Wild Frontier Films showcases work from emerging natural history and science creatives

One Tribe TV is creating a YouTube channel showcasing the next generation of natural history and science filmmakers from across the UK and the world.

Wild Frontier Films will house works made by emerging talent together on a single platform, making it accessible to global audiences.

It will initially feature films made by student filmmakers from leading natural history and science MA courses, including UWE Bristol and the National Film and Television School (NFTS) at the University of Salford. Further contributors are expected to join as the channel develops.

Wild Frontier Films is also intended to provide an industry-facing showcase for off- and on-camera talent seeking careers in natural history and science. It is hoped the single portal will entice commissioners, indies and other industry figures. One Tribe will curate the content.

Wild Frontier Films will be headed up the indie’s managing director Dale Templar, who came up with the idea, and wildlife producer Peter Mills-Frost, who also runs One Tribe’s established YouTube channel Life at Anna’s Zoo.

The initiative also aims to kick-start a wider programme of support for emerging talent. As the channel’s audience grows, One Tribe will explore fundraising options to support its growth, with the ambition of putting profits back into the development of new filmmakers, including through bursaries for talent from lower-income and disadvantaged backgrounds.

Films will be supplemented with short-form, interview and podcast-style content from the filmmakers.

One Tribe’s music publishing partner Peermusic has agreed to provide music licensing support, and full guidance, helping ensure that music featured in the films is appropriately licensed, while creating similar showcasing opportunities for emerging composers.

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, NFTS, added: “This 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.”

Maire Tracey, senior lecturer in broadcast media, University of Salford, stated: “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.”