Media Lab
An immersive 9-day filmmaking workshop, taking place
September 23 - October 2, 2025 at Grand Teton National Park
Jackson Wild Media Lab
The Jackson Wild Media Lab (JWML) is a competitive, fully funded, and intensive nine-day filmmaking workshop created for emerging filmmakers and science communicators. The workshop brings together early-career media makers, conservationists, and scientists to collaborate on science and conservation media projects under the guidance of world-class mentors and instructors. Check out the 2023 Media Lab films below as examples.
This year, we are focusing on a North American (USA, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean) applicant pool. If you’re located outside of North America, we encourage you to explore other Partner Labs and join The Collective for the latest updates on additional global opportunities.
Have questions? Email us at: medialabs@jacksonwild.org
The Jackson Wild Media Lab is a collaboration with HHMI Tangled Bank Studios and Day’s Edge Productions.
We are looking for emerging filmmakers, science communicators, and storytellers from a wide range of academic and professional backgrounds. You do not need advanced technical skills or a scientific degree, but you must be:
Passionate about storytelling in science, conservation, or natural history.
Eager to learn the art and craft of filmmaking and other visual storytelling.
Committed to participating fully in a fast-paced, immersive environment.
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This is not a casual workshop, nor is it merely a “scholarship” to attend the Jackson Wild Summit—it’s a bootcamp-style, immersive learning experience with a demanding schedule. If selected, you’ll be expected to give it your all—creatively, mentally, and physically
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At JWML, “emerging” doesn’t mean unqualified—it means you’re still growing. You may be early in your journey, but you’ve already shown a commitment to storytelling and a strong desire to develop your voice in science and conservation media. More info on our ideal candidates below.
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Jackson Wild is committed to creating an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants. If you are selected as a Fellow and require any accommodations to participate fully in the Media Lab, we will work with you to meet your needs. We encourage applicants of all abilities to apply and are dedicated to supporting an environment where everyone can thrive.
The ideal candidates include:
A student or recent graduate (undergrad, grad, or postdoc) exploring visual storytelling.
A recent career switcher moving into filmmaking or science communication from fields like science, journalism, or education.
A freelancer or early-career filmmaker with a few projects under your belt—maybe short films, a YouTube channel, or production assistant experience.
A science communicator or media specialist from an NGO, university, or research institution looking to sharpen your storytelling and technical skills.
A science or conservation creator on YouTube, TikTok, or another social media platform, interested in integrating your work with traditional media.
You don’t need advanced technical chops or a science degree—just curiosity, drive, and a commitment to learning. If you’re ready to challenge yourself, collaborate with others, and bring fresh perspectives to science storytelling, this program could be a great fit for you.
About our Award-Winning Instructors
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Neil Losin is a filmmaker, biologist, and co-founder of Day’s Edge Productions. With a PhD in biology, he left academia in 2012 to tell stories about science, nature, and conservation through film. Neil has led science communication workshops around the world and has been at the helm of the Jackson Wild Media Lab since its launch in 2019. Neil is the co-creator, co-director, and lead writer of the Emmy-nominated PBS science series Human Footprint.
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Alex Dainis is a science communicator and digital storyteller with a PhD in genetics from Stanford. A 2019 Media Lab alum and winner of the 2024 National Academies Schmidt Award, she creates engaging science media for broad audiences and has become a standout voice in the world of science communication.
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David Hutchinson is a documentary filmmaker from San Diego, CA. In 2020, he joined Day’s Edge, where he has worked as a writer, producer, cinematographer, and editor on broadcast and digital projects including the Emmy-Nominated series Human Footprint (PBS), San Diego: America’s Wildest City (WNET / Nature), and Miami Wild (Smithsonian Channel). An episode from his series The Code won Best Natural Sciences Short at the 2023 Jackson Wild Media Awards. When he isn't making films, David enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, running unreasonable distances, and carving linocuts of birds.
About the Media Lab
What You’ll Do
For nine demanding days, fellows will:
Collaborate in teams with local scientists or conservation organizations (i.e. your “clients”) to create a short film, social media deliverables, impact campaign, or other products.
Attend daily workshops, panels, and critiques with top-tier filmmakers, producers, editors, and communication experts.
Gain hands-on experience using professional cameras, editing software, and production gear.
Build your professional network with peers and industry leaders.
Premiere your Media Lab projects at the prestigious Jackson Wild Summit.
All travel, lodging, and food expenses will be covered.
Workshop Details & Schedule
Location: Jackson, Wyoming | Grand Teton National Park
Program Dates: September 23 – October 2, 2025
Optional Attendance: Jackson Wild Summit continues through October 3
Sample Schedule Highlights:
Daily production work in teams
Mandatory lectures over lunch and dinner on topics like:
The Business of Documentary Production
The Art of the Pitch
Editing, Cinematography & Lighting
YouTube and Digital Platforms
Science of Science Communication
Storytelling with Impact
Film Premiere: September 30 at an exclusive Jackson Wild screening event
