Wildlife filmmaking has a glamorous “dream job” reputation amongst many members of the public. It is seen as exotic travel mixed with spectacular wildlife experiences and epic adventures. Sometimes, coupled with long hours, hard work and tropical illnesses, that's exactly what it is. It’s no surprise that so many people aspire to become wildlife filmmakers. Navin Raheja a wildlife enthusiast and a passionate photographer.
Getting on the wildlife cameraperson ladder.
There is no official way of becoming a wildlife cameraperson. The onus is very much on the individual to meet the right people and learn the skills. Meeting the right people sometimes involves being persistent enough without being annoying. You do need to be more than just another CV on the already huge pile. Try to get face-to-face time with television producers, directors etc so they can put a personality to your name. Make sure you ask questions about what they do as well as telling them what you want to do. If you just start a dialogue with “do you have any jobs” nine times out of ten the answer will be no – end of dialog.
Fieldcraft
To be a good wildlife cameraperson you need to know how to get the best out of camera equipment and you need to know how to shoot a sequence that tells a story. You also need to be a good naturalist and know how to get close to the wildlife you need to film.
Watch films
You can learn about making films from watching films. As well wildlife films, you can also learn from dramas, observational documentaries, pop promos, commercials and features. Wildlife films often lack good story-telling so these other genres can be better ways of learning this essential skill. Sometimes ideas and techniques used in other types of programme can be applied to make original-looking wildlife shows.
There is no official way of becoming a wildlife cameraperson. The onus is very much on the individual to meet the right people and learn the skills. Meeting the right people sometimes involves being persistent enough without being annoying. You do need to be more than just another CV on the already huge pile. Try to get face-to-face time with television producers, directors etc so they can put a personality to your name. Make sure you ask questions about what they do as well as telling them what you want to do. If you just start a dialogue with “do you have any jobs” nine times out of ten the answer will be no – end of dialog.
Fieldcraft
To be a good wildlife cameraperson you need to know how to get the best out of camera equipment and you need to know how to shoot a sequence that tells a story. You also need to be a good naturalist and know how to get close to the wildlife you need to film.
You can learn about making films from watching films. As well wildlife films, you can also learn from dramas, observational documentaries, pop promos, commercials and features. Wildlife films often lack good story-telling so these other genres can be better ways of learning this essential skill. Sometimes ideas and techniques used in other types of programme can be applied to make original-looking wildlife shows.
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