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FILMMAKING WILDLIFE

Wildlife Filmmaking Internship Program

Hi and thanks for visiting this page to learn about our wildlife filmmaking training internship. I developed the wildlife filmmaking internship program in 2014 with a specific aim, to offer a real-world wildlife filmmaking experience to students, biologists, media professionals and enthusiasts wanting to break into the wildlife filmmaking industry.

 

Having filmed and produced documentaries for over 25 years, I realised that there was a very specific need for a program of this kind. Namely, a hands-on internship that introduced participants to both the challenges of understanding and capturing images of elusive and potentially dangerous wildlife, whilst also becoming proficient in using broadcast standard filming equipment in the wild. These skills cannot be learnt from a textbook and rather need real-world experience – and what better place than in the heart of wild Africa? Take a look around and feel free to reach out to my team if you may consider joining this program. 

 

Ryan Johnson

Ryan Johnson wildlife filmmaker

Whether you just have the desire to film Africa’s fascinating wildlife, or you are aiming for a career in the competitive world of wildlife film making, then this training program is for you. Our wildlife filmmaking course is specifically designed to offer a practical introduction to the world of wildlife filmmaking, and the work of camera operators, directors, producers, script-writers, and the diverse positions required to produce and broadcast a successful wildlife documentary.

 

Come and make your own wildlife filmmaking documentary, starting from concept and ending on the TV screen, under the guidance and direction of passionate and experienced filmmakers. Revel in this unique environment and wildlife, and experience the highs, lows, and challenges that wildlife filmmakers face daily when attempting to bring to life the wonders of nature. Walk away with a high-quality five-minute documentary showcasing your ability as a filmmaker.

  • African Lion

    African Lion

    Close up encounters with wild free roaming African lions. film the hunt!

  • African Elephant

    African Elephant

    Track a family herd of 11 giant African Elephants through the savanna

  • White Rhino

    White Rhino

    Tell the plight of endangered white rhinos, under constant threat from poaching and the wildlife trade

  • Africa Primates

    Africa Primates

    Playful, challenging, cheeky but always alluring. Enjoy documenting the numerous primates that call Africa home

  • Caracal

    Caracal

    Elusive and beautiful. Patience and tracking skills can allow you rare sightings of Africa's Caracal

  • Warthog

    Warthog

    Pumba - why be brave when you can run. The warthog may look like a tough warhorse, but he knows its safest high tailing it to his nearest burrow when lions are present

  • Giraffe

    Giraffe

    Enjoy filming the African savannas most graceful species - the Giraffe. stately and beautiful

  • Wilderbeest

    Wilderbeest

    Sweat and cry whist trying to capture the marauding herds of black and blue wildebeest over the African plains

  • African Buffelo

    African Buffelo

    The most dangerous species on the African veld is the African Buffalo. Document these walking battle tanks as the dominate the landscape

Each student in my wildlife film program produces their own five-minute documentary. Below is their work.

Internship price

from

$3900/mo
  • Internship training
  • 9 film days on reserve
  • Production equipment
  • Accommodation
  • Catered meals
  • Local Transport

When I am not available, I rely on my fantastic team of wildlife filmmakers and photographers to run our wildlife filmmaking internship. Each of them has the unique skills of not only being an industry professional but a passion and genuine interest in mentoring students to succeed in the industry.

Louis Pieterse

GENERAL MANAGER

An established food and portrait photographer, Louis runs the daily operations and management of Africa Media whilst using his photographic skills to instruct both wildlife and underwater photography programs when required. He can be found pulling the team together and keeping everyone happy, even if we’re having a bad day. Everyone loves Louis!

Chris Saunders

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

An up-and-coming director of photography for wildlife documentaries, Chris offers a wealth of experience to participants in our underwater and wildlife videography programs. Having trained as a commercial DOP, Chris is now fully invested in documenting Africa’s wildlife both above and below the waves. With his quiet and unassuming manner, Chris is a favourite amongst our students.

Ncedo Marele

COURSE INSTRUCTOR

Here is a man who is truly living up to the meaning of his Xhosa name, Ncedo, which translates to  “help”. Ncedo is known to us as Johnny, as most of us can’t pronounce the musical click of the c in this beautiful Xhosa name.  As a fully qualified and accredited film producer, Johnny offers students in our wildlife filmmaking program a wealth of knowledge and skills in every aspect of wildlife and documentary filmmaking. As a brand developer and Former Head of Entertainment at BayTV, Johnny has plenty of practical skills to teach you.

