2019 Jackson Wild Summit

Sponsored by Vulcan Productions

Film screening with a light lunch, followed by a Q&A with filmmakers. Ghost Fleet follows a small group of activists who risk their lives on remote Indonesian islands to find justice and freedom for the enslaved fishermen who feed the world’s insatiable appetite for seafood. Bangkok-based Patima Tungpuchayakul, a Thai abolitionist, has committed her life to helping these “lost” men return home. Facing illness, death threats, corruption, and complacency, Patima’s fearless determination for justice inspires her nation and the world.

Sponsored by Vulcan Productions

Having depleted one-third of the world’s fisheries, overfishing continues to endanger ocean ecosystems—a crisis that is amplified by illegal trade. On our watch, species are being decimated for black-market consumption. Billions who rely on seafood as a key source of protein will soon be confronting a global food crisis. Impact filmmakers join this global, critical conversation.

Sponsored by Participant Media and Terra Mater Factual Studios

Networking, with a splash of Teton inspiration. Conservation—and conversation—to match the landscape!

Sponsored by Terra Mater Factual Studios and Participant

Film screening followed by a Q&A with Paul Watson, Lesley Chilcott, Walter Koehler and Lynn Hirshfield. Film description: Like a crime-fighting superhero of the high seas, Sea Shepherd founder Paul Watson has spent his life sailing the globe to keep our oceans and their inhabitants safe. A daring ship’s captain with no fear of danger, Watson and his crews have confronted illegal whaling vessels from Europe to the Southern Ocean, seal hunters in Canada, and shark finners in Central America. Impervious to threats, with more than one nation issuing warrants for his arrest, Watson continues to intervene on behalf of his “clients”: the ocean creatures endangered by overfishing and illegal activities on the high seas.

Sponsored by NOAA

Breakfast with a splash! Make the most of every networking opportunity by joining a table of people you DON’T already know.

Sponsored by Conservation International

Since first introduced to our planet in 1907, plastic waste has become a ubiquitous part of our world and has even entered the food and water supply. In the ocean, the challenge is even greater as material degrades into microplastics that are (virtually) impossible to contain. This session explores radical innovations that are being deployed to put this genie back in its plastic bottle.

Dive with giant manta rays, explore a shipwreck, and search for the largest great white shark all without leaving the Summit! Experiences available include: 

• Our Blue Planet VR | BBC
• Sanctuaries 360 VR series
• Operation Apex - C.U.R.I.O: Citizens Underwater Research and Investigation Operation
• Drop in the Ocean (on the Exhibitor Floor)

Support provided by cWave

Sponsored by National Geographic Society

Join us for a "sneak peek" at a selection of exciting new ocean films and projects that are "in the pipeline" and coming soon! Presenters will give an overview of their projects and films, telling compelling stories, and screening footage from their time in the field, both behind and in front of the camera. Moderated by Gianna Savoie.

Sponsored by National Geographic Society

It’s fairly straightforward to track the decline of biodiversity on land, but what’s going on below the surface of the seas? This series of three “At Risk Sessions” looks at the state of flagship species and what is being done to save them. Species highlighted: Penguins, Polar bears and Seals.

Sponsored by PBS

Networking, with a splash of Teton inspiration. Conservation—and conversation—to match the landscape!

Sponsored by PBS

A conversation with Paul Hawken, one of our 2019 Legacy Award recipeints, interviewed by Kalee Kreider. ​Paul Hawken starts ecological businesses, writes about nature and commerce, and consults with heads of state and CEOs on climatic, economic and ecological regeneration. Businesses he has started include Erewhon, Smith & Hawken, and OneSun Solar (now called Energy Everywhere). His latest book, Drawdown, The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming debuted April, 2017 as the #9 NYT bestseller. He is the founder of Project Drawdown, which works with over two hundred scholars, students, scientists, researchers, and activists to map, measure, and model the one hundred most substantive solutions that can cumulatively reverse global warming by reducing and sequestering greenhouse gases. Made possible in part through support from the National Science Foundation.

