No Film School: How Years as a Journalist Helped Me Become A Filmmaking Storyteller

I was asked recently “Did you go to film school?”

“No,” I replied. “I went to journalism school.”

There’s this underlying stereotype in some filmmaking circles that if you didn’t attend film school you’re somehow not on the same level as those who did.

I find that attitude is ridiculous. Just as many filmmakers have gone to film school, there are just as many who went and flopped. School is school. Learning and growing and experience comes long after whatever school you attended.

I like to think my years as a journalist give me an advantage that even film school grads of many filmmakers don’t always possess.

When people ask me what makes a great conservation filmmaker, my answer always circles back to storytelling. The ability to craft compelling narratives is the cornerstone of any impactful film or video. It’s a skill that’s become second nature to me, thanks to my many years as a journalist prior to becoming a full-time filmmaker.

Journalism is, at its core, about telling stories. Whether I was covering a breaking news story, sports, conducting an in-depth interview, writing a feature article, or managing a busy newsroom of reporters, I was always weaving together narratives that informed, engaged, and sometimes even provoked. These experiences have ingrained in me a certain way of thinking — a hard-wired skill to ‘see’ a story and that’s become invaluable in my work as a conservation filmmaker.

The Power of the Narrative Arc

One of the key lessons that years in journalism taught me is the power of the narrative arc. Every story, whether it’s a 500-word news piece or a feature-length documentary, has a beginning, middle, and end. Understanding how to structure these elements to create tension, maintain interest, and drive home a message is something that has become second nature to me.

It’s one thing to learn storytelling in film school or a classroom setting, but it never amounts to what you learn by practising storytelling in the field over many years as a boots-on-the-ground journalist. Storytelling is a craft that takes years of experience to master.

In real world journalism, you craft stories that hook your audience early, to lead them through the story with a clear sense of purpose, and to deliver a conclusion that resonates. This same approach is essential in conservation filmmaking. Whether I’m documenting the struggle to protect a fragile ecosystem or highlighting the work of conservation heroes, the narrative arc is what keeps viewers engaged and emotionally invested.

The Art of Simplicity

Years in journalism have also taught me the art of simplicity. In the fast-paced world of news, you quickly learn that you don’t have the luxury of time or space to tell your story. You need to get to the point, stripping away unnecessary details and focusing on the heart of the matter.

This skill is crucial in conservation filmmaking. When dealing with complex environmental issues, it’s easy to get bogged down in the details. But to make an impact, you need to distill the message down to its essence. My journalistic background has honed my ability to do just that—creating films that are not only informative but also clear and accessible to a broad audience.

Crafting Compelling Characters

Journalism is about people — understanding them, giving them a voice, and telling their stories. Over the years, I’ve interviewed countless individuals, from everyday citizens to high-profile sports stars and figures, and each time, my goal was to capture their essence and convey it to my audience.

This skill has translated seamlessly into my conservation work. Whether it’s a scientist on the front lines of climate change or a local activist fighting to save their community’s natural spaces and habitats, I know how to bring their stories to life. I’ve learned how to ask the right questions, listen deeply, and find the human element that makes any story relatable and compelling.

The Importance of Research and Accuracy

In journalism, accuracy is paramount. You can’t afford to get the facts wrong, and this commitment to truth has carried over into my filmmaking. I approach every project with the same level of thoroughness, diving deep into research, cross-referencing sources, and ensuring that the narrative I’m presenting is both accurate and trustworthy.

This meticulous attention to detail not only strengthens the credibility of my films but also adds depth to the stories I tell. When viewers know they can trust the information presented, they’re more likely to be moved to action—whether it’s advocating for a cause or making changes in their own lives.

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As a journalist-turned-filmmaker, I’ve found that all of these skills are not just transferable — they’re essential. In an age where attention spans are short and the competition for viewers’ attention is fierce, it’s the power of the story that makes all the difference. And for me, that power is something that has been built over years of practice, passion, and dedication to the craft.