A127_C022_0221DO.0004203.jpg
 

Wildlife Cinematographer

Above & Below

 

Realizing that a life confined indoors wasn't his calling, South African-born Jeandre Gerding took a brave leap by leaving medical school to follow his true passion: crafting films that make a difference. Finding deep spiritual fulfillment in nature, where he feels truly alive, Jeandre is driven by a heartfelt sense of purpose to connect others with the beauty and wonder of creation.

Over a 15-year career in impact and wildlife filmmaking spanning six continents, Jeandre has worked with prestigious broadcasters such as the BBC, Nat Geo, Apple, Disney, and Discovery. Known for his boundless energy, expertise and  enthusiasm, he thrives on creatively producing solutions for technically challenging locations and species. His keen eye, technical expertise, and problem-solving patience have made him a valuable asset in the field.

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand and we will understand only what we are taught.” - Baba Dioum

Currently, Jeandre is engaged in projects with the BBC and Apple, as well as two personal impact projects that are close to his heart. When not on assignment, you can find Jeandre sleeping in caves or exploring the heights of mountains and depths of the ocean around his Cape Town home, constantly seeking new ways to connect himself and others with the world he loves.

Testimonials

"Jeandre has been instrumental in the success of multiple shoots across my BBC1 'Mammals' landmark show. He's a proactive team player with boundless enthusiasm and skill to deliver across a variety of camera channels, and in often challenging and opportunity-limited situations. His eye is excellent and his technical knowledge and patience to problem solve is a real asset in remote locations."

- Daniel 'Raz' Rasmussen (Producer/Director - BBC Natural History Unit)

"Jeