James Brickell

James Brickell - Wildlife Filmmaker

'Filming animals is a privileged way of earning a living. I don't think it overstates thing to say that capturing a unique moment in an animal's life can be a humbling, even life-changing experience. But the build-up to what can be a few brief moments of airtime is where the real story lies. The planning, the teamwork, the decision-making and to be honest, some of the utterly ridiculous situations we find ourselves in, that is what I love talking to people about.' James Brickell

James Brickell has a passion for wild animals and has directed some of the most highly regarded TV presenters in wildlife filming. Despite spending a great deal of time in close proximity to a wide range of dangerous animals including Polar Bears, Lions, Cheetahs and Crocodiles, James has so far escaped largely unscathed with only a small Piranha bite.

James is an entertaining after dinner speaker and an excellent choice for educational events or anyone interested in nature, biodiversity and wildlife filming. His presentations are highly visual with superb footage and images from around the world.

James Brickell's TV filming credits include the Really Wild Show, Wildlife on One, Big Cat Diary and the ground-breaking, highly acclaimed series with Sir David Attenborough: Life in Cold Blood (BBC1, 2008).

James is a wildlife filmmaker at the prestigious BBC Natural History Unit. While capturing snake behaviour for Life in Cold Blood, James Brickell achieved some genuine world-firsts in wildlife filming. He filmed a wild rattlesnake hunting (never previously observed) and snakes jumping across a mudflat in the Far East (behaviour which is new to science).

Inspired by figures such as Gerald Durrell and Jacques Cousteaux, James became fascinated by animals from a young age and filled his parents house with a menagerie of tarantulas, snakes and lizards. After reading Zoology, he followed his dream and joined the BBC Natural History Unit and is delighted to have the opportunity to work with his childhood hero, Sir David Attenborough. James continues to direct and produce wildlife films with the best. During his career, James has worked with Michaela Strachan, Nick Baker, Simon King, Charlotte Uhlenbroek and Steve Backshall.

James offers a fresh alternative for speaking events. With numerous anecdotes and stunning film footage and photographs, James brings to life the challenges and rewards of life as a wildlife filmaker.

James Brickell gives an insight into how they capture extraordinary footage and deal with the pressures of time, budget and often uncooperative, dangerous animals and yet still keep the team motivated.

A very entertaining and different speaker who easily engages a non-specialist audience and brings alive the sheer wonder and magic of nature.

Listen to James Brickell talk about diving with Lemon Sharks

Download James Brickell's profile & testimonials here

After Dinner | Awards | Educational | Nature | Inspirational