Sponsored by NHK

From climate change to food shortages, pandemics to mass extinction and extreme weather, our news feeds are flooded with disaster meet a handful of innovators working on disruptive breakthroughs that will (hopefully) forestall the impending Apocalypse. Earth Avengers: ASSEMBLE. Made possible in part through support from the National Science Foundation. Session produced and moderated by Rosh Patel, Media Producer at Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute.

Sponsored by Disneynature

In “Dolphin Reef,” Disneynature dives under the sea to frolic with some of the planet’s most engaging animals: dolphins. Echo is a young bottlenose dolphin who can’t quite decide if it’s time to grow up and take on new responsibilities—or give in to his silly side and just have fun. Dolphin society is tricky, and the coral reef that Echo and his family call home depends on all of its inhabitants to keep it healthy. But with humpback whales, orcas, sea turtles and cuttlefish seemingly begging for his attention, Echo has a tough time resisting all that the ocean has to offer.

Screening followed by Q&A with EP Susanne Lummer and Director Ruth Berry.

Film synopsis: It was a dreadful case of mistaken identity. European explorers confused them for ravenous cats, rats, wolves and weasels. But they were something completely unknown … a curious band of marsupials with a taste for blood, bone and meat. Scores of different little predators with pouches live all across Australia. The lives of many are at risk. Introducing three of the strangest; the numbat, the northern quoll, the dibbler; and the strangers who want to keep them safe.

Sponsored by National Geographic

Bring 15-20 photos to review, pre-loaded on your laptop or tablet. Select five of these photos to discuss as an edited selection that best represents your body of work and get a personal, one-on-one critique from some of the most talented visual storytellers. 

Sign up required, click  here to reserve your slot.

Sponsored by National Geographic and Terra Mater Factual Studios

Networking, with a splash of Teton inspiration. Conservation—and conversation—to match the landscape!

Sponsored by: National Geographic and Terra Mater Factual Studios 

Jackson Hole Premiere. In Mexico’s Sea of Cortez, a group of brilliant scientists, high-tech activists, investigative journalists and courageous undercover agents attempt to rescue the most endangered and elusive whale on Earth while battling the vicious Mexican drug cartels and Chinese traffickers whose destructive poaching methods are threatening the region’s marine life. Followed by Q&A with filmmakers.

Sponsored by International Fund for Animal Welfare and American University - Center for Environmental Filmmaking

Seasoned industry veterans join emerging filmmakers and conservation advocates for frank roundtable conversation and a chance to strategize this week of networking and engagement! If you have signed on to be a mentor or mentee, this will be your official meet-up. If you would like to participate, contact snow@jacksonwild.org. Made possible in part through support from the National Science Foundation.

Sponsored by Panasonic  

Panasonic is a leading provider of production and remote cameras for Documentary and Wildlife programming, including those utilized on Emmy nominated Reality shows. Panasonic’s family of 4K/UHD production tools – from small POV systems, to the CX350 run-and-gun handheld camcorder, to our Super 35mm 4K VariCam and 5.7K EVA1 cinema cameras - feature similar codecs and complimentary workflows. Whether you’re shooting IR, low-light, underwater, RAW, on a drone, doc-style, or on a tripod, Panasonic provides camera solutions to capture your best footage in any environment or shooting situation. Panasonic will be on-hand to let attendees have hands-on experience with our tools.

Sponsored by Discovery, Animal Planet, and Science Channel

Film synopsis: The world’s freshwater monsters are vanishing – and for biologist Jeremy Wade, that’s a wake-up call: a sign that our rivers are in trouble. Polluted, controlled, and over-exploited, even the mightiest are said to be dying. But are things really that simple?
In Mighty Rivers, Jeremy takes the pulse of six of the planet’s biggest waterways. With the immersive style that’s made him a global TV star, Jeremy investigates the Amazon, the Ganges, the Yangtze, the Mississippi, the Danube, and the Zambezi. Are these huge rivers sick beyond the point of hope? Or have reports of their death been greatly exaggerated? 

Sponsored by HHMI Tangled Bank Studios

Our 16 Media Lab Fellows (selected from 650+ applicants) have been hard at work during their time in Jackson Hole, producing 4 short films in just 7 days highlighting science stories in Grand Teton National Park. Join us for the premiere of these films alongside a happy hour celebration our Fellows and their work! Made possible in part through support from the National Science Foundation.

