The Wildlife Film School have run many courses over the past 15+ years across the whole of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland;
as well as bespoke courses in North Wales, The Peak District, New Forest, Epping Forrest, Dorset and Cornwall.
Above is our latest film produced by Oli during his 4-week wildlife film course on the Isle of Mull in Scotland, August 2023. We had a great time filming Otters, White Tailed Sea Eagles, Red & Fallow deer, with lots of great drone shots of the landscape in between.
Please enjoy the film…
I enrolled in the Wildlife Film School with a deep curiosity about the natural wonders of the Isle of Mull, and I can confidently say it has been a transformative experience. Ric’s hands-on approach to wildlife filmmaking opened up a world of knowledge I could have never imagined.
Through his guidance, I’ve not only gained an in-depth understanding of the rich biodiversity on The Isle of Mull but also honed my filmmaking skills. The practical fieldwork allowed me to capture the island’s breathtaking wildlife on my own terms.
Witnessing some iconic animals from such close encounters was a real privilege and has made me a more conscious and responsible individual. The Wildlife Film School has not only fuelled my passion for Wildlife but has also helped me grow as a person. It’s an experience I’ll forever cherish, and I am grateful for the opportunities it has provided me.
10/10
Above is the film produced by Louis and Jasmine in October and November 2020 during the 8 week practical section of their SCQF ‘Level 8’ Diploma in Wildlife Documentary Film Making course on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.
Both the lockdown restrictions and the weather caused some very interesting issues that the students had to work through to produce their final film (They actually camped through a Force 8 and two Force 6 gales (in the process, breaking and repairing 18 tent poles over the length of the whole course)) but we hope that you agree with us when we say we think they made an extremely good film.
Before the course neither of Louis or Jasmine had produced a wildlife film, let alone worked on location during the shortened days of the cold winter months with all that the Scottish weather could throw at them. Although somehow, Jasmine still managed to find an idyllic beautiful day in which to grab an underwater camera and go for a swim of a pier filming the creatures below the surface that she loves so much.
The whole course truly was an inspirational (and fun) time for both the students and course instructor.
Please enjoy the film…
How do you think your course went ?
Storms and unapologetic weather aside, the course was awesome. If it was summer I imagine there would be some difference but none the less
The knowledge I have gained will stay with me forever. Camp life is tough, but there is plenty of value in that.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
Absolutely. An awesome film has been created. I have learnt the process of film making, especially when in a tough environment. I now have a working knowledge of editing software.
Did you enjoy your course / What was your favourite moment?
Yes, all of it.
Travelling all around Mull and seeing the island was great. Learning all about different shore creatures whilst making the film.
Filming a trio of Otter doing their thing was a massive highlight which I’ll remember forever.
What did you like about your instructor ?
Ric has an incredible wealth of knowledge about camp craft, camera equipment and Mull. There is a story for all occasions, there’s usually a lesson to be learnt within the story too. There is always a nice level of freedom with what we want to do with our day that is given to us all the while Ric keeps us on track with what we need to be doing with that freedom.
He often allows for us to come to realisation of what needs doing and how to do it, which I feels betters us. Learning by figuring it out by myself and learning by doing is always more fulfilling and useful.
Louis´s Student Testimonial
This course has more life experience that I could ever have hoped for. Two months of pure learning experience, not just using learning to make a wildlife film, but how also to exist in the field in the best way possible. Even when times get tough there is a lot of value in knowing how to deal with what ever gets thrown at you.
I have learnt how to use a camera correctly. I have learnt how to ideally set up a camera. I have learnt a plethora of life skills that I will forever remember because of this course.
10/10
How do you think your course went ?
I feel like it went very well, we made a lovely film which I am proud of and I learnt a lot of valuable skills that I am bound to use in later life.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
Yes, I have learnt how to use a film camera properly and how to edit my footage, as well as having a great film and memories to take home with me.
Did you enjoy your course / What was your favourite moment?
Yes, my favourite moment was when I filmed some White Tailed Sea Eagles with the long lens, it was really special.
What did you like about your instructor ?
Very knowledgeable
Good at explaining things simply
Can have a laugh with them and many interesting conversations
Resourceful and knows how to deal with, and fix things that go wrong
Jasmine´s Student Testimonial
This course is brilliant for hands on learning.
You learn so much in 8 weeks than you would working in a classroom for a year. Being out in the field means all the time means you learn faster and you can have amazing experiences as you go.
The Isle of Mull is the perfect location with a beautiful scenic landscape full of amazing wildlife. You really get a feel for what it is like to be a wildlife cameraman working on location, having to work in all weathers and looking after camera equipment as well as learning how to set up and live in tents for long periods of time.
