Wildscreen and BBC Studios Natural History Unit collaborated to deliver this mini masterclass with NHU Researcher, Chloe Mnatzaganian.

Chloe has always had dual passions in wildlife and creativity – as a child she would make films impersonating Steve Irwin!

She went on to study Zoology at the Universities of Exeter and Calgary, whilst exploring the arts during any spare time she had. She only became aware of the roles and career opportunities in Natural History Filmmaking through the Creative Access Internship Scheme – and soon realised that she wanted to create a flourishing career in this industry.

Chloe’s initial year at the BBC was spent learning the ropes on the well-loved series of Springwatch, Autumnwatch and Winterwatch, before moving on to develop and research on a new UK wildlife Series, “A Wild Year”. She is currently a Researcher on a new international landmark for BBC America and she has recently been selected to take part in BBC Studios Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme: https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/bbcstudios/2020/bbc-studios-production-launches-assistant-producer-accelerator-programme.

As well as having a drive to educate and captivate audiences with Natural History content, Chloe is also passionate around human issues of diversity and equality, and is the LGBT rep for BBC Bristol’s Diversity and Inclusion Group.

Event Information:

Chloe shares experiences and challenges of breaking into the BBC and what routes she had taken to get there. The audience also asked Chloe questions directly in a live Q&A.

This mini masterclass is part of our plans to launch an Emerging Talent scheme, which sets to improve inclusion and diversity in the natural history industry across the world.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the next generation of wildlife filmmakers, conservationists and photographers have missed out on key opportunities; opportunities for work experience, education, up-skilling and with limited access to equipment.

The impact of the pandemic has only heightened the barriers to entry for individuals from marginalised communities and underrepresented groups. So, we have plans to empower the next generation of wildlife filmmakers and conservationists with inclusive mentoring, masterclasses and internship opportunities. This will initially be trialled in Bristol and the UK with a view to making it accessible with our global partners, making it a truly international offering.

– Web links referred to in the masterclass:
BBC Studios Careers Website: https://careers.bbcstudios.com/
Email: [email protected]
BBC Wildlife Magazine for photographers: https://www.immediate.co.uk/brands/bbc-wildlife/
BBC Careers: https://careerssearch.bbc.co.uk/
BBC Careers – Application Advice: https://www.bbc.com/careers/how-to-apply
35:00 Chloe mentions Planet Protectors – Link to ‘Planet Defenders’ below: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/shows/planet-defenders
Production Apprenticeship Scheme: https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/production/production-apprentices
Production Trainee Scheme: https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/trainee-schemes/production-trainee-scheme
Planet Protectors – Link to ‘Planet Defenders’: https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/shows/planet-defenders

– Other useful links:
Production Apprenticeship Scheme: https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/production/production-apprentices

Production Trainee Scheme: https://www.bbc.co.uk/careers/trainee-schemes-and-apprenticeships/trainee-schemes/production-trainee-scheme and https://careershub.bbc.co.uk/members/modules/job/detail.php?record=52894

Assistant Producer Accelerator Programme – BBC Studios (shared for information – currently not live): https://careerssearch.bbc.co.uk/jobs/job/Assistant-Producer-Accelerator-Programme-BBC-Studios/51612

– External Opportunities:
ScreenSkills: https://www.screenskills.com/starting-your-career/

Creative Access opportunities: https://creativeaccess.org.uk/opportunities/

– Follow BBC Studios on Socials:
BBC Studios LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bbc-studios/
BBC Studios Twitter: https://twitter.com/bbcstudios
BBC Studios Instagram: https://instagram.com/bbcstudios

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