ATTENBOROUGH & THE ENVIRONMENT: Reimagining the educational experience of nature documentaries
Few educational experiences bridge the generational gap like wildlife films. Shows like Planet Earth and Frozen Planet capture the imagination of viewers, from toddlers to grandparents, around the world. But how do Attenborough’s film crews go beyond the boundaries to capture their amazing wildlife stories? And what does it take for a biology student from north Queensland to become an international wildlife filmmaker?
Join award-winning Australian educator and film producer, Dr. Chadden Hunter, as he takes us on a fascinating journey through the hidden secrets of making nature documentaries.
From his early beginnings studying satin bowerbirds at the University of Queensland to his PhD years living ‘Gorillas in the Mist’ style amongst baboons in the Ethiopian highlands, Dr. Hunter reveals the behind-the-scenes stories that never make it to television. Along the way he’ll describe why a cup of tea is so important when your cabin is being ripped apart by a grizzly bear and share never-before-seen footage. Backed up by a stunning multimedia presentation and a riveting Q&A Dr Hunter will discuss the need to continually reimagine educational experiences.
CHADDEN HUNTER
Dr. Chadden Hunter has spent a lifetime exploring the wildest corners of the world to bring us the most remarkable nature documentaries ever made.
His stories backed up stunning multi-media, reveal the fascinating secrets to wildlife filmmaking, hair-raising encounters and the inspiration to lead teams and follow your dreams.
Born in North Queensland, Chadden grew up surrounded by rainforest and coral reef, an immersion in nature that inspired his life journey. He gained a First Class Honours degree in Zoology from the University of Queensland, then for his PhD embarked on a wild Gorillas in the Mist' adventure to study gelada baboons in the remote war-torn mountains of Ethiopia. While dodging armed bandits and surviving brain parasites he learnt Amharic, the local language, and realised that to protect the natural world he'd need to reach a greater audience.
After presenting a TV series for National Geographic, Chadden became convinced television was the most powerful tool for outreach and positive change. He often compares the viewers of his films to customers in other industries. Describing how the skills of story-telling can move people into action, whether for education, motivation or inspiration.
As a wildlife filmmaker Dr. Hunter has worked alongside Sir David Attenborough for over 20 years, documenting everything from snow leopards in Pakistan to tribal ceremonies in Africa. On the BBC series Planet Earth he became known as 'the guy covered in bat poop', and whilst filming arctic wolves for Frozen Planet learnt that minus 40C was cold enough to freeze his eyes shut. As a Divemaster he has worked alongside underwater crews around the world, exploring the issue of plastics in the ocean and how the Blue Planet 2 Effect' encouraged changes in corporate behaviour and global politics.
Chadden has produced and directed some of the world's most seminal nature documentaries. Planet Earth 1 and 2, LIFE, Wild Arabia, Frozen Planet and Seven Worlds One Planet have won over 20 Bafta and Emmy awards.
His anecdotes are as inspirational as they are entertaining. Sometimes heart-breaking, often humorous, always riveting. What does being chased by a grizzly bear teach us about leadership? Can going barefoot in waste-deep crocodile-infested waters demonstrate the importance of team-building?
Using a stunning multi-media presentation, including never-before scene footage from major BBC wildlife series, Chadden shares stories about achieving goals through perseverance, communicating with wider audiences, the importance of team building, and creative leadership.