White Shark Research Interns will stay at our luxury shark centre, located in Mossel Bay, South Africa for the duration of the program. The facility offers single-sex dorm accommodation or single private accommodation if you request. On occasion, the team will travel outside of Mossel Bay to our research stations at Plettenberg Bay and Scottburgh

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What do you get from the program?

The course is aimed at assisting in the development of aspiring wildlife film makers. Students on the course will spend a month designing, writing, filming and editing their own five minute wildlife documentary situated on one of Africa’s most beautiful and well stocked game reserves. At the end of the course, students will present their film to students and staff of Africa Media and walk away with a showpiece that can be used to break into the demanding wildlife film making industry.

What practical training is there?

Film techniques, camera operation, understanding wildlife, equipment maintenance, crew management, footage workflow, working with talent (including animals), video editing, voice over/sound track, pitching your film

What theoretical training?

Course introduction, orientation, inspiration and story, what is selling today, film equipment, script writing, wildlife presenting, marketing you/your films, ethics in wildlife film-making, funding your films, the art of pitching.

What does the fee include / exclude

What does the course fee include? Accommodation, 3 meals per day, expert tuition, 9 days filming and living on Game Reserve, use of broadcast quality HD video cameras (Panasonic P2), use of professional audio gear, use of professional drone, filming expeditions to Monkeyland, Birds of Eden, travel to/from George Airport, internet. What does the course fee exclude? Additional short courses, laundry service, tourism excursions, extra food and beverages, international and domestic flights, game ranger tip. If you choose to arrive early (before the 1st) or depart late (after the 28th) then we will ask R400/day to cover additional food and accommodation.

What is the daily work?

The course is divided into three components, namely: Pre-production (6 days), Production (10 days) and Post production (5 days). During Pre-production, students will learn the concepts of making wildlife documentaries and also the basics in camera use and filming techniques. During production, students will stay on Schotia reserve and spend the days collecting footage for your documentary. During post production, students will edit your footage into a 5 minute documentary and learn about pitching and selling yourself and films.

How long is the course?

The course is divided into three components, namely: Pre-production (6 days), Production (10 days) and Post production (5 days). During Pre-production, students will learn the concepts of making wildlife documentaries and also the basics in camera use and filming techniques. During production, students will stay on Schotia reserve and spend the days collecting footage for your documentary. During post production, students will edit your footage into a 5 minute documentary and learn about pitching and selling yourself and films.

Do I need my own cameras?

The course is divided into three components, namely: Pre-production (6 days), Production (10 days) and Post production (5 days). During Pre-production, students will learn the concepts of making wildlife documentaries and also the basics in camera use and filming techniques. During production, students will stay on Schotia reserve and spend the days collecting footage for your documentary. During post production, students will edit your footage into a 5 minute documentary and learn about pitching and selling yourself and films.

What equipment can we use?

Video Cameras available: 8 x Panasonic HVX-200P series P2 2 x NEX100 Sony cameras 10 x GoPro cameras (effects camera) 2 x Phantom 4 drone Audio Equipment available: 8 x RODE shotgun mics (camera or boom mounted) 2 x Sennheiser and sony lavallière radio mic systems 1 x Tascam digital audio recorder 1 x Rode DSLR mounted shotgun mic 1 x Soundproof audio recording suite Accessories available: 8 x video camera tripods 8 x video ‘throw bags’ 1 x video camera crane 3 x reflectors 1 x radio control ‘cub cam’ filming vehicle 1 x camera slider (tracking shots) Computers: Please bring your own laptop if you have one. It must be pre-loaded with Adobe Premiere Pro CC2018 or CS6 as we use this extensively on the course. We do have three computers to use if it is impossible for you to bring your own computer.

Where do we stay?

Your home for 28 days of the course will be in the beautiful town of Mossel Bay, South Africa. For 9 of these days you will be staying on either Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve or Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve living in the wilderness and collecting content for your production.

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Start your Adventure

My team from Africa Media includes top wildlife filmmakers from writers, camera operators to editors. Join this program to gain experience in producing and filming your own wildlife documentary

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