Are you a wildlife enthusiast with a passion for videography? Do you dream of capturing stunning footage of animals in their natural habitats? If so, taking a wildlife filmmaking course can help you refine your skills and turn your passion into a career.
With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 3 of the best wildlife filmmaking courses for videographers to help you on your journey.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced videographer, these courses offer something for everyone.
So, let’s dive in and discover the best options for aspiring wildlife filmmakers!
1. Udemy: Filmmaking for wildlife and environmental conservation
In this course, taught by wildlife and environmental conservation filmmaker Laurie Hedges, students will learn to use film as a tool for conservation, plan, shoot, and edit professionally, and maximize the chance their films will result in action.
The curriculum covers everything from the necessary equipment to how to plan, shoot, and edit a film, and what to do once it is made, with a specific focus on catering to individuals working in the field of wildlife and environmental conservation.
As a full-time independent filmmaker working almost exclusively with international NGO’s, conservation organizations and practitioners, Laurie has included all she has learned in this course to help students become skilled filmmakers as quickly as possible.
With a 4.4 instructor rating, 27 reviews, and 102 students, Laurie Hedges is a well-regarded instructor in the field.
This course includes 2 hours of on-demand video, full lifetime access, access on mobile and TV, and a certificate of completion.
The cost of the course is $47.99.
Highlights:
- Teaches students to use film as a tool for conservation and maximize the chance their films will result in action
- Covers planning, shooting, and editing a film, as well as what to do once it is made
- Focused on catering to individuals working in the field of wildlife and environmental conservation
- Taught by a well-regarded wildlife and environmental conservation filmmaker
- Includes 2 hours of on-demand video, full lifetime access, access on mobile and TV, and a certificate of completion
2. Jake Willers: Free Wildlife Filmmaking Training
This online course is hosted by Jake Willers, a Nat Geo Wild TV presenter, award-winning filmmaker, and founder of Master Wildlife Filmmaking.
The course aims to guide students through their specific challenges as either a wildlife filmmaker, presenter, or both.
Students will have access to Jake Willers through the MWF Mentoring Community, where they can ask questions and receive direct answers in Live Weekly Office Hours.
Additionally, Jake will be doing video training sessions for MWF Mentoring members to provide tools and solutions to specific issues.
The course helps students avoid overwhelm and stay focused on their production using the 6×3 framework and teaches them to utilize image sequences to tell their story in a visually compelling way.
As a bonus, three PDF tools that Jake uses will be emailed directly to students.
The course offers the first week for just $1, after which the credit card will be charged the monthly price of $29 per month.
Highlights:
- Taught by Jake Willers, Nat Geo Wild TV presenter, award-winning filmmaker, and founder of Master Wildlife Filmmaking
- Provides guidance for wildlife filmmakers and presenters through a mentoring program and Live Weekly Office Hours
- Offers training sessions and tools to help students stay focused on their production and tell their story in a visually compelling way
- Suitable for anyone looking to become a filmmaker or presenter in the wildlife genre or transitioning from wildlife photography to filmmaking.
3. World Nomads: The Essential Masterclass to Filming Wildlife
The Essential Masterclass to Filming Wildlife, led by BAFTA award-winning wildlife documentary maker Sophie Darlington, is a comprehensive guide to mastering the unique challenges of wildlife cinematography.
Sophie shares her expertise on lighting, camera techniques, tracking animals, and essential filmmaking gear, drawing from her years of experience in the industry.
One of the key takeaways from the course is the importance of patience and preparation, as even the best wildlife filmmakers cannot predict the actions of animals.
The course covers everything from gaining insider knowledge of the subject and treating animals with respect to get the best results, to camera techniques such as using wide shots, close-ups, drones, and cutaways to tell a story.
Sophie also shares tips on editing, finding the balance and avoiding overshooting while still capturing everything you’ll need.
Additionally, the course includes information on essential items to bring on a shoot and how to plan ahead.
The course is free, however, it is fairly short and consists of a few short video clips.
Highlights:
- Led by BAFTA award-winning wildlife documentary maker Sophie Darlington
- Covers lighting, camera techniques, tracking animals, and essential filmmaking gear
- Emphasizes the importance of patience and preparation in wildlife filmmaking
- Includes tips on gaining insider knowledge of the subject and treating animals with respect
- Teaches camera techniques such as using wide shots, close-ups, drones, and cutaways to tell a story
- Shares editing tips and advice on finding the balance and avoiding overshooting
- Provides information on essential items to bring on a shoot and how to plan ahead
- Free and accessible to anyone looking to improve their wildlife filmmaking skills
Final Thoughts
Wildlife filmmaking is a fascinating and challenging field that requires a combination of technical and artistic skills.
Whether you are an aspiring filmmaker or a seasoned professional, there are many resources available to help you improve your craft.
The three courses highlighted in this article offer a range of options for anyone interested in learning more about the world of wildlife filmmaking.
By taking advantage of these resources and continuing to learn and grow in this field, you can create films that inspire and educate audiences about the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
Happy shooting!
