Wildscreen has unveiled details of speakers and sessions for the inaugural Wildscreen Industry Summit 2025, taking place 20–22 October in Bristol and online.
Joining the speaker line-up is Janet Han Vissering (SVP of Development and Production, National Geographic), Jack Bootle (Head of Specialist Factual Commissioning, BBC), Grant Mansfield (CEO, Plimsoll Productions), broadcaster and biologist Liz Bonnin, adventure YouTuber & filmmaker Eva zu Beck, impact-driven filmmaker Abdel Mandili, Tanzanian conservationist-filmmaker Hans Cosmas Ngoteya, and documentary filmmaker and distribution strategist Keith Ochwat.
They join a growing roster of previously announced speakers including Tom McDonald (National Geographic), Vanessa Berlowitz (Wildstar Films), Gareth Edwards (Shutterstock), Victoria Noble (AMV Stream) and Walter Köhler (Terra Mater Studios).
Between 20-21 October, the industry talks programme will feature 15 panels and lightning talks, including:
• Are PSBs the anchors of the natural history genre?
• How do you diversify funding?
• How can we build a fair, equitable and boundary-pushing future workforce?
• How do you bake impact into the wildlife genre?
Delegates will also have access to curated 1:1 Mentoring Sessions on Wednesday 22 October, providing personalised career development opportunities across three areas:
• Meet the Decision Makers – filmmakers can pitch projects directly to commissioners, distributors and co-production partners.
• Cinematography Showreels – expert, bespoke feedback from cinematographers and producers on creative calling cards.
• Stepping up from AP to Producer – tailored advice on career progression and transitioning into producing roles.
The 22nd will also host a programme of craft-focused workshops available to in-person delegates spanning sound, cinematography and editing.
The Wildscreen Industry Summit runs from 20–22 October 2025, ahead of the prestigious Wildscreen Panda Awards ceremony on 22 October.
Sponsors include: Warner Chappell Production Music, Doclights, Terra Mater Studios, Films at 59, Wildstar Films, Boomerang Carnets Media, CCK Tech, Leica, Passion Planet, UWE Bristol and Clarity Media and Entertainment.
The Wildscreen Industry Summit programme is available here.
Pippa Considine
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