Gary Robert Smith

wildlife.creative.innovative.

research | filming | development | editing

Personal Details

Bristol based T 07730044141

E

Full Driving licence

Key Skills

Premiere ProAdvanced open Water Padi Diver

PhotoshopPitching

Audition Creative thinker

After EffectsFilming interviews/events

Location lightingSound recording

Experience with Sony FS700, Adaptable to changing roles/teams

Panasonic AF101, Canon 60D/6D, GoPro

Experience

I am a highly driven wildlife filmmaker with a well-rounded skillset. I have recently finished a MA in Wildlife filmmaking at the University of West England. This course gave me the opportunity to learn and build up a wide variety of skills from writing treatments and pitching to filming and editing. As well as having a first degree in Biological Sciences I have also studied film, media, photography and drama providing me with a varied scope of experience. This year I was highly commended at the British Wildlife Photography Awards in the Wildlife in HD category. I have previously worked across a number of different genres and am happy to continue to do so.

Employment

Avon Wildlife Trust

Editor and Producer

September 2015

  • Editing and Producer for short wildlife informative film “The Last Hedgehog in Avon” (working title).

vEcotourism

Editor and Consultant

September 2015

  • Creating and managing online content for vEcotourism's website and interactive online tours. I have also acted as a consultant to aid in developing both current and future content.

Tigress Productions, Bristol

Archive Researcher

July 2015

  • Responsible for the procurement of footage to be used in a 15x60’ BBC production.
  • Established rapport with suppliers of archive footage, often leading to negation for costs of license clearance.
  • Keeping accurate records of all footage supplied including costs, copyright and length of usage.
  • Partaking in developmental meetings for future productions and pitching to development team.
  • Awareness of legal and ethical considerations surrounding the release of information to the press and public.

Festival of Nature

Camera Operator

June 2015

  • Worked as part of a production team to create a short film to promote the festival of nature.
  • Created a piece in response to customer brief, while taking into account time scale and intended audience.

Wild Green TV

Camera Operator and Sound Recordist

June 2015

  • Produced an episode of Wild Green TV, with Anneka Svenska.
  • This project required quick thinking and adaptation as the interviews and sequences were all filmed in different locations and under varying circumstances.
  • Filmed interviews with Andy Day and Bill Oddie.

Standup for Slapstick

Camera Operator

June 2015

  • Hosted by Al Murray – With Sarah Millican, Pippa Evans, Harry Hill, Dr Phil Hammond and Omid Djalili.

BBC Academy

Sound Recordist

February 2015

  • Sound recordist for BBC Academies Digital Bristol week.

Wildscreen Film Festival

Volunteer

October 2014

  • Ensuring delegates were escorted to their talks and workshops.
  • Aiding production team with day to day tasks.
  • Point of contact.

Springwatch

Fox Researcher

March – May 2014

  • GPS tracking of Brighton's urban foxes. Set up and maintained eight remote cameras.
  • Liaised between scientists and production team. Took part in filming on location.

Education and Qualifications

Preston Comprehensive School

Sept 1993 – July 1998

9 GCSE Grade A-C

Yeovil College

Sept 1998 – July 2001

BFD / Performing Arts / Distinction
BND / Performing Arts / Merit
A Level / Theatre Studies / C

Yeovil College

Sept 2004 – July 2006

A Level / Film / B
A Level / Media Studies / B
A Level / Photography / B

Brighton University

Sept 2012 – June 2014

Degree FDSc Animal Science 2:1

Degree BSc(Hons) Biological Science First

University of West England

Sept 2014 – Sept 2015

Masters Degree Wildlife Filmmaking Awaiting

Interests

I am very active and fully engaged in my love of nature. I enjoying running, film, photography, cooking, travel and SCUBA diving.

Website:

References are available on request