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Ben Cunningham On How Streaming Reshaped Natural History Filmmaking
Manage episode 503897483 series 3676512
Ben Cunningham ACS has seen firsthand how streaming platforms transformed natural history filmmaking. From the content boom of the late 2010s to today’s production slowdown, he shares an insider’s view of how subscription models, budgets, and changing audience habits have reshaped opportunities for cinematographers and storytellers alike.
We discuss the rise of Netflix and Apple TV commissions, the impact of global demand for 4K+ wildlife content, and why the industry is now facing turbulence as streaming platforms refine their business models. Ben also reflects on the tension between technical perfection and authentic storytelling, the ethics of conservation-driven filmmaking, and where he hopes the genre will go next.
Follow Ben on Instagram at @ben_cunningham_acs
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Chapters
1. In This Episode of The Full Frame (00:00:00)
2. Introducing Ben Cunningham (@ben_cunningham_acs) (00:00:17)
3. Downturn of Natural History Genre (00:01:20)
4. Importance of Conservation and Ethics in Natural History (00:04:00)
5. How Large Production Companies are Structured (00:06:36)
6. Breaking into Natural History Cinematography (00:09:00)
7. Joining ACS & Overcoming Imposter Syndrome (00:10:25)
8. Why Ben Chose Natural History (00:12:38)
9. Shooting The Pool & Working with People (00:14:52)
10. Crew Sizes & Setups (00:18:03)
11. Ben's Gear Choice: Venice, FX6 & FX3 Talk (00:18:59)
12. Autofocus vs Creative Control (00:26:22)
13. Rewatching & Reviewing Edits: Learning from Post (00:27:55)
14. Shooting for Story, Not Just Perfection (00:30:27)
15. Conservation-Focused Projects (00:33:10)
16. Sony's Sustainability Efforts (00:34:00)
17. Dream Projects & Mountain Wildlife (00:35:57)
18. How Streaming Changed the Industry (00:36:38)
19. Streaming Accessibility & Younger Audiences (00:40:07)
20. Advocating for Australian Content Quotas (00:42:10)
21. "It's All Been Shot Before" in Natural History (00:45:06)
22. Advice for Aspiring DOPs (00:48:15)
23. Wrap Up & Where to Catch Ben's Work (00:50:06)
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