Volunteer: Safari Filmmakers: Capturing South Africa s Majestic Wildlife on Camera

Program Highlights

Learn to create compelling wildlife documentaries, gaining hands-on skills in camera operation, directing, producing, scriptwriting, and editing.

Capture stunning land-based and underwater photography, creating a versatile portfolio of authentic work.

Collaborate with an environmental and media company focused on raising awareness for African-specific environmental issues, working with clients like broadcasters, corporations, NGOs, and media outlets.

By the end of the course, produce your own 5-minute wildlife documentary, showcasing your filmmaking abilities in a real-world African game reserve setting.

Participate in client-based shoots, creating marketing materials for advertising and social media campaigns, gaining valuable experience in real-world media production.

Program Breakdown

• Week 1 – Pre-production and Planning: Essential training and preparation for your documentary filming in Mossel Bay.
• Week 2-3 – Wildlife Filming on a Game Reserve: Immersive experience in the African wilderness, capturing wildlife and scenic beauty.
• Week 4 – Post-production & Final Edits: Fine-tuning your footage in Mossel Bay with expert guidance in editing, sound, and final production.

Why This Program is Perfect for You

• Unmatched Experience: Live and work in Africa’s iconic landscapes, honing your craft in a real-world environment.
• Professional Development: Work alongside industry experts to develop your photography and filmmaking skills, building a portfolio that sets you apart in the wildlife media field.
• Business Skills: Gain business training to ensure financial stability, learn how to write business plans, and market your services effectively.
• Break Into Wildlife Filmmaking: This course provides the skills and a finished documentary to kickstart your career in wildlife filmmaking.

Logistics

• Your home away from home will be a local Guesthouse located nearby, nestled within the picturesque Aalwyndal community, offering stunning views of the surrounding Outeniqua Mountains and the ocean.
• The guesthouse features 8 bedrooms, providing ample space for students to relax and unwind after a day of filmmaking.
• You will have access to living rooms, dining rooms, balconies, and work offices, ensuring you have everything you need to make the most of your time in South Africa.
• You will be staying in self-catered accommodation. Access to a shared kitchen is provided, and there are numerous options to purchase food nearby.
• The cost of the programme is $3,900 USD for the 4 weeks course. 2 weeks options ($2500) are also available, enquire with us when applying.
• This includes: Private Accommodation, Airport Pickup & transfer to project, All project-related activities, Premium Support Package with 24/7 Support.
• This does not include: Flights, Food, Visas (if applicable), Vaccinations, Travel Insurance, Personal spending and any extra activities.

Testimonials

Wildlife Documentary Making in South Africa

My time at the project in Mossel Bay was very special to me. This project really focuses on wildlife filmmaking and everything that comes with it. There hasn’t been a day where I was bored or felt out of place. Every single day was pure work, laughs and overall an amazing experience. I don’t know if I personally made a difference to the project but people like me who are willing to learn and meet new people in this field are the ones that make this project a success and a joy for everyone.

One of my biggest challenges was the fact that I’ve never edited before and we spend a good amount of time editing our films. I was often stuck and had to figure it out by myself but that’s how you learn the most, it’s by doing it yourself. I am very proud of myself that I learned so many useful things during my time there and extremely grateful for all the staff who helped me overcome my challenges. I am extremely satisfied with my short film and looking forward to doing another experience like that in the future. This project did meet my expectations and I would definitely recommend this to a friend who has experience in filmmaking.

Chiara

Book a Call: Schedule a free call with us to discuss the project in greater details, and answer any questions you may have.