WILDLIFE FILM SCHOOL
The Botswana Wildlife Film School offers sponsored training in wildlife production, aligning with international standards upheld by renowned natural history units, fostering excellence in wildlife filmmaking.
2025 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!!
WILDLIFE FILM SCHOOL
The Botswana Wildlife Film School trains individuals in wildlife production, aligning with international standards upheld by renowned natural history units, fostering excellence in wildlife filmmaking.
2025 APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!!
An immersive, educational experience like no other…
The Wildlife Film School will provide Batswana students with a world-class 25-day training programme, equipping them to research, script, film and edit wildlife documentaries – either their own or as part of a career path. 80 Batswana students will be granted the opportunity to participate, and it is our hope and belief that this school will change the trajectory of their lives.
This year, we will assist local creatives to harness their talent and create employment opportunities through FOUR levels of courses – beginners (for those new to the industry), intermediate (for those with some experience in television and film), advanced (for seasoned individuals with at least five years of experience) and professional (for those with experience in filming wildlife).
From the beginning, we have chosen to operate differently, taking both the experience of the international faculty and the product on offer to the next level. The most unique aspect of this year’s courses is the combination of an in-situ safari camp, state-of-the-art camera equipment, highly experienced ‘in the trade’ and Emmy, BAFTA and Oscar award-winning faculty, and the opportunity to work in an unmatched, spectacular big five wilderness area.
This school will create a group of graduates that are not simply academic, but well-equipped to operate in the everyday realities of the current wildlife film industry - both domestic and international.
All that you need...
The school is based in the wilderness with access to the Chobe National Park. The course is specifically created to facilitate the development of those who have set their hearts on becoming wildlife filmmakers. They should have an abiding passion for the natural world, and its associated subjects including fauna and flora, conservation, ethology and the environment in general.
The modules provided will include unmissable content on research, script writing, audio, exceptional cinematography, professional editing and grading, and “the business of television” for all course levels. Talks which include how to stand out from others when selling your proposal, tips on finding a platform or a distributor, and the art of pitching further distinguish this school from many others. The pure focus on wildlife ensures that the syllabus is tailored to those who will be entering this field. Beyond the standard syllabus, elements of wildlife ethics, animal behaviour, tracking skills, and much more will be present in the day-to-day activities. This all allows for an unmatched, exceptional experience, where students are introduced to the realities of wildlife filmmaking.
The challenges, the deadlines, the highs and lows, long hours, isolation, logistical challenges, unexpected twists and the unpredictable nature of Wildlife Filmmaking will all be a part of the learning curve, mirroring ‘real life’ situations that will be encountered in the industry.
An immersive, educational experience like no other…
The Wildlife Film School will provide Batswana students with a world-class 25-day training programme, equipping them to research, script, film and edit wildlife documentaries – either their own or as part of a career path. 80 Batswana students will be granted the opportunity to participate, and it is our hope and belief that this school will change the trajectory of their lives.
This year, we will assist local creatives to harness their talent and create employment opportunities through FOUR levels of courses – beginners (for those new to the industry), intermediate (for those with some experience in television and film), advanced (for seasoned individuals with at least five years of experience) and professional (for those with experience in filming wildlife).
From the beginning, we have chosen to operate differently, taking both the experience of the international faculty and the product on offer to the next level. The most unique aspect of this year’s courses is the combination of an in-situ safari camp, current state-of-the-art camera equipment, highly experienced ‘in the trade’ and Emmy, BAFTA and Oscar award-winning faculty, and the opportunity to work in an unmatched, spectacular big five wilderness area.
This school will create a group of graduates that are not simply academic, but well-equipped to operate in the everyday realities of the current wildlife film industry - both domestic and international.
All that you need...
The school is based in the wilderness with access to the Chobe National Park. The course is specifically created to facilitate the development of those who have set their hearts on becoming wildlife filmmakers. They should have an abiding passion for the natural world, and its associated subjects including fauna and flora, conservation, ethology and the environment in general.
The modules provided will include unmissable content on research, script writing, audio, exceptional cinematography, professional editing and grading, and “the business of television” for all course levels. Talks which include how to stand out from others when selling your proposal, tips on finding a platform or a distributor, and the art of pitching further distinguish this school from many others. The pure focus on wildlife ensures that the syllabus is tailored to those who will be entering this field. Beyond the standard syllabus, elements of wildlife ethics, animal behaviour, tracking skills, and much more will be present in the day-to-day activities. This all allows for an unmatched, exceptional experience, where students are introduced to the realities of wildlife filmmaking.
The challenges, the deadlines, the highs and lows, long hours, isolation, logistical challenges, unexpected twists and the unpredictable nature of Wildlife Filmmaking will all be a part of the learning curve, mirroring ‘real life’ situations that will be encountered in the industry.
Do you have what it takes? What to expect…
Wildlife Filmmaking is not for the faint-hearted! You need unlimited energy and resilience, patience and
determination, commitment and diligence, passion and a deep desire to succeed.
