Media Lab
An immersive 10-day filmmaking workshop
Jackson Wild Media Lab
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is an immersive, cross-disciplinary science filmmaking workshop that brings scientists and media creators together to learn from leaders in the profession and work together to develop effective tools to communicate about science, nature and conservation with diverse audiences across the world’s evolving media platforms. Media Lab fellows will work side-by-side with instructors and industry-leading mentors to gain intensive hands-on film making experience, learn the science of science communication, get a crash course using professional-grade tools and equipment, and expand professional networks with peers and industry professionals. This highly competitive program covers all expenses associated with travel, food and lodging during the workshop and the Jackson Wild Summit.
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Day's Edge Productions.
2024 Media Lab
We regret to inform you that there will not be a lab program in 2024. However, we encourage you to check back next year as applications for the Media Lab will open in March of 2025. Stay tuned for more updates and information on how you can be a part of our upcoming program!
2023 Media Lab Films
About the Media Lab
Intensive Workshops & Hands-on Production
Participants will directly engage with industry thought-leaders--from network executives at major broadcasters and chief editors of web platforms to world-renowned directors and communication scientists. In addition to intensive lectures and hands-on activities, JWML fellows will form groups and partner with local scientists or conservation organizations doing work in the area. These conservation science organizations will become “clients” as JWML teams collaborate to produce a short film for them. These films will be showcased during the Jackson Wild Summit and used by the client organizations to promote their work.
Industry Mentors
Over the course of the Media Lab, we will present evocative sessions with industry leaders on topics such as: The Business of Documentary Production, Creating for YouTube and Digital Platforms, The Art of the Pitch, The Science of Effective Science Communication, Storytelling with Impact, and Project Funding 101, as well as specific crafts including cinematography, lighting, writing, editing and creating evocative audioscapes through field sounds and music.
Award-Winning Filmmakers
Group leaders Nate Dappen and Neil Losin are award-winning filmmakers, biologists, and photographers. They will lead the group through the workshops and facilitate the creation of participants’ group documentary projects. After earning PhDs in biology in 2012, they left academia to start Day’s Edge Productions, an award-winning production company that specializes in telling stories about science, nature, conservation and adventure for television, web, and classrooms. Passionate filmmakers committed to the art and science of effective storytelling, they have led science and conservation filmmaking workshops at Jackson Hole, the International Wildlife Film Festival, Science Media Awards and Summit (in the) Hub, and the American Conservation Film Festival, as well as immersive field courses with leading universities and research centers in the U.S. and abroad. They have been leading the Media Lab since its inception in 2019.
The ideal participants include:
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including graduate students, postdocs, professors, and researchers who are interested in using visual media to expand their science communication efforts. Focus on ecology, evolution, biology, wildlife science, science education or conservation is a plus.
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with an interest in science or wildlife/conservation filmmaking.
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from the science, natural history or conservation communities including university PIOs, media specialists at NGOs, and others who have an interest in expanding their visual media skillsets.
Applicants do not require advanced technical skills, scientific degrees or expertise in science communication but must show an interest in learning about the art of science communication, working with scientists, and producing science/conservation content.
Applicants should expect to lift equipment (cameras, tripods, lighting gear, etc) and walk up to 2km or more, but accommodations can be made if necessary. Let the Jackson Wild Media Lab team know of any concerns or limitations during the application process at medialab@jacksonwild.org
We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible program for all individuals, including those with disabilities. Our program strives to reasonably accommodate the needs of all participants to ensure a positive and meaningful experience for everyone. We welcome any feedback or suggestions that will help us better accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities.
The Work
INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS & PRODUCTION DURING THE DAY: In addition to intensive lectures and hands-on activities, JWML fellows will form groups and partner with local scientists or conservation organizations (such as biologists at the National Parks Service or organizations like the World Wildlife Fund, The US Forest Service and others). These scientists or conservation organizations will become the group’s “client” and JWML participants will work with that organization to produce a short film for their client. The films will premiere at a Jackson Wild event and the final products will also be used by the clients they were made for to promote their work or advocate for their cause.
INDUSTRY-LEADING MENTORS TWICE A DAY: Most lunches and dinners will feature targeted presentations from leaders in the industry with a diverse set of skills, perspectives and knowledge that will help participants succeed in their science communication careers. These lectures and panels will present participants with a diverse set of skills, perspectives and knowledge that will help them succeed in their science communication careers.
Throughout the workshop, we will hold evening seminars from industry leaders on topics such as:
THE BUSINESS OF DOCUMENTARY FILM PRODUCTION
HOW TO YOUTUBE
NEXT LEVEL EDITING
THE ART OF THE PITCH
THE SCIENCE OF SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
ANIMATION AND MOTION GRAPHICS FOR SCIENCE FILMS
BIG BUDGET PRODUCTION VALUE FOR LOW BUDGET PROJECTS
MUSIC IN FILM: A COLLABORATIVE PROCESS
THE WORLD OF BRANDED CONTENT
TELLING STORIES WITH IMPACT
SCIENCE FILMS IN THE DIGITAL LANDSCAPE
STORYTELLING FROM THE PROS
DIVERSITY IN SCIENCE STORYTELLING