Back in 2021, Harry Nixon signed up for the residential wildlife filmmaking course on the Isle of Mull. Harry had visited the island back when he was a child with his parents. He was interested in working in television and wanted to know if the Wild Island Film School could help him in any way.
Fast forward two years and I catch up with Harry as he enters the final month of his MA in Wildlife Filmmaking at UWE, Bristol. This is the golden trail of post graduate courses as it’s in partnership with the BBC’s Natural History Unit.
I ask Harry:
1) Can you tell us about the MA in wildlife filmmaking at UWE and what a typical week might look like?
The MA is very broad and we touch a wide range of the aspects involved in wildlife filmmaking. A typical week could involve storytelling & story development, technical camera workshops, film editing, sound, production management, colour grading and we often have guest speakers from various areas of the industry to dig deeper into their role and company and learn more about the industry.
2) Was doing a course with Wild Island Film School beneficial in preparing for the MA? Can you tell us how?
Absolutely! It really helped me gain an understanding of the importance of storytelling and an idea of how a wildlife film is structured. As the MA is predominantly storytelling focused, the Wild Island Film School was the perfect fit. On top of this, it helped me add to my portfolio for the application process, by making a short film on the Isle of Mull.
3) What camera experience did you have prior to the Wild island Film School course?
I had very little to no camera experience before the Wild Island Film School course. I had just played around with a basic DSLR and had only done very entry level photography before, never any film.
4) Would you say Mull is a good place to do a wildlife filmmaking course?
It’s such an idyllic location. I absolutely loved the island. Stunning landscapes, amazing diverse wildlife all around which was relatively easy to see and film each day.
5) What area of wildlife filmmaking are you interested in pursuing post graduation?
I’m looking to get into the editorial side once I graduate so the first step will ideally be a researcher role.
6) What advice could you give anyone thinking of getting into wildlife filmmaking for a career?
Build up a portfolio of photos and short films/clips. Use social media as a way to showcase it as well as meet and connect with others in the industry. Join online webinars that are often available to hear talks from various people in the industry from all sides of the business to get a better understanding of which area of the industry might work best for you. Go to industry events to stay connected and keep up to date with what’s happening – and do the Wild Island Film School course!