The weather wasn’t always perfect and there can be some bad days, but I will leave this course taking with me valuable skills and knowledge as well as great memories and experiences.
9/10
Above is the 28 minute film produced by Anthony, JJ & Thao from the footage filmed during their Diploma in Wildlife Documentary Film–making course. The whole film was filmed and produced on location on the Isle of Mull during the 8 week practical section of this 16 week course.
Before the course Anthony and Jay had never used a professional television camera; Thao held experience in film, but non of them had produced a wildlife film before. Please note that Thao has not provided a student testimonial as she sadly had to leave us during the middle of the course.
Enjoy the film…
How do you think your course went ?
I think the course went well. I have come here and learnt a whole new handset of skills, which I would not have acquired anywhere else in the same amount of time.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
During the duration of the course we have been able to make a 30 min film. Developed the basic essential skills for editing footage and audio. I have become more affluent with the language and ethical behaviour required for the film industry. I came on the course to develop my out-door skills to be able to carry out a similar scenario on my own .
Did you enjoy your course / What was your favourite moment?
I really enjoyed the course and was excited for the experience from day one. Spending time around camp with the course peers has been a delightful experience and have formed strong friendships with all members.
Coming to Mull was a unique experience for me as I have never seen any of the UK´s iconic wildlife. There were plenty breath taking moments. Down at knock farm we had two buzzard fly by a dozen feet in front of us. My favourite moment however has to be when we went out on Martin´s boat. I managed to film a close up of the fish eagle fishing which wasn´t too shabby If I do say so myself. This was an extremely proud moment for my and gave me a sense of fulfilment with the course.
What did you like about your instructor ?
Ric is a charismatic instructor which thoroughly knows his craft. There was a good balance of work and leisure on the course which enabled us to get everything done. I appreciated his firm personality if we made any mistakes, as if this was not the case we would have most likely repeated them. This is a very good quality to ensure everything goes smoothly especially when dealing with really expensive equipment.
Anthony´s Student Testimonial
My experience at the UK wildlife film school has been one of learning and fun. The course went well and started of on a slow note as we familiarised ourselves with the equipment we were going to use, and the code of conduct required in the industry. Through out my time here I have gained a handset of skills, from the set up of a tripod and mounting the camera, to the workings of Adobe Premiere pro and how to piece a film together. I wouldn’t have been able to learn all of this in the same amount of time anywhere else.
By the end of the course we managed to produce a 30 minute film which was not only informative but entertaining with our own special touch. If you come on this course by the time you leave you will be proficient in all the processes that go into making a wildlife film from pre-production all the way to post production.
Coming on the course also gave me the opportunity to witness a whole new side of the natural world that I have never seen before. Being in a different environment such as Mull you will encounter some of the UK´s most iconic wildlife.
I have had an amazing lifetime experience on Mull and acquired knowledge skills and friendships that will serve me a lifetime.
10/10
How do you think your course went ?
I feel the course went really well. I learn so much I had no idea about not only about wildlife filming but also field craft and the wider film industry. We completed the film and made it to a good standard considering none of us had picked up a video camera or used a proper editing system before.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
I would say so yes, I set out with few expectations. But the main one was to learn how to make a quality documentary. Although I did not expect us to make us a broadcast standard film. I expected us to make something decent and I believe we exceeded that and produced something you would like to watch; and watch all the way through.
I definitely learnt all the things I wished to learn on the course regarding camera, audio and editing equipment. Learnt their function, use and care. I feel like I have a good grounding all those things so that I can have a career in this field.
Did you enjoy your course / What was your favourite moment?
I did enjoy the course, my favourite part of the course was going out on the boat and filming the sea eagles, it was a really cool experience and considering that we had pretty much a month and a half of miserable weather to get a nice day to film the eagles was special.
I also really enjoyed the editing process it was where you could see how a film is really made. The layers of audio and video lines that build up a film so that it works as one piece. It also gave me a better understanding of how to use camera as you can point and shoot at anything but what you film and how you film it needs to be filmed through the eyes of the editor or viewer. You may really like it but it may be useless for the edit and won´t engage the viewer.
What did you like about your instructor ?
Ric is a firm and fair instructor, he has a wealth of knowledge and he takes time to speak to locals that you gain valuable knowledge from that otherwise would go a miss.
He is always trying to improve you as his student and will tell you exactly how it is. When you do well you´ll get praise but at the same time you´ll get told when it´s wrong.
Camp craft and organisation is paramount and your skills will improve with Ric and he always has stories to tell…
JJ´s Student Testimonial
Before this course I was unsure of how or what it entails to work in wildlife film. All I knew is that I had a passion for wildlife and working in an admin wasn´t for me. Arriving in Oban two days after my last day at work I was nervous but excited.
