"A wildlife cameraman has to be naturalist, technician, director and artist all in one."
"I love the freedom, risk, and challenge of deciding how and when to film an animal to get the best sequence possible."
I love the freedom, risk, and challenge of deciding how and when to film an animal to get the best sequence possible.
Multiple Primetime Emmy and BAFTA award winning Paul D. Stewart, is a Cinematographer & Producer specializing in science and wildlife for television and feature films.
During the last 20 years he has filmed for many of the BBC’s finest natural history series and features including: Blue Planet, Planet Earth (I & II), Dynasties, Life of Mammals, Life in Cold Blood, Galapagos, Yellowstone, and Life Stories. Recent productions have included “Our Planet” for Silverback/Netflix, “Hostile Planet for Plimsoll/Nat Geo and Elephant Eden and Born in China for Disney Nature
Credit:
Director of
Photography
Credit:
Director of
Photography
SELECTED
WORK
Hummingbird fight club,
their life story.
Hatchling marine iguanas
are attacked by snakes hunting en masse.
If you’re interested in becoming a camera operator yourself, have a look at this interview for conservation careers.
MY FILMING EXPERIENCE
After graduating in Zoology in 1987, I began my professional career as a tropical zoologist studying everything from cave crocodiles to cocoa beans. I photographed as I went.
After a stint as field assistant with Partridge films I worked as a principle series Researcher for the BBC, ultimately becoming a Producer for the BBC1 series “The Velvet Claw” in 1992.
In 1993 I returned with a scholarship to Oxford University and completed a Doctorate in Zoology at the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit.
Then in 1998 I joined the BBC’s Natural History Unit to train as its Bursary Wildlife Cameraman. In 2000 I went freelance.
Since then I have worked to complete contracts in over 40 countries and picked up awards including BAFTA’s, Primetime Emmy’s and ‘Best of Festival”. I now work with my wife for my own company providing visual media for documentary, print and exhibitions.
EQUIPMENT & KNOWLEDGE
Familiar with all Sony, Phantom, Arri and Red Cameras including Monstro 8K.
Presenter led filming including Sir David Attenborough for Life in Cold Blood and BBC Dynasties.
Motion control timelapse.
Movi/Ronin motion stabiliser.
Crane owner/operator
Cable Dollies
Long lens – tutor for National Film and Television.
Infra Red and Starlight
Camera trap remotes
DOP for feature films and documentaries.
Principle Camera Consultant for first BBC HD Wildlife TX (Galapagos), first 4K BBC NHU Production (Life Story), first BBC NHU Monstro 8K production (Clifton).
Advisor for independents kit purchase including Silverback North America.
BAFTA nominated Producer (BBC Yellowstone)
Doctorate in Animal Behaviour and credited scientific advisor for evolutionary and behavioural series.
Churchill Fellowship awarded for Expedition Leadership.
Practical experience and courses in expedition medicine, rope access, cave exploration.
ACHIEVEMENTS & EXPERIENCE
EQUIPMENT & KNOWLEDGE
ACHIEVEMENTS & EXPERIENCE
Familiar with all Sony, Phantom, Arri and Red Cameras including Monstro 8K.
Presenter led filming including Sir David Attenborough for Life in Cold Blood and BBC Dynasties.
Motion control timelapse.
Movi/Ronin motion stabiliser.
Crane owner/operator
Cable Dollies
Long lens – tutor for National Film and Television.
Infra Red and Starlight
Camera trap remotes
DOP for feature films and documentaries.
Principle Camera Consultant for first BBC HD Wildlife TX (Galapagos), first 4K BBC NHU Production (Life Story), first BBC NHU Monstro 8K production (Clifton).
Advisor for independents kit purchase including Silverback North America.
BAFTA nominated Producer (BBC Yellowstone)
Doctorate in Animal Behaviour and credited scientific advisor for evolutionary and behavioural series.
Churchill Fellowship awarded for Expedition Leadership.
Practical experience and courses in expedition medicine, rope access, cave exploration.