One Tribe TV is expanding its YouTube activity with the launch of Wild Frontier Films, a channel showcasing work by emerging wildlife, natural history and science filmmakers from the UK and internationally.
The channel will initially feature films by students from MA courses at UWE Bristol, the National Film and Television School (NFTS) and the University of Salford, with further contributors expected to join as it develops.
Alongside reaching wildlife and science audiences, the initiative is intended to provide an industry showcase where commissioners, production companies and other potential employers can discover filmmakers, directors, producers and presenters.
One Tribe will curate the channel, which will be led by managing director and co-founder Dale Templar and wildlife producer Peter Mills-Frost. Films will be supplemented by short-form videos, interviews and podcast-style content exploring the filmmakers’ ideas and approaches.
Templar said: “There is an extraordinary amount of emerging talent in the industry, but getting that first opportunity can be incredibly difficult. We want Wild Frontier Films to be a genuine springboard for the next generation, helping to give filmmakers a place to showcase what they can do while also creating opportunities for them to connect with the people who can help take their careers forward.”
Peter Leonard, head of science and natural history at the NFTS, added: “This (WFF) is a great opportunity for our graduates to showcase their extraordinary talents, and provides a much-needed ‘one-stop shop’ for our industry colleagues looking for fresh new talent with innovative new approaches and a real drive and passion for factual filmmaking.”
As the audience develops, One Tribe plans to explore funding opportunities, with a longer-term ambition to reinvest profits in filmmaker development, including bursaries for people from lower-income and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Maire Tracey, senior lecturer in broadcast media at the University of Salford, said: “The TV landscape for natural history has been transformed, but the need for brilliant storytellers hasn’t changed. The industry needs more diverse voices and fresh perspectives than ever. Wild Frontier Films will give our MA Wildlife Documentary students a platform to reach a wider audience and the industry professionals who can launch their careers.”
The launch follows One Tribe’s existing YouTube channel, Life at Anna’s Zoo, which offers behind-the-scenes access to Manor Wildlife Park in Pembrokeshire. Fronted by park owner and former Changing Rooms presenter Anna Ryder Richardson, the series is produced in partnership with the park and experience platform Lovetovisit.
Executive produced by Mills-Frost, Life at Anna’s Zoo (pictured) combines weekly long-form episodes with short-form clips and social content, covering animal care, veterinary work and the day-to-day running of the zoo.