The course is what you make of it, the more you put in the more you get out. Listening and watching Ric and your peers you can learn a lot. It seems with wildlife film the best way to learn is by learning from mistakes. Before you make them or someone else does you have no idea how important the little things are (even when Ric tells you).
From using camera, pitching tents and editing, there is nothing I didn´t improve in. Becoming comfortable with the camera gear, ranging from a DJI Osmo to the FS7 a production level camera was a steep learning curve.
Although I have watched a plethora of wildlife documentaries and have some knowledge about wildlife. You really come to understand the skills needed to produce a wildlife film.
Filming to a script is easier said than done with wildlife, initially I wanted to do my segment on Birds of Prey, but unfortunately apart from Buzzards they seemed to be more elusive than they normally are this year.
But the most engaging part was the edit process. When the film comes together. Where you choose and add music and end up with your final film. Our film really shows the fun we had on this course, we weren´t always the most productive with our days. But using creativity we managed to use our footage to its fullest.
Life changing experience, I’ll be back to Mull to see the White Tailed Sea Eagles, Otters and hopefully a Golden Eagle that isn´t so far away I need 3000mm lens. It´s a shock to the system as wildlife film making isn´t as romantic as it´s made out to be; but it´s thoroughly rewarding, and that final film makes it all worth it.
If I am lucky enough to work in wildlife film in the future, this will be a perfect grounding.
9/10
Above is the 20 minute film produced by Maria from the footage filmed during her Diploma in Wildlife Documentary Film–making course.
The whole film was filmed and produced on location on the Isle of Mull during the 8 week practical section of this 16 week course.
Before the course Maria had never used a television camera, let alone produced a wildlife film on location.
During her course we took Maria though all the fundamental stages of production from filming and editing to script writing and logistics.
Enjoy the film…
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
Yes. The thing I mainly learnt about the course was how to film wildlife. Not only in the sense of settings, but also in the sense of finding a good spot, setting up the equipment and waiting. How to observe wildlife and predict movements. I am very excited to go out and film and I have started planning what to do next.
Did you enjoy your course / What was your favourite moment?
I do not know what was my favourite moment since I have several ones. Seeing the Otters was pretty amazing, especially the first and last day. However, I really enjoyed filming the White Tailed Sea Eagles (from land and from a boat).
Finding the Newt and the Toads was very cool and I very much enjoyed filming them. Seeing the Buzzard eating that Rabbit was amazing and my biggest regret of the course is not being able to film it in time.
Filming the Dolphins was pretty good too.
And I actually quite enjoyed filming the Highland Cows !
Maria´s Student Testimonial
After two months filming on location, I feel confident when using a camera. I am able to use the settings of the camera to obtain correctly exposed images. After so much practicing, I am getting comfortable with my pans.
There is still much to learn and practice, but I am getting better at filming flying birds. I have improved a lot since the start of the course on how to set up the tripod and carry and set up the rest of the equipment too.
I have learnt to wait and observe nature and to predict the subjects next movements. And I have learnt that many times you come back to camp without even seen anything. Those days are slightly frustrating. But then, another day, you see something amazing.
One of the main things that I learnt and that I did not know about was writing a script. That was a whole new area for me. It was quite hard, but it turned out to be rather useful when producing my film.
Another area in which I have improved is camping. I have learnt every step of the process, from looking for a suitable location, setting up camp, reading a map, cooking in a tent, safety use of equipment and logistics.
Above is the film Patrick and Mads produced from the footage filmed during their 12 day wildlife film course on the Isle of Mull in July 2017.
How do you think your course went ?
I have very little to compare it to as previous film courses have been less specialised and different in terms of kit etc. I think the end results were good and I gained some good experience. I believe my overall performance improved somewhat and reviled areas I need to focus on. Some very good shots and overall editing sessions. Feel I need more time and attention to camp craft and outdoorsmanship. Some tough times, but all are usable for future learning and improvement.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
Leaving with a complete film and gaining experience were very much my goals. So I can now say I have been successful with these.
Did you enjoy your course / What was your favourite moment?
Yes. I enjoyed a number of things about the course, particularly the practice more specialised kit than I am previously used to. I also enjoyed the experience of spotting and the team element involved – even when you´re not on camera. Filming the three Red Deer moving though the field in the evening were a highlight.
What did you like about your instructor ?
