The Jackson Wild Media Lab (JWML) 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.
For nine days, 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 will accept up to 16 domestic and international participants, covering all expenses associated with travel, food and lodging during the workshop and the 2020 Jackson Wild Summit (September 28 - October 2, 2020).
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Day's Edge Productions.
For nine days, 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 will accept up to 16 domestic and international participants, covering all expenses associated with travel, food and lodging during the workshop and the 2020 Jackson Wild Summit (September 28 - October 2, 2020).
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Day's Edge Productions.
Important Dates
Applications open:
Early April
Application deadline:
May 4, 2020
Accepted participants will be notified:
June 1, 2020
Jackson Wild Media Lab:
September 22 - October 2, 2020
Early April
Application deadline:
May 4, 2020
Accepted participants will be notified:
June 1, 2020
Jackson Wild Media Lab:
September 22 - October 2, 2020
About the Workshop
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 participants will form groups and partner with local scientists or conservation organizations (such as biologists with Neusiedler See - Seewinkel National Park or organizations like the Nature Conservancy, Conservation International and others). 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.
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 participants will form groups and partner with local scientists or conservation organizations (such as biologists with Neusiedler See - Seewinkel National Park or organizations like the Nature Conservancy, Conservation International and others). 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.
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.
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.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal participants include:
- STEM or Conservation Students or Early Career Professionals including undergraduates, 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, or conservation is a plus.
- Early Career Journalists or Filmmakers or graduate/undergraduate journalism students with an interest in science or wildlife/conservation filmmaking.
- Professional Communicators and Storytellers 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.
The Schedule
Tuesday, September 22: Participants Arrive in Austria
Wednesday, September 23: Jackson Wild Media Lab begins
Monday, September 28: Jackson Wild Summit begins
Tuesday, September 29: Short Films created during the Jackson Wild Media Lab will be showcased for Summit delegates
Thursday, October 1: Pitching sessions with Commissioners, Jackson Wild Media Awards Gala
Friday, October 2: Conclude and depart. Participants may opt to extend time in Austria at their own expense.
Wednesday, September 23: Jackson Wild Media Lab begins
Monday, September 28: Jackson Wild Summit begins
Tuesday, September 29: Short Films created during the Jackson Wild Media Lab will be showcased for Summit delegates
Thursday, October 1: Pitching sessions with Commissioners, Jackson Wild Media Awards Gala
Friday, October 2: Conclude and depart. Participants may opt to extend time in Austria at their own expense.
Participants receive:
- Travel to/from Austria
- Shared lodging (Tues, Sept 22-Fri, Oct 2)
- Full access registration to the 2020 Jackson Wild Summit (including special additional mentor opportunities alongside Jackson Wild board members and sponsors)
- Ground transportation during Lab and Summit
- Modest per diem for miscellaneous expenses