Presented by BBC Studios Natural History Unit

Screening followed by Q&A with Jonny Keeling, Executive Producer and Fredi Devas episode Producer and Director. Synopsis: Millions of years ago incredible forces ripped apart the earth’s crust creating our seven continents - each with its own distinct climate, its own distinct terrain and its own unique animal life. From the colourful paradise of South America to the scorching heat of Africa, this series will showcase the true character of each continent in turn and reveal just how it has shaped all life there. Be surprised by unexpected stories. Marvel at iconic landscapes. And be awestruck by spectacular wildlife. Seven Worlds, One Planet is an eye-opening journey around a planet you thought you knew.

Sponsored by WILDOCEANS and Empowers Africa

A team of scientists, divers and photographers set out on a journey of discovery along one of the longest, and richest, coastlines in the world. Along the way they unveil an incredible shark event whilst highlighting the impending ocean threats, as well as the need for increased protection of our oceans. The hope is that this film will be screened all over the world and become a tool to spread awareness about ocean threats, inspire a love for the ocean and all the marine life that inhabit it across the globe, as well as spread a message for expanded marine protection. www.ouroceansfilm.com

Sponsored by Fujifilm EID and Fujinon Lenses

This Fujinon Workshop will focus on practical, affordable, and versatile Lens choices for professional Wildlife and Natural History acquisition. 4K+ zoom Lenses, Lens Mounts, Adapters and Expanders, Recording Formats, Resolution, and High Dynamic Range (HDR) will be discussed and demonstrated.

SO, What works for you? How can you plan for the best Lens / Camera combination without blowing your budget? Do you need Extreme Telephoto, Mid-range or Wide-angle shots? Portability? Absolute best possible image quality? Can Lens Adapters and Expanders help save the day? Should you rent, or buy? Delivery concerns?

B4 mount, PL mount (and other mounts) cameras provide UHD, S35 and Full Frame choices for Documentary and Wildlife Cinematography. New B4 mount 2/3” image sensor UHD Cameras from Sony, Panasonic and others offer portability and resolution with HDR performance previously not possible. For many JH Wild Delegates, this is a turning point moment, similar to the introduction of highly portable Digital High Definition (HD) Camcorders 20 years ago that quickly replaced many traditional Film camera productions.

Zoom lenses with extreme focal range capability are favored by many Wildlife cinematographers for obvious reasons. S35 and Full Frame zoom lenses provide a great “look” with shallow depth of field, but have very limited zoom ranges or experience significant light loss at telephoto range. These challenges will be explored with comparison videos, discussions, and hands-on time with Cameras, Lenses, and Lens mount Adapters. Check it out...!

Sponsored by Netflix

The title says it all – this session will break down some of the most iconic shots from shows you know and love, including Our Planet, Dynasties, Blue Planet II and more. A light lunch will be provided.

Sponsored by Smithsonian Channel

Film screening while enjoying ice cream, followed by Q&A with the filmmakers. “Epic Yellowstone: Life on the Wing” takes you on a stunning journey through the world’s first national park, viewed for the first time through the eyes of its winged inhabitants. The distant cries of migrating sandhill cranes mark the arrival of spring; bluebirds work feverishly in the forest to provide for their rapidly growing brood; ospreys nest on precarious pinnacles overlooking the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. See how the birds of Yellowstone survive and thrive over a course of a year, followed by Q&A with the filmmakers from Grizzly Creek Films.

Sponsored by Sony

In 2018, two Hollywood pros packed up their home and their four young children to return to their native Colorado and take over the family ranch nestled 8,000 feet high in the Rockies. Little did they know that, a year later, Sony would offer a chance to merge their experience in filmmaking with their passion for regenerative farming. Hear the story of Sisu Farm’s sustainable lifestyle from the ranchers and crew who created a visual documentary using a prototype for a new Sony camera. Asa & Aila Holley – Farmers, Filmmakers, and Entrepreneurs Robert W. Scribner – Cinematographer

Screenings of Sides of a Horn, From Asia to Antarctica and Nigerians fight to protect the world's most trafficked mammal followed by Q&A with filmmakers. Check the "Finalists" button on the mobile app for more info on each film.

