Being involved in the film and video industry for over 30 years, I get to share my knowledge and love for conservation with an amazing non-profit.

One of my main goals is to document all the projects we embark on, so that we can share our information and experiences with the general public. Media can be a powerful tool for educating both the masses here in the U.S. but also the local communities. I believe that providing a platform to what conservation organizations and captive breeders do here in the U.S. is paramount in shifting public opinion and fostering an environment of success for the ex situ populations. Likewise, I believe that garnering the local communities support and motivation through media content and “boots on the ground” education is one of the best means of protecting the in situ populations.

My father bought me my first camera when I was 16 years old and I immediately fell inlove with film and video, after school I continued my passion by joining the South African Police force in their film and video department. After 10 years of service I started my own production company.

Filming and releasing short videos on what we do and why we do it has shown to be very effective in educating the public and raising funds for our projects.

Passion for the subject, determined to get the right shot, and knowledge of the subject your recording. If you have those 3 things covered, the design will speak for itself and if you’re a creative mind it will all come together beautifully.

I love filming in real time, capturing the moment as it happens. Filming wildlife you don’t always get a second take anyways, but I like applying that to the majority of my work. If it happens naturally it will feel natural to your audience as well.

We do a lot of planning, especially since we work with dangerous animals and task forces that’s not necessarily use to a camera following them. So planning and prepping the team prior to the shoot is essential.

Wildlife and the people protecting it.

It’s a great honor to be recognize for the work we do. Everything we do is to promote conservation efforts and to be recognize for the work that we do helps us in those efforts.

We entered two entries this year, The Last Of Their Kind, which is about protecting the Southern White Rhino and how we’re going about it. We’re taking our efforts further and exploring IVF to help protect this iconic species, but also continuing the fight against anti-poaching.

The second entry, Fire and Ice, will follow Stephanie Perry all over the globe as she gives up her lavish Houston lifestyle to explore different cultures and how they’re playing a role in preserving wildlife and helping conservation efforts in different parts of the world.

Wildlife, filming without a script can be challenging. We always have an outline of what we’d like to capture, but nature always throughs us a curve ball.

It has encouraged me to keep growing and push my creative thought so that I can improve on my best work yet.

Sharing my work and its message is as easy as posting it on the right platforms.

The vast amount of opinions I can get, it’s never been easier to get input from an audience.

It’s permanent.

It’s going to take over everything, if it hasn’t already.

Be creative, and don’t be scared to explore different topics and opinions. Listen to criticism, but don’t let it discourage you, let it inspire you.

There’s so many webinars you can sign up for, do and stay current with the industry matters.

I’ve always wanted to be an actor, but ended up behind the camera. Looking back now I probably would have loved acting, but not as much as directing and producing films.

My wife and kids. Their support has meant the world to me and has allowed me to follow my dreams.

Key to success is the support of my family. I travel a lot for my career and knowing they’re home supporting me allows me to be creative and flexible with my filming adventures. If I can give you any words of wisdom it’s to have a support system at home as much as the one you have on location with you.