You will be up before the sun rises to be ready to catch ‘first light’. Subjects can be elusive, unpredictable and even downright dangerous. That shot you so badly need? Well, you may never get it – and you will need to make peace with that. Long hours of waiting patiently in the heat, dust and dirt whilst being absolutely still so as not to destroy another student’s shot. Hours of silence to get ‘clean’ audio. If you can’t do this, this is not for you.
On returning to camp, your time is spent downloading and then reviewing footage, cleaning gear and participating in lectures. Afternoons are once again time to get footage as the light turns gold. Returning after dark, you once again dump and then review footage, clean the gear and generally prep for the next day’s activities. There is little to no ‘downtime’, and you will often be running 18 hour days. That’s the life, so that’s what you’ll be doing.
You will be accommodated in a safari camp, where animals can get close. Real close! This is not a zoo. Nor is it a camp for tourists, where every whim is catered to – it is a camp created to mirror conditions experienced by professional wildlife filmmakers. You will have everything you need – but no luxuries.
In return, you will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work on the best equipment and have access to some of the finest lecturers available, practical on-the-job training under the mentorship of individuals that others can only dream of meeting!
Our Programmes
Beginner's Course
Little to no previous film experience is required for the beginner's course. A working knowledge of the basics of computers is imperative, together with a good understanding of English and a passion for wildlife.
Intermediate Course
Some previous film experience (research/scripting/audio/
filming/editing) is required for the intermediate course. A working knowledge of the basics of computers is imperative, together with a good understanding of English.
Advanced Course
The advanced course has been created for those experienced individuals in any of the relevant fields such as scripting, cinematography, editing, and more already in the industry who wish to hone their skills and broaden their repertoire.
Professional Course
The Professional course builds on the Advanced course. Having worked on a wildlife production, filmed wildlife
or edited a wildlife documentary will be very advantageous. For those already in the industry, this course will
hone skills and broaden repertoires.
Wild Beginnings...
Our Beginner's Course
This course is a hands-on, practical introduction to filmmaking which enables complete novices, or simply those interested in this field as career. By the end of the course, beyond the knowledge and experience gained, students will know enough be able to choose a discipline of their preference as well (e.g. scripting, cinematography or editing) and will be able to enter the film industry.
1st - 25th May 2025
Beyond Basics...
Our Intermediate Course
This is a deeper dive into filmmaking, created for those who have worked in the film and television industry for any period of time. It enhances the student’s understanding of those disciplines they have not yet experienced, whilst at the same time building on prior learning.
28th May – 21st June 2025
Expert Advancement...
Our Advanced Course
The Advanced course focuses on advanced skills for creating outstanding documentaries,
emphasizing creativity, unique subject matter, and an innovative approach. Tailored course content includes
professional editing, grading, scriptwriting, and cinematography. Cinematography students work with the latest
cutting-edge 8K cameras, and all the students will learn from Emmy, BAFTA, and Oscar-winning experts,
gaining invaluable industry training. With a heightened emphasis on teaching the business of television,
students gain a comprehensive understanding of the broader industry, preparing for global entertainment
careers and pitching and selling their projects.
24th June – 18th July 2025
The Professional League...
Our Professional Course
The Professional course focuses acutely on shooting wildlife footage for international clients, together with
advanced skills for creating outstanding wildlife documentaries, emphasizing storytelling, unique subject
matter, and an innovative, original approach. Tailored course content includes professional editing, grading,
scriptwriting, and cinematography. Cinematography students work with the latest cutting-edge 8K cameras,
and all the students will learn from Emmy, BAFTA, and Oscar-winning experts, gaining invaluable industry
training. With a heightened emphasis on teaching the business of television, students gain a comprehensive
understanding of the broader industry, preparing for global entertainment careers and pitching and selling their
projects. Wildlife experts will also provide students with skills relating to bushcraft and animal behaviour,
enhancing the student’s ability to obtain phenomenal footage.
21st July - 14th August 2025
FAQs
Can I attend more than one course per year?
No. You can only attend one course a year, however, you may apply for a different course next year.
I have an idea for a show. Can I present it to someone?
You can't present it to someone on this platform, however, all our courses teach the business of television where you would get the skills and strategy to know how to package and pitch your show. In addition to the courses, some of the masterclasses will teach unique aspects of this process so sign up to be notified about when these would take place.
Can I attend any of the courses if I am not a Motswana?
Unfortunately not. These courses are for Botswana citizens only.
Is there an age limit for attending any of the courses?
You must be older than 18, and there is no upper age limit.
How much does it cost to enrol in a course?
The courses are at no cost. Please see eligibility documents for further information.
How do I contact someone regarding the courses?
If you have a question that the content on this site doesn’t answer then you can write to [email protected]
Will I be sharing accommodation at the Wildlife Film School?
Yes – all students will be in shared accommodation. You will be sharing with someone of the same gender.
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