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 fellows covering all expenses associated with travel, food and lodging during the workshop and the 2021 Jackson Wild Summit.
Considering the global uncertainties cast by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s workshop will only be accepting fellows residing in North America (Canada, US, Mexico) and the Caribbean Islands. Applicants accepted to the Lab may be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in order to participate in the 2021 Media Lab.
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Day's Edge Productions
This highly competitive program will accept fellows covering all expenses associated with travel, food and lodging during the workshop and the 2021 Jackson Wild Summit.
Considering the global uncertainties cast by the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s workshop will only be accepting fellows residing in North America (Canada, US, Mexico) and the Caribbean Islands. Applicants accepted to the Lab may be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in order to participate in the 2021 Media Lab.
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Day's Edge Productions
Important Dates
Applications open:
March 24, 2021
Application deadline:
May 3, 2021
Applicants notified:
June 1, 2021
Jackson Wild Media Lab:
September 21 - October 1, 2021
March 24, 2021
Application deadline:
May 3, 2021
Applicants notified:
June 1, 2021
Jackson Wild Media Lab:
September 21 - October 1, 2021
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 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 lectures or panels from leaders in the industry. 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:
INDUSTRY-LEADING MENTORS TWICE A DAY: Most lunches and dinners will feature lectures or panels from leaders in the industry. 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
The Schedule
TUESDAY SEPT 21: Fellows arrive in Jackson & check into hotel
WEDS SEPT 22: JWML starts
MONDAY, SEPT 27: Jackson Wild Summit starts
TUESDAY, SEPT 28: Mini docs premiere at an evening JW event
THURSDAY, SEPT 30: Pitching sessions with Commissioners
THURSDAY, SEPT 30: Final day of workshop
FRIDAY, OCT 1: Fellows check out of hotel
WEDS SEPT 22: JWML starts
MONDAY, SEPT 27: Jackson Wild Summit starts
TUESDAY, SEPT 28: Mini docs premiere at an evening JW event
THURSDAY, SEPT 30: Pitching sessions with Commissioners
THURSDAY, SEPT 30: Final day of workshop
FRIDAY, OCT 1: Fellows check out of hotel
Participants receive:
- Travel to/from Jackson, WY
- Lodging (Tues, Sept 21-Fri, September 30)
- Full access registration to the 2021 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
