancing their wildlife filmmaking careers.
Prior filmmaking experience is not required but some experience with visual media is a plus.
IWFF LABS 2019 begins FRIDAY, APRIL 12 and culminates in the LABS films screening at the IWFF Awards Ceremony on FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019. Fellows must be available for the entire range of dates.
IWFF LABS will accept 16 Fellows into this highly competitive program.
IWFF LABS is tuition-free, lodging and two meals a day are provided. Additional food and travel costs will be the responsibility of the Fellow.
During this week-long intensive workshop, IWFF LABS Program Leader Colin Ruggiero facilitates lectures, discussions and hands-on workshops that will feature professional wildlife filmmakers who act as mentors in their areas of expertise (production, editing, pitching, etc.). Colin Ruggiero’s multi-faceted experience as a teacher and a filmmaker ensures that LABS students will walk away with new-found knowledge, skills, and confidence as science communicators and visual storytellers. Mentoring from a diverse group of professional filmmakers, as well as the LABS program’s close integration with the festival, gives fellows the opportunity to cultivate long-term relationships within the industry.
During the week, fellows also create a ready-to-launch, polished mini-documentary with a local conservation organization or scientific research team. The films will premiere at the IWFF Awards Ceremony. In past years, IWFF LABS films have been selected for the National Geographic Short Film Showcase and won awards at film festivals across the world.
IWFF 2019 LABS Mentors include out-of-the box storytellers and thinkers and will be announced shortly. Past Mentors have included representatives from BBC (Neil Nightingale), NATURE, bioGraphic, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New West Studios, and Grizzly Creek Films.
Collaborators on Conservation/Environmental Film Venture Wanted ...
Member Roland Arnison, Mallimak Media, is looking for collaborators on a new venture.
Roland will be developing a new film-making enterprise in 2019 to produce positive conservation and environmental stories from the field.
He is looking for at least one person to join him on this quest: particularly someone with self-shooting experience and someone with experience in non-broadcast video markets.
Above all, he is looking for people interested in joining him on an exciting collaborative adventure with no initial income but the potential for commercial and creative triumph!
If you fit the bill, please email Roland directly, roland@mallimak.co.uk and he will share more details with you.
If you have an available position/competition/footage request and would like it included here, in Wildlife Film News/promoted on social media, please send all info, including any photo/logo's, to news@wildlife-film.com. For inclution in WFN, please make sure you send prior to the end of the month.
Do contact us if you have any problem contacting the employer or find that the opportunity is not as described or no longer available.