Seeker is the #1 most engaging science brand on social media in the world [Source: Tubular]. Our stories explain the world through the lens of science. Seeker aims to satisfy curiosity, make science relatable and inspire young audiences. We encourage our viewers to question, dream and create. In December 2016, Seeker joined forces with Thrillist, The Dodo and NowThis to form Group Nine Media, one of the world's largest digital-first media companies.

 Spend 30 minutes of “quality time” to learn where specific programming priorities lie so you can fine-tune the project you want them to love. Sage advice from those who sell: know your buyer!

Screening, followed by Q&A with Diving with a Purpose team members Jay Haigler, Dr. Albert José Jones, Ayana Flewellen and filmmakers Mike Olcott and Tiffany McNeil.

It's been 400 years since the first enslaved Africans set foot in present day America. In this short film, meet a group of vibrant scuba divers determined to find, document and positively identify slave ship wrecks. In the process, they're also discovering deep connections to their ancestry.

Read "Diving into the unfolding history of wrecked slave ships."

Sponsored by Nat Geo WILD

Party like a local at the infamous Nat GeoWild BBQ—a Jackson Wild Institution—with music by an all-local favorite, Canyon Kids! 5:30 pm, Buses begin leaving Jackson Lake Lodge (last bus, 6:30) 9:00 pm, Buses return to Jackson Lake Lodge (last bus, 10:00)

Sponsored by Nat Geo WILD

Join Nat Geo WILD for a little hair of the dog...er, white wolf! Grab a bloody mary and mimosa to warm up and get ready to journey to the Arctic with National Geographic Explorer Ronan Donovan in KINGDOM OF THE WHITE WOLF. Witness a gorgeous and desolate world where wolves hunt, howl and raise their families. During the screening, experience unprecedented intimacy with a species steeped in legend, rumor and fear. This one-of-a-kind special event blends classic blue-chip wildlife filmmaking with immersive, raw and breathless reality to showcase these wolves in their natural habitat. Following the screening, please stick around for a Q&A with Ronan.

Sponsored by Pulseworks

From virtual and augmented reality to immersive installations, this session explores the current landscape of technology and business models as well as the societal impact of storytelling and media in an extended reality world.

Click here to sign up for a slot.

Sponsored by Panasonic

As a supplement to cinema cameras or for documentaries that require discretion DSLR and mirrorless cameras have served as a compromised solution but often fall short with limited tools, bit depth, dynamic range, reliability and inputs and outputs. The S1H looks to provide the same compact, lightweight, discrete design of a DSLR or mirrorless camera but provides powerful production tools including 10bit internal recording, 6K Open Gate, 4-Perf 4:3 capture for Anamorphic production (including 5 different desqueeze options) Wace Form Monitor, Vector Scope and unlimited recording times in all frame rates and resolutions with a Large Format 24mm x 36mm Sensor.. just to name a few tools. Once you see everything the S1H can provide, its potential for supplementing, simplifying or reducing your production needs will be clear to you.

Our Planet: Frozen Worlds, The Human Element and The Serengeti Rules.

Screenings of M6NTHS, The Disappeared and The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating followed by Q&A with filmmakers. Check the "Finalists" button on the mobile app for more info on each film.

Sponsored by Sony Electronics

Join Sony reps and users for a discussion and demonstrations of our entire camera lineup. Be the first to see and use several new and revolutionary tools, such as the Alpha 7R IV and much more. These cameras offer many features that natural history image creators have asked us to develop. All are ready for HDR, Wide Color, 4K (and beyond) – and are tools that can survive virtually any environment that you can.

Screenings, followed by Q&A and conversation with filmmakers from 

Filmmaker Creativity and Technology: A Harmony

How can filmmakers employ the latest tech to convey a story? And in particular for underwater imaging?  A discussion of current and emerging tools such as HDR, low light sensors, high resolution and frame rates, macro lenses, and more. 

Screenings of The Great Pretender, Whales and SETI and Unraveling the Monarch Butterfly Migration Mystery | It's Okay to be Smart, followed by Q&A with filmmakers.  Check the "Finalists" button on the mobile app for more info on each film.

Sponsored by Jackson Wild and Fujifilm Electronic Imaging Division and Fujinon Lenses.

