Programming Announcements

As we approach the 2025 Jackson Wild Summit, we will share information on sessions, workshops, and speakers throughout the summer. Keep track of these announcements as they happen on our social media and newsletter.

Below are all of the programming announcements and updates thus far:

🌿 Beyond Broadcast TV Sessions

During this time of profound change in the media landscape, Jackson Wild is excited to announce a broad range of sessions featuring platforms where natural history storytelling is thriving. 


🎙️ CREATORS IN THE WILD: Expanding the Natural History Audience Across Social Media
From YouTube to TikTok, Instagram to Twitch, a new wave of content creators is reshaping how audiences connect with conservation, nature and wildlife. Their unique voices are sparking curiosity while building deeply engaged online communities. We explore the strategies, challenges and evolving role of creators in the digital media jungle.

▶️ YOUTUBE, YOU WIN!
This year, YouTube celebrated its 20th birthday by becoming one of the world’s biggest media platforms. 2024 advertising revenue exceeded $36 billion. But where do natural history and science storytellers fit in the YouTube revenue model? Gain valuable insight from our panel of successful YouTube creators and channels. 

🏔️ IMMERSE YOURSELF IN NATURE
From giant wrap-around screens to augmented reality headsets, meet the technology leaders immersing us in the natural world. Discover how to unlock the power of immersive storytelling to inspire audiences and drive impact. 

🎮 PLAYING FOR THE PLANET
It’s a growing trend: Video games are offering an exciting platform for young players to explore the natural world. Conservation organizations are taking notice, partnering with gaming companies and natural history filmmakers to create a generation of gamers who embrace ecology, sustainability and the wonders of our planet. 

📺 ENTERTAINING NATURE: Breaking Out of the Documentary Box
From movies to animation, formatted factual to lifestyle and culture shows… conservation messaging is finding a home beyond the traditional documentary. Meet some bold producers who are jumping genres to find new audiences.

🌱 NATURE'S ALLIES: Branded Content for a Wilder World
As network commissions become a rare commodity, hear from filmmakers forging partnerships with high-profile brands—companies whose missions authentically align with the natural world. Together, they’re creating content that amplifies the need to protect the planet.  

🎥 Craft of Filmmaking Sessions & Workshops

Exploring the Craft of Filmmaking

We’re taking you behind the lens (and the soundboard) with fresh and compelling sessions focused on the Craft of Filmmaking at this year’s Jackson Wild Summit — from sonic storytelling to cinematography showdowns and the wild frontier of AI.

These sessions pull back the curtain on the creative process, celebrating the artistry, tools, and talent that bring nature and science stories to life.

🎛️ SONIC STORYTELLING

1 sequence… 3 composers… 3 different creative briefs… Experience the power of music to influence mood, manipulate emotions and enhance a story. 

🎥 SHOOTOUT! Battle for the Greatest Shot

It’s game time! Our intrepid cinematographers must beat the buzzer and each other as they face off to impress the judges with their finest work. Hosted by Hyatt Mamoun, this rabble-rousing gameshow will reveal the secrets behind the sequence: How the hell did they get that shot?

🤖 WILD WEST OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Pandora’s barn doors are open… there’s no going back. So, can we harness this stallion with its creative powers or are we destined for marauding herds of wild mustangs? Our panelists explore how AI is impacting natural history content and what guardrails some networks are choosing to install. 

The Summit will also offer these small group workshops to help refine your craft:

  • Writing for Wildlife

  • Long Lens Cinematography

  • Immersive Storytelling

  • Impact Storylab

  • Controlling your IP

🎥 Messaging the Mission Sessions

This Fall, programming at Jackson Wild Summit celebrates the mission that drives natural history filmmaking—an unwavering commitment to protecting the natural world and empowering a diversity of storytellers. 

Here’s a snapshot of coming attractions:

🔎 INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM: Courage in the Search for Truth

In a time of rising global instability, environmental crisis and widespread disinformation, investigative journalism remains a powerful tool for exposing truth and holding power to account. Hear from leading journalists and storytellers who show courage in pursuit of the facts.

🚀 BRACE FOR IMPACT

We examine recent campaigns from leading NGOs and corporate brands to understand how impact campaigns can be integrated into media-based strategies for real and measurable change. Learn what it takes to bring about meaningful action through media opportunities.

🤝 IN THE FRAME: Conservation Groups as Co-creators in Wildlife Media

Conservation organizations rely on powerful storytelling to advance their missions but how can NGOs become an equal partner in content that relies on their time, resources and IP? Join the conversation as we discuss the role of non-profits in natural history filmmaking.

🌏 STORYTELLERS RISING: Funding Global Voices

Finding seed money to launch a film is often the greatest challenge. Discover some exciting grant-funded opportunities for emerging storytellers from all corners of the globe. 

🦋 WILD WOMEN

Leading women from across our industry share personal stories of adventure, adversity, and success. There will be tears… There will be laughter… You will be inspired!

🔧 SHAPING CONSERVATION THROUGH INNOVATION

This dynamic panel explores how cutting-edge technology is transforming habitat and wildlife monitoring. Experts share real-world examples where innovation is enabling smarter, data-driven decisions around conservation.