Introduction
The mesmerizing beauty of our natural world has always captivated our collective imagination. From the vast savannas of Africa to the depths of the Amazon rainforest, wildlife documentaries have allowed us to embark on extraordinary journeys, revealing the hidden stories of the animal kingdom. The creation of such documentaries is a labor of love, a marriage of art and science, and a commitment to preserving and sharing the wonders of our planet. In this article, we will delve into the captivating careers that make these cinematic odysseys possible. Whether you dream of being the one behind the lens or uncovering the mysteries of the animal kingdom, the realm of wildlife documentary production offers a realm of possibilities for those who seek to explore, educate, and inspire.
Here’s a list of some of these careers with brief definitions, qualification requirements, and a rating of their difficulty:
1. Wildlife Biologist
A wildlife biologist observes and studies Terrestrial animals and plants with a focus on field work, academic research, laboratory work, consulting, charity, outreach, or policymaking.
They are used as consultants to research and advise on the wildlife that will be the focus in wildlife documentaries.
How to become a Wildlife Biologist
The minimum required qualification is a Bachelor’s Degree. Those who want to specialise in specific animals study further for a Master’s Degree.
The most important subjects to focus on will be biology, microbiology, zoology, or ecology.
Career Name – Wildlife Biologist
Category – Wildlife Conservation / Specialist / Zoos, Aquariums, Museums and Theme Parks
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Science, Chemistry
Minimum Required Education – Bachelor’s Degree
Species Worked With – Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Difficulty Level of becoming a Wildlife Biologist
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
2. Content Writer
Content writers develop written content for various types of media, including books, magazines, movies, documentaries, plays, and television scripts.
They can take the research done by others, such as wildlife biologists, and write a script for the wildlife documentary.
How to become a Content Writer
The minimum educational requirement to enter this career is a College diploma, or a Bachelor’s Degree.
Common majors include language, journalism, communications, creative writing, technical writing, copywriting and information management.
Career Name – Content Writer
Category: Business / Media / Education / Wildlife Conservation / Marine Conservation / Zoos & Aquariums
Skills Required: Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects: Art, Business Studies, Biology
Required Education: High School Certificate
Species Worked With: Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Difficulty Level of becoming a Content Writer
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
3. Camera Operator
A camera operator is the person who uses a camera to shoot footage of animal scenes used in different kinds of productions, such as nature films, documentaries, videos for zoos, etc.
There are different kinds of camera operators, based on the field they chose to specialise in:
- Documentary Camera Operator (footage of animals, pets or wildlife in different settings to tell a story)
- Night Vision Camera Operators (cameras made to shoot scenes at night with night vision equipment attached)
- Infrared or Thermal Camera Operators (cameras made to pick up heat signatures of animals)
How to become a Camera Operator
The work done by camera operators needs to be of high quality, which means that the minimum qualification to enter this career would be a College diploma. Many of the operators have studied further towards a Bachelor’s degree.
A diploma or degree in Film and Television, Dramatic Arts, Media Production, Media Technology or Photography.
Career Name – Camera Operator
Category – Media / Wildlife Conservation / Marine Conservation
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects – Art, Business Studies, Biology
Required Education – College Diploma
Species Worked With – Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Difficulty Level of becoming a Camera Operator
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
4. Drone Pilot
Drone pilots can use the drones to survey a specific area or animals to assist in conservation, law enforcement, anti-poaching, game surveys and wildlife filming.
How to become a Drone Pilot
To become a drone pilot, you will need a minimum of a high school certificate. Many do study further through a specialised training institution.
There are special drone schools in many countries where they focus on certifying young drone pilots in subjects ranging from flying to understanding the weather.
Career Name – Drone Pilot
Category – Law & enforcement / Business / Farming / Marine Conservation / Wildlife Conservation / Media & Publishing
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Biology, Business Studies, Language
Minimum Required Education – High School Certificate
Species Worked With – Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Difficulty Level of becoming a Drone Pilot
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
5. Wildlife Filmmaker
Wildlife filmmakers are individuals that make use of video recording to capture the behaviour of various kinds of wild animals for research and entertainment.
They capture video footage, and in most cases also do the preliminary editing and production.
How to become a Wildlife Filmmaker
There is no minimum requirements to become a wildlife filmmaker, but the most successful filmmakers do study further with at least a College diploma.
Major subjects in photography, media production, or even zoology will assist you in gaining knowledge of filming and the different species.
Extensive study towards a Bachelor’s Degree in filmmaking (wildlife filmmaking where possible) is recommended.
Career Name – Wildlife Filmmaker
Category – Media / Business / Education / Marine Conservation / Wildlife Conservation
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic School Subjects – Art, Business Studies, Biology
Required Basic Education – College Diploma
Species Worked With – Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Difficulty Level of becoming a Wildlife Filmmaker
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
6. Underwater Videographer
An underwater videographer uses specially designed video cameras to film life under the sea.
How to become an Underwater Videographer
To become an Underwater Videographer doesn’t require formal training, but many do go on to study a College Diploma.
As a diver you will definitely need to obtain a qualification in scuba diving.
If you are thinking of further studies, you can focus on majors in photography, photojournalism and video editing.
Career Name – Underwater Videographer
Category – Media / Business / Education / Marine Conservation
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects – Art, Business Studies, Biology
Required Education – High School Certificate
Species Worked With – Fish, Crustaceans, Mollusks
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Difficulty Level of becoming an Underwater Videographer
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
7. Documentary Producer
A documentary producer is a person that oversees the creation of an animal film or documentary. It’s like the boss that needs to make sure that the differently skilled workers create the right product.
How to become a Documentary Producer
The minimum requirements is an excellent College Diploma, with most producers following a Bachelor’s Degree.
Students focus on subjects in line with film production, digital editing, business management, or marketing.
Career Name – Documentary Producer
Category – Media / Education / Marine Conservation / Wildlife Conservation
Skills Required – Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects – Art, Business Studies, Biology
Required Education – College Diploma
Species Worked With – Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Direct
Difficulty Level of becoming a Documentary Producer
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
8. Animal Video Editor
A video editor takes raw footage and transforms it into a proper video or film suitable to watch online, on mobile, or even in cinemas. An animal video editor works primarily within the animal documentary or film Environment.
Video editors are a part of the creative crew when producing wildlife films or documentaries.
How to become an Animal Video Editor
To become an animal video editor doesn’t necessarily require formal training, but many do go on to study for a College Diploma or even a Bachelor’s Degree.
Students focus on subjects such as film and television studies, media production, or film and media.
Career Name – Animal Video Editor
Category – Media / Education / Marine Conservation / Wildlife Conservation
Skills Required: Life skills 40% – Career skills 60%
Basic Subjects: Art, Business Studies, Biology
Required Education: High School Certificate
Species Worked With: Pets, Critters, Farm Animals, Wildlife
Kind of Interaction with Animals – Indirect
Difficulty Level of becoming an Animal Video Editor
Helpful Links
Career Profiles:
Conclusion
In the realm of wildlife documentaries, the storytellers, camera operators, sound engineers, researchers, and the myriad of professionals behind the scenes become the bridge between the natural world and human hearts. Their passion, dedication, and expertise have the power to transform our understanding of the wild, drive conservation efforts, and inspire the next generation of nature enthusiasts.
As we’ve explored the careers that weave this mesmerizing tapestry, we’re reminded of the profound impact these individuals have on our world. Through their work, they ensure that the enchanting narratives of our planet’s wildlife continue to captivate, educate, and resonate for generations to come, reminding us all of the importance of preserving the treasures of our precious Earth.
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