The Wildlife Film Academy

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation? Fancy yourself as the next David Attenborough? Well there is a way to stop just thinking about it and take a step to making your dreams a reality. Courses at the Wildlife Film Academy in South Africa will give you the skills and the life experience to put yourself on the road to a whole new life, and inspire you to turn your passion into 'lights, camera, action!?

There's nothing like a hands-on experience in South Africa to find out if you've got what it takes to pursue a career in wildlife conservation film making. Even if you don't want to set the world on fire with the next ?Life on Earth? series, going on an educational wildlife conservation holiday will be one of the most rewarding times of your life. You will have a unique opportunity to get up close to South Africa's fascinating wildlife, and the course structure will equip you with not only the technical skills needed for film making, but also specific wildlife conservation methods and practices .

In the classroom

Although you'll be itching to get out there amongst the wildlife, firstly you'll need to learn some basics of the business of film making. The course will cover things like business skills and the planning and managing of budgets; how to plan a concept for a wildlife conservation film and how to pitch to an editor; and general important industry knowledge. As well, there are the more practical skills such as camera technology, working with sound tracks, and an introduction to editing.

All the lecturers at the Academy are experienced with many years in the wildlife conservation film industry. With the diverse wealth of knowledge on hand, you will be instilled with a well-rounded appreciation of animal behaviour, ecology, and ethics in the natural world.

Out in the Field

Once you've got the basics it won't be long before you get your chance to get out there and bring your wildlife conservation film making ideas alive. You will have the thrilling opportunity to film the South African wildlife in its natural habitat; including lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, zebra, hippos and an abundance of smaller creatures. You will cruise the reserve in an open topped vehicle, and your tutor and a ranger will assist in locating and filming the wildlife to bring your storyboard ideas to life. This is the real thing - hands-on film making in a genuine South African reserve - and is a once in a lifetime opportunity to fulfil your creative dreams.

What to expect

The accommodation is not luxury, but it's certainly comfortable enough. You will stay in tents, but they are secure and modern with good facilities and even a pool. If you don't like early mornings, then perhaps you should rethink your career choices right now! The best time for filming in a wildlife conservation area is definitely early mornings due to the wonderful light and animal activity; and also late at night to see the nocturnal species at play. But don't worry - the joy you will experience watching a wonderful painted South African sunrise will outweigh any thoughts of a cosy lie-in. You are also expected to clean and maintain all the equipment you will be using.

A South African wildlife conservation holiday at the Wildlife Film Academy will be one you never forget - and who knows, you may be back sooner than you thought, with your very own film crew...

Mark Bottell is the General Manager for Worldwide Experience, an online tour operator offering extended breaks focusing on wildlife conservation work and various adventurous gap years for adults.

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