I sit down with Sophie Darlington—one of the UK’s leading long-lens wildlife cinematographers—for a candid conversation on breaking into natural history, shooting with intention, and the evolving ethics of modern tools. What you’ll learn: ✅ Pathways into the industry: from Hugo van Lawick’s camp to landmark series (The Hunt, Our Planet). ✅ Blue-chip visual language: what “blue chip” really means and how sequence coverage is built under pressure. ✅ Working on film vs digital: why discipline from the Super 16/35mm era still shapes rushes reviews and shot choices today. ✅ Light as emotion: practical tips on position, backlight, eye light and using weather for mood. ✅ Movement & restraint: when to hold a frame, when to follow, and why “breathe with the animal”. ✅ Drone ethics & responsibility: balancing immersion with respect for wildlife in the age of FPV and gimbals. ✅ Career advice: cut your own footage, seek honest feedback, and build trust in a Bristol-centred ecosystem—even if you’re based elsewhere. If you care about story-led cinematography, industry realities, and doing the work ethically, this one’s for you. 🔗 Follow & Connect with Sophie: Website: https://sophiedarlington.com/ LinkedIn: / sophie-darlington-asc-3880bb31 Instagram: / sophiedarlingtondop

Hello everyone, A close friend of mine in the Philippines is raising urgent funds for a nearby village that has lost everything in the recent cyclone. With another storm already approaching, the situation is critical, and every bit of help can make a real difference. I know this is outside of ocl or ofm scope, but in times like these, quick action matters more than anything. If you’re able to contribute or help spread the word, it would mean a lot. https://gofund.me/98bf44c66

In this conversation, I chat with Calum Stronach, a cinematographer based between Scotland and Hawaii, about the realities of developing skill and confidence in natural history cinematography. Calum shares his journey from filming “everything that moved” to discovering the discipline of shooting with intention and structure. Through candid reflections on imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and creative overwhelm, he reveals how building systems and community support transformed both his craft and mindset. Together, we discuss: ✅ Moving from random shots to structured sequences ✅ Overcoming self-doubt and creative paralysis ✅ Why imposter syndrome is often part of the professional journey ✅ The power of mentorship and shared experience in filmmaking ✅ Learning to trust process over perfection A grounded conversation about growth, clarity, and finding your voice underwater—reminding us that mastery comes from patience, repetition, and community. 🔗 Follow & Connect with Calum: Instagram:  cbstronach 🔗 Follow & Connect with Roger: YouTube: @rogerhorrocks

In this conversation, I chat with @Jessica Miocevich, a camera operator who has transitioned from land-based storytelling to the world of underwater cinematography. Jess shares how she built direction and confidence while balancing professional camera work with a growing passion for the ocean. From filming humpback whales in challenging conditions to discovering that small local stories can be as powerful as epic wildlife encounters, her journey highlights how structure, mindset, and perseverance translate into real-world progress. They discuss: ✅ Developing clarity of purpose in a competitive creative field ✅ Applying frameworks to stay calm and decisive in chaotic shoots ✅ The shift from chasing “hero shots” to building sequences that tell stories ✅ Confidence as the catalyst for new opportunities and professional growth ✅ Why local dives and small subjects can be training grounds for mastery An inspiring conversation for anyone learning to turn skill and passion into sustainable creative momentum. 🔗 Follow & Connect with Jess: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessmiocevich/ 🔗 Follow & Subscribe to Roger: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rogerhorrocks

In this episode, I chat with Olly Scholey, a natural history filmmaker whose career spans over a decade of filming in some of the planet’s most extreme environments. From the Masai Mara to the Arctic, Olly has worked on landmark productions including Disneynature films, the BBC’s The Hunt, and Netflix’s Our Planet. His experience includes seven trips to the polar regions, sailing across two oceans, and more than 400 hours underwater. In this conversation, Olly shares: ✅ Lessons learned from working on blue-chip series like Our Planet ✅ What it takes to spend months in remote, harsh environments ✅ The balance between assisting, producing, and shooting roles in natural history ✅ Why courtship rituals are a fascinating new lens on wildlife behaviour ✅ How personal expeditions fuel creativity and open new opportunities With stories from Tiger Beach to the Azores, and insights drawn from years of fieldwork, Olly offers a candid look at the resilience, adaptability, and curiosity it takes to thrive in natural history cinematography. 🔗 Follow & Connect with Olly: Website: https://oliverscholey.co.uk/ Instagram: / olly_scholey Facebook: / olly-scholey-1499548560107626 🔗 Follow & Subscribe with Roger: YouTube: @rogerhorrocks