Where the Wild Things Are — and How to Find Them

Wildlife filmmaking in remote Africa is not simply a matter of pointing a camera at an animal. It demands patience measured in weeks, not hours. It demands an intimate understanding of animal behaviour, seasonal movement, terrain and the unpredictable rhythms of wild ecosystems. It demands a team that can live and work effectively in the bush for extended periods — and someone on the ground who has done exactly that for decades.

That is what I bring to a wildlife production.

With over 10 years of field experience across Southern Africa — as a professional wildlife photographer, safari guide, lodge manager and wildlife film field coordinator — I offer production teams a level of practical, on-the-ground knowledge that is difficult to replicate. I know the landscapes, the animals, the operators and the logistics. I know how to find subjects, how to read behaviour, and how to keep a crew safe and productive in remote environments.

Production Experience in the Field

My field work has contributed to wildlife productions for some of the world's most respected broadcasters and studios. Each project has been different — different species, different locations, different production demands — but the core requirement has always been the same: reliable, experienced field support that allows the camera team to focus on what they do best.

Two faces of a lion, one brown and one blue, with 'BIG CATS 24/7' text on a starry night background.

BBC & PBS | Okavango Delta, Botswana | Big cat field support

Big Cats 24/7

Project context:
A BBC natural-history series following lions, leopards and cheetahs in the Okavango Delta.

My role included:

  • Tracking key lions, leopards and cheetahs across large territories.
  • Identifying and following individual cats for continuity and story development.
  • Providing behavioural insight to help the crew anticipate filming opportunities.
  • Assisting with route planning, camera positioning and safe approaches around territorial predators.
  • Capturing stills photography to support production needs.

Field value:
This work required patience, individual animal knowledge and the ability to read predator behaviour in real time. My role helped the crew stay close to developing stories while working safely and quietly around big cats.

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Monkey in a forest with 'Earthsounds' text overlay

Offspring Films | Okavango Delta, Botswana | Boat-based field guiding

Earthsounds — African Water Worlds

Project context:
A natural-history production focused on aquatic wildlife communication and wetland behaviour in the Okavango Delta.

My role included:

  • Leading water-based guiding operations in channels and lagoons.
  • Operating boats safely in dynamic wetland conditions.
  • Positioning crews for sensitive wildlife encounters from the water.
  • Supporting safe approaches around large mammals, including hippos and elephants.
  • Contributing ecological insight and animal-behaviour observations to support filming.

Field value:
This work required calm boat handling, strong awareness of animal behaviour and careful judgement around potentially dangerous wildlife. My role helped the crew access wetland stories safely while working with the pace and constraints of the Delta environment.

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Promotional image for 'Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory' featuring a person in outdoor gear surrounded by animal images.

National Geographic / Disney+ | Botswana | Wild dog logistics & field guiding

Animals Up Close with Bertie Gregory — Wild Dogs

Project context:
A natural-history episode following the behaviour, movements and den life of a wild dog pack in Botswana.

My role included:

  • Acting as logistics and wildlife guide for the wild dog field unit.
  • Tracking a highly mobile pack across large territories.
  • Helping the camera team access hunting, movement and denning behaviour.
  • Coordinating remote camp setups, vehicle movement and field logistics.
  • Advising on approach strategies, positioning and ethical filming opportunities.
  • Providing real-time behavioural insight to help anticipate pack movements.

Field value:
Wild dogs move quickly, cover large distances and can change plans in minutes. This work required fast decision-making, strong tracking, careful positioning and the ability to keep the crew close to the story without putting pressure on the animals.

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Group of elephants walking together with 'Disney Nature Elephant' text overlay.

DisneyNature / AfriScreen Films | Botswana, Namibia & Zimbabwe | Elephant logistics & field guiding

Elephant

Project context:
A long-term natural-history production following elephant herds and their movements across Southern Africa.

My role included:

  • Providing logistical support and field guiding across multiple remote locations.
  • Tracking elephant herds and helping anticipate movement patterns.
  • Coordinating crew movements between Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
  • Supporting safe work in high-density elephant and wildlife areas.
  • Assisting with route planning and real-time field decisions.
  • Positioning filming teams for key elephant behaviour and interaction sequences.

Field value:
This production required patience, regional field knowledge and the ability to keep crews operational across changing landscapes, borders and wildlife situations. My role helped the team stay mobile, safe and responsive while following unpredictable elephant movements over an extended period.

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Two people walking in a savannah with an elephant in the background, featuring the text 'Walking with Elephants'.

Channel 4 / October Films | Botswana | Field guiding & logistics

Walking With Elephants

Project context:
A three-part series with Levison Wood following elephant landscapes, movement corridors and remote wilderness areas in Botswana.

My role included:

  • Guiding the presenter and production crew through remote elephant country.
  • Managing route planning, daily field movements and operational logistics.
  • Providing tracking, wildlife insight and safety leadership around elephant herds.
  • Supporting trails-based access through challenging terrain.
  • Coordinating vehicle movements, crew positioning and filming access.
  • Helping the crew work safely in dynamic wildlife environments.

Field value:
This work required strong judgement around elephants, careful route design and the ability to keep a moving production safe and organised in remote terrain. My role helped the crew access the story on foot and by vehicle while managing the practical risks of working close to large wildlife.

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What Field Support Actually Means

The term "field support" covers a wide range of practical, essential work that rarely appears in the credits but makes the difference between a production that succeeds and one that struggles. For a wildlife documentary crew working in remote Southern Africa, effective field support can mean the difference between capturing a sequence and missing it entirely.

My field support services for wildlife productions include:

  • Wildlife tracking and subject location — Finding and monitoring key animal subjects across large, remote territories
  • Animal behaviour interpretation — Reading behavioural cues to anticipate action and position the crew effectively
  • Location scouting and research — Identifying and assessing filming locations for access, safety and wildlife activity
  • Long-term subject monitoring — Tracking individual animals or groups over extended periods to build behavioural profiles
  • Remote camp and vehicle logistics — Managing the practical demands of living and working in remote bush environments
  • Crew movements and equipment coordination — Ensuring the right people and equipment are in the right place at the right time
  • Bush and safari safety — Maintaining crew safety in environments with dangerous wildlife and challenging terrain
  • Liaison with local guides, camps and operators — Building and maintaining the relationships that make access and logistics possible
  • Field notes, sightings and location records — Maintaining detailed records to support production planning and continuity
  • Still photography and behind-the-scenes content — Documenting the production process for press, social media and archive use
  • General production support in remote environments — Adapting to whatever the production needs, wherever it needs it

Start the Conversation

Every production is different. The best way to understand whether I am the right fit for yours is a straightforward conversation about what you are planning, where you are working and what you need on the ground.

Tell me about your production:

  • Location and target species or subjects
  • Estimated production dates and duration
  • Crew size and structure
  • Type of field support required
  • Any specific logistical challenges or requirements

I respond to every enquiry personally and will give you an honest assessment of what I can offer and whether it matches what you need.

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