Get ready for a night to remember as we recognize the films and filmmakers selected by this year’s jury as this year’s award winners! Join us at the beautiful Center for the Arts in Jackson Hole for an evening of celebration, drinks, eating and dancing to the music of Jackson Six! Beverages provided by Grand Teton Brewing and Jackson Hole Still Works.

4:00, Buses begin leaving Jackson Lake Lodge

5:00, Cocktail Reception

6:00, Theatre doors open

6:30, Awards Presentation

8:30, Dinner, Music & Gala Celebration

9:30, Buses begin returning to Jackson Lake Lodge

11:00, Last bus leaves for the Lodge. Really.

Join expert tracker and wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson in tracking local wildlife! Elk bugling, bear foraging, and raptor migration are a few of the behaviors you might document! You will learn the considerations and ethics when filming, and various approaches to consider while capturing behavior on film. This could include preparations like additional gear planning, safety in the field, etc. Get out and about in a fun and educational way, while building an appreciation for the nuances for what it takes to really get the shot! 

Available to delegates with a 7, 6 and 5 day pass, and anyone who purchased a Friday day pass. 

Sign up required. Click here to learn more. Email gabrielle@jacksonwild.org with any questions. 

Take an early morning jaunt to test a range of new Sony Full Frame products for still and motion imaging. These cameras have a common lens system, the Sony E-Mount, offering you more than fifty different lenses for all your visual storytelling needs. Explore powerful features, such as advanced AF and internal ND, with Sony experts on hand to answer all your real-world questions.

Available to delegates with a 7, 6 and 5 day pass, and anyone who purchased a Friday day pass. 

Sign up required. Click here to learn more. Email gabrielle@jacksonwild.org with any questions. 

Join professional RED cinematographers in the field for a day of shooting, learning and the inevitable creation of new stories. Get your hands on the same digital cinema technology that is currently being used on some of the biggest natural history projects on the planet.

You will learn best practices on how to operate these top of the line RED cameras in rough and wild locations. You'll also learn tips and techniques from these experienced shooters, all while capturing some amazing footage of the local flora and fauna that the Grand Teton National Park has to offer.

Available to delegates with a 7, 6 and 5 day pass, and anyone who purchased a Friday day pass. 

Sign up required. Click here to learn more. Email gabrielle@jacksonwild.org with any questions. 

Time Lapse cinematography has become a crucial part in much of the media we see today. Join film makers Dustin Kukuk and Noah Waldron as we explore the advancements, technology, and methods of modern time lapse cinematography.

Participants will have a hands on opportunity to use motion control systems, explore camera settings, discuss post production workflow, and potentially shoot their own time lapses. We will have a few cameras and motion control systems available at the clinic, but if participants have their own cameras and tripods, they are encouraged to bring them.

Available to delegates with a 7, 6 and 5 day pass, and anyone who purchased a Friday day pass. 

Sign up required. Click here to learn more. Email gabrielle@jacksonwild.org with any questions. 

Join expert tracker and wildlife filmmaker Casey Anderson in tracking local wildlife! Elk bugling, bear foraging, and raptor migration are a few of the behaviors you might document! You will learn the considerations and ethics when filming, and various approaches to consider while capturing behavior on film. This could include preparations like additional gear planning, safety in the field, etc. Get out and about in a fun and educational way, while building an appreciation for the nuances for what it takes to really get the shot!

Available to delegates with a 7, 6 and 5 day pass, and anyone who purchased a Friday day pass. 

Sign up required. Click here to learn more. Email gabrielle@jacksonwild.org with any questions. 

Time Lapse cinematography has become a crucial part in much of the media we see today. Join film makers Dustin Kukuk and Noah Waldron as we explore the advancements, technology, and methods of modern time lapse cinematography.

Participants will have a hands on opportunity to use motion control systems, explore camera settings, discuss post production workflow, and potentially shoot their own time lapses. We will have a few cameras and motion control systems available at the clinic, but if participants have their own cameras and tripods, they are encouraged to bring them.

Available to delegates with a 7, 6 and 5 day pass, and anyone who purchased a Friday day pass. 

Sign up required. Click here to learn more. Email gabrielle@jacksonwild.org with any questions.