Ric is very knowledgeable about the wildlife, the island, its laws & customs, the technology and efficient camp craft. He was also very receptive to ideas during the writing / editing and planning stages and had a good sense for when to lead or steer with the scheduled planning, and when not too. He was also relatively hands-off during the edit stages allowing us to take creative decisions and make our own discoveries.
Patrick´s Student Testimonial
Survived for 12 days, learned some useful things for wildlife but which may also be transferable to other filming projects. I am leaving with a strong sense of what to film with in the future. Film looks good. I made a good friend in Mads. Partly happy to be leaving as soon off to see family and will enjoy returning to regular life though I felt comfortable enough in the tent.
Despite some difficulties I am not discouraged but now have a greater perspective of challenges facing operators in the field.
I would say my filming has improved as there are some really good shots that display smooth movements that required quick decision making – when following the Red Deer for instance, whether to keep all three in frame or back off and just follow one or two. I feel like this sort of thing, which comes with practice, is an essential part of good film making technique and attitude.
Likewise, previous editing experience has paid off in terms of some problem solving and quick work arounds.
How do you think your course went ?
Good. The number of days fitted well into my schedule. I put my heart into it and think that it paid off.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
Yes, I wanted to get a feel of what wildlife film making was like as a first priority and I feel I have a good idea as to what this is now. Even better – I really like it. Also as an added bonus I now have a product (Film) that I can show others University etc.) as well as a lot of improvement in my filming and editing skills.
Did you enjoy your course / What was your favourite moment?
Yes. It was a good educational time. Filming is most defiantly my most favourite part – more specifically following birds flying with a good smooth pan is challenging and very fun. I also enjoy the thrill and excitement when you when you do a good shot or the animal you´ve been waiting for suddenly appears.
What did you like about your instructor ?
You really seem to know your stuff – kit, animals, techniques etc. You are also good at striking up a conversation which is a good skill when you are dealing with groups of strangers.
Mad´s Student Testimonial
I set out to learn more about what wildlife film making was – and now I have a more thorough understanding of what that implies. Along the way I also picked up a lot of new camera skills, editing skills and some general camp craft skills.
The film Patrick and I produced seemed rather good and might be useful in the future (for instance when applying for college). I now feel more confident than ever that wildlife filming is something I want to pursue.
Above is the film Daisy and Lukas produced from the footage filmed during their 12 week wildlife film course.
During their course we visited the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Avimore, Inverness, Loch Ness, The Isle of Mull, The Cairngorms and the Shetland Isles, during the editing process they decided to write a script that focused on the Shetland Islands, with footage they filmed from other parts of Scotland included to demonstrate the differences in the environments of the Shetland Islands and the rest of Scotland. At the end of the film there is also a short collection of footage of sequences they really liked and wanted to show, but didn´t find space in their final film to included them. Please enjoy the film… Thank you.
I have had a more hours using the equipment than I can count and I can safely say I know their in´s and out´s. This course could be summed up as a wildlife filming tour of Scotland with the added bonus of learning about production.
A long course has tested my limits with working as part of a group, but if you have a passion for filming wildlife as I do, this is definitely an experience to be had.
Above is the short film that Henry and Lukas produced during our last course on the Isle of Jura. Thank you. We would like to point out that neither of them had any experience of operating a camera before attending this course.
(Please Note – For some reason whilst uploading this film, it self-converted from 4K into HD, changed it from 50fps to 25fps, altered some of the colour grading, and made the whole thing a little fuzzy. So we can only apologise for this) We have included this film so you can see the learning curve Luka’s went through from attending a 12 day course with us, only to return the next year to undertake a 3 month long practical course.
Please enjoy the film… Thank you.
How do you feel your course went?
Fantastically: I had a brilliant time. Longest I’ve wild camped in one place; the whole experience was extremely rounded.
10 out of 10.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
Yes I did: I especially enjoyed learning the theory of learning how to work the camera (Iris settings and Depth of field etc.) Learning the details of editing was fascinating too.
Did you enjoy your course / What was your favourite moment?
Yes. I did. Favourite moment has to be sitting looking out to sea with Dolphins swimming in the distance, or capturing the buzzard flight perfectly, or filming George jump a fence…
What aspects of the course would you change / add / remove / improve on?
Honestly, I’d do a longer course where we camped for longer around a potentially lucrative location.
Henry’s Student Testimonial
I came to this course with downwards of zero experience actually operating a camera.
I know this was a career I fancied getting into, but not any idea of how to or what kind of stuff might be required of me. Everything about the course was an experience that helped me further my knowledge and drive to learn all I could.
I feel that I came away from it with enough experience for people to take my plans and ideas seriously, and that I have the skillset to back these claims up.
Would happily recommend to a friend.
10/10
How do you feel your course went?
