Case Study: Saba Douglas-Hamilton
| Personal details | ||
|---|---|---|
| Degree: | MA Social Anthropology |
|
| School(s): | School of Philosophy, Anthropology & Film Studies | |
| Year of Graduation: | Jun-1993 | |
| LinkedIn: | n/a | |
| National of: | United Kingdom | |
| Employment details | ||
| Organisation: | Freelance – but work mostly with the BBC Natural History Unit and Animal Planet | |
| Job title: | Wildlife presenter and documentary film producer | |
| Occupational Sector: | Media / Television | |
| What has been your route to getting your current position? | ||
| After I graduated from St. Andrews, I first started working in the
field of conservation with Save the Rhino Trust, Namibia, then I became
the Academic Director for the School for International Training,
Tanzania, and later I was an anthropological consultant on an EU
development project in Kenya. Each of these jobs came about through
meeting people in the field or at conferences, then being interviewed or
head hunted. When I joined Save the Elephants (my father’s research
foundation) as their first CEO in 1997 setting up a new research centre
in northern Kenya, the BBC Natural History Unit expressed an interest in
filming our conservation and community work. We went for discussions
in Bristol and I was spotted by a talent scout. My life as a wildlife
presenter began. I’d not considered a career in television, but
fronting wildlife programmes turned out to be a perfect mix of
conservation, environmental advocacy, art, science and adventure. Since
then I’ve broadened my work base to include producing and directing. Application Process To start work in conservation I followed my heart to the projects that interested me. There’s a lot to be said for face to face introductions and being in the right place at the right time. If you are persistent and enthusiastic, then show some initiative and make yourself indispensable once you’ve got the job, you’re there to stay. Selection Process Having established my conservation credentials initially became important as the BBC were looking for authenticity in their presenters. At their request I sent in a show-reel (cobbled together from whatever I could find) which led to a screen test in the form of a short half hour film about elephants in Kenya. It was sink or swim, but luckily they thought I had “screen presence” from the start which seemed to be reinforced by | ||
| What does your job involve ? | ||
| Day In the Life ... A day of filming leopards on Big Cat Diary
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| What are the best bits of your job ? | ||
| Filming wildlife requires a great deal of patience and expertise in animal behaviour. There are long periods of utter boredom followed by furious activity. It’s wonderful work but not as glamorous as it may seem. | ||
| Why were you successful? | ||
| Career wise I have a tendency to go for things that interest me rather than prioritising on money-making, so one way or another all of my work experience has been useful. In general I’ve found that everything one does in life feeds back into one’s career later down the line. If you are passionate about something then you go for it hell for leather. I think I’ve been successful because I get totally wrapped up in the work I’m doing and put sweat, blood, heart and soul into it. I don’t count over time, or do weekends or holidays. But that’s the freelance world. | ||
| What skills/ knowledge from your degree have you found particularly helpful in this role? | ||
My anthropological training has been invaluable every step of the way. Being able to write well and produce a coherent, logical, well-argued and slick report, immediately puts one a cut above the rest. It’s astonishing how few people can do it! A potential employer’s first impressions can make or break you. So when things are in your control it’s good to be a perfectionist. Also, I love anthropology and have tried to keep it up as much as possible. | ||
| What advice would you give to students wishing to follow the same path? | ||
My best advice is to read up on your subject, be genuine and enthusiastic, and work your butt off if you get the job. As a presenter you need to be totally natural and appear to be talking to your best friend, as well as have genuine expertise in your field. The film industry is notoriously fickle so you have to be able to offer something different. Access to unusual stories through personal contacts and an ability to think laterally helps a great deal. Pursuing other interests alongside TV work is critical in case it all comes crashing down. | ||