Networking
Networking is an important part of any visual storytellers journey, and it can lead to some amazing opportunities. Maybe that could be access to an elusive species, or an opportunity to shoot for a new client. The events featured below offer brilliant opportunities to connect with others who share your interest in the natural world and to gain creative inspiration. Think ‘what can I do to help you’ not ‘what can they do for me’!
Events
JACKSON WILD Summit
An international wildlife film festival which is an excellent event for networking and setting up collaborations. In 2021, they hope to host a covid-conscious in-person event in the USA, in addition to a strand of virtual programming. More information to come in the spring of 2021!
WILDSCREEN
A UK-based wildlife film festival which usually takes place in Bristol the home of the BBC Natural History Unit and many independent natural history film production companies. Due to the pandemic last year's event was virtual so it was possible to attend from all over the world.
NEWF
The Nature, Environment and Wildlife Filmmakers Congress (NEWF) provides a platform in Africa for networking. It is hosted in Durban, South Africa over 4 days, but last year was hosted virtually due to the pandemic.
Adobe max
This was virtual last year due to covid and comes free with an Adobe subscription. The event provides an array of training in Adobe software and inspiring talks from top film producers and photographers. In 2021 a free virtual event will be held Oct 26–28.
GDT Festival
This nature photography festival takes place in Germany. I haven’t personally attended this festival but I have friends who have. There are lectures by wildlife photographers from all over the world. If you are based nearby in Europe it is worth attending for the networking opportunities, they also have a photography competition.
Conservation optimism FILM FESTIVAL
Conservation Optimism have hosted great networking events in the past. Their third film festival will take place in Autumn 2021 at the Oxford Museum of Natural History, UK.
The photography show
The photography and video show takes place in Birmingham, UK or during pandemic times virtually. This event does not have a specific focus on nature but it is a great place to engage with the photography industry and, since 2018, the show has introduced ‘The Great Outdoors’, a fantastic range of talks focusing on animal, landscape and outdoor photography.
EXPLORE WEEKEND
The Royal Geographic Society’s expedition and fieldwork planning weekend hosted in London, UK is an incredible event for anyone with a passion for adventure and the great outdoors. The event attracts geographers, field researchers, writers, expedition leaders and biologists. You can sign up for a series of workshops to learn from experts. It was thanks to networking at this event that I got involved in Rangers Without Borders expeditions!
Networking groups
The Jackson Wild Collective - Through ongoing mentorship, an international production database and career-building programs, the Collective provides resources for storytellers at all levels to elevate their impact and expand their opportunities. The Collective is a free and private community, and membership is approved on an individual basis.
Wildscreen Network - Previously known as the Natural History Network this website provides a platform for employers posting wildlife film jobs and freelancers posting their CV’s & availabilities. They have 300+ individual members and 25+ company members.
International League of Conservation Photographers - A U.S. based non-profit organisation whose mission is to support environmental and cultural conservation through ethical photography and filmmaking. They open for emerging league applications once per annum.
Bristol Natural History Production Network - A Facebook group to help anyone working in or hoping to work in Natural History filming in Bristol, UK and beyond. The group is open to anyone working in and around Natural History filming i.e. All production staff, film crew, post production staff, film students, fixers etc.
NatureTTL Facebook Group - This is a place for NatureTTL readers to share their nature photos, ask questions and meet other like-minded photographers.
Wildlife Workers’ Network - A Facebook group of people who work and volunteer with and for wildlife all around the world.
Wildlife Film - This organisation lists freelancers in all areas of wildlife film making. They offer a free, basic listing to everyone - simply give them your name, email address, country, the category you would like to appear in and a little background information. For those looking for greater exposure they also offer paid membership to Wildlife-film.com, which means a full directory listing on the website (in all appropriate sections) and a link in their newsletter, Wildlife Film News, which goes out every single month to thousands of subscribers.