I learned more than I expected. Having never used a camera before, I feel confident enough to pick up a camera and maybe even do some independent productions.
Did you accomplish what you set out to do?
Yes, and exceeded my expectations
Did you enjoy your course / What was your favourite moment?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time on the course. I can’t say I had a favourite. The views were spectacular and being so close to the wildlife was always a thrill. Funnily enough, seeing a big stag shrug his head below his shoulders and almost crawl off the road from inside the car on one of the night drives, is close to the favourite if I had to decide, it showed an almost human side of the deer that I probably would never have seen in a documentary.
What aspects of the course would you change / add / remove / improve on?
The course itself is as good as it gets.
But if it was lengthened, by maybe 2 weeks (and maybe filming from a boat) that would be a good experience.
Lukas Student Testimonial
I came on the course with no knowledge of how to work a camera, let alone a film camera. Within a day, out in the field, I had learnt the basics and had already begun to try more advanced shots, Panning + Zooming etc.
This course was nothing like learning in a classroom and was tailored to include and exceed the expectations we had set at the beginning.
You get a good gauge of what it takes to be a wildlife cameraman in terms of editing, filming and carrying the equipment over distances.
Along with the coursework, I have also been exposed to breath-taking scenery and the most star filled sky I have ever seen.
If you aren’t afraid to get mud on your boots and want a taste of what it takes to make a wildlife documentary, I would defiantly recommend coming on this course.
10/10
Above is the short film that Richard and Claire made during their 12 day wildlife film course on the Isle of Mull.
I have really enjoyed my experience here on Mull.
I have learnt a great deal from my Instructors & I feel I have progressed in my editing skills in particular.
It has been great to find out what it is like to be a wildlife film-maker & try out all the aspects of the process of making a finished film.
The course has confirmed to me that wildlife film making is certainly something I wish to pursue in the future. It has been a privilege to spend time on this beautiful island & get close to such wonderful wildlife.
I am sad to be leaving !
I had a great time and enjoyed producing a short film. I particularly enjoyed going through all the steps on location, giving a sense of what would be required being a professional wildlife film maker.
The locations and the scenery were also excellent, making it a great trip even ignoring the filming part, and it didn’t rain very much considering being in Scotland.
I was really itching to come on a practical wildlife film course after attending a few courses at wildeye. I can confidently say, the UK Wildlife Film School has given me the core foundation knowledge of what is required when taking up the task of filming out on location, and what is required of you to complete a wildlife film production smoothly and successfully.
I learned first hand the conflict of needing to film the Otter and wanting to watch him with my own eyes and not just through the eyepiece!
Matt – Malvern, UK
“This is the best way to learn wildlife film-making Scotland offers some incredible landscapes and to track the wildlife and film them directly in their environment is the core of this course. In some cases it may take some time but it’s really worth effort.
Esperienza imperdibile! [Unmissable experience!]”
Luca – Rome, Italy
I have really enjoyed my experience here on Mull. I learned a great deal from my instructors and I feel I have progressed in my editing skills in particular. It has been great to find out what it is like to be a wildlife film maker and try out all the aspects of the process of making a finished film out on location.
The course has confirmed for me that wildlife film making is something I wish to pursue in the future. It has been a privilege to spend time on this beautiful island and get so close to such wonderful wildlife. I am sad to be leaving!
Claire – Edinburgh, UK
“The course was fantastic and the locations were even better. I actually filmed an otter within 1 hour of arriving on location!
The whole week was truly inspirational.”
Corrie – Devon, UK
The course was good. It was good to get experience like this out in the field.”
-Matt, London.
“I feel the course went well. I liked the fact that despite all the student´s preconceptions of what the course might be like, the course showed a very realistic example of what being a wildlife filmmaker is all about.”
-Hannah, Yorkshire.
“In the beginning we had a lot of carrying of equipment and group logistics to do that I hadn´t thought about, but we accomplished everything very well in our days of filming and editing.”
-Alex, Austria.
“Ric is clearly very knowledgeable and experienced in filming and surviving in the outdoors. He is interesting to talk to and prioritise safety above everything else.
-Matt, London.
“Ric is a really interesting person with lots of life stories to tell. He knows his profession inside and out so it´s been great learning from him over the past 12 days.”
-Hannah, Yorkshire.
“I felt safe to be in a remote location as Ric has a lot of experience in being outdoors, as well as information about the wildlife, the filming industry and equipment. Also, at the beginning of the course I misunderestimated the amount of equipment you need to live and work in a remote location, and this course has helped me understand this.
-Alex, Austria.
“Filming the otter – and being close enough to be able to hear it eating!”
-Claire, Edinburgh.
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