Justine Evans

Many people ask me how to get started in the wildlife film making world so here are a few words of advice. 

The first thing to say is don't be put off!  I always loved nature as a child and in my teenage years decided that being a wildlife documentary cameraman must be the best job on Earth. Never in a million years did I think back then that I'd break in to the industry. It took me quite a few years but I did manage, so the way I see it is if I can do it anyone can. 

There are no specific routes to follow but it is extremely helpful if you can decide whether you want to become a cameraman/woman, sound recordist, director/producer, editor or one of the many other professions that make up a film crew as it is much easier if you have a clear goal. Obviousy it is possible to move between these professions later on, but initially if you know what you want to do it will help you in deciding what route to take.  

This is how I got started:  I went to film school, making sure it was one that provided a highly practical course and was well equipped with cameras. Whilst at film school I got involved in all sorts of productions from dramas to commercials, documentaries and pop promos - anything to gain more experience. I also made some campaign films for the RSPB bird charity and wrote to cameraman asking for work experience. After leaving film school I gradually started to meet more people in the industry and managed to get work as an assistant to a wildlfe cameraman. I was lucky to be given some golden opportunities by two producers, one at the BBC and one who was running an independent production company at the time and my career took off from there.

Film school is just one option, getting work experience with a production company as a runner, tea-maker general dogs-body is another, going down the academic route and doing a degree in zoology or similar can get you a foot in the door as a researcher. For those who already have a bit of experience it may be possible to apply for the BBC bursary, a two year apprenticeship that the Natural History Unit in Bristol runs from time to time. Camera hire companies also take on staff and this is also a great chance to get your hands on equipment and meet people who work in the industry. The main thing is to keep trying and don't get put off if you are turned down for a few jobs initially. If people get to know you a bit and you come across as keen, pleasant, capable and sane then you are much more likely to be taken on.

More Information and careers advice is available on the International Association of Wildlife Film Makers website and joining up as an associate member is well worth considering.

Cameraman Warwick Sloss also has a good few words of wisdom.

OTHER TIPS

Get out there, take photos and make videos if you have access to equipment. Putting together a showreel and or portfolio is a good idea as most potential employers will want to see evidence of your visual ability.

Think about getting trained/qualified in linked areas such as scuba diving, rope access, mountainering, languages, off-road driving, boat handling...the list goes on but if there are things you really enjoy doing anyway then getting more skilled will add to your appeal as an assistant and give you an edge against others.

Watch films and think about how stories are told and how images go together. 

Observe the wildlife around you for long periods of time and notice what is interesting about the behaviour you see. If you get bored doing this then I would suggest that becoming a wildlife film maker is not for you.

I hope this helps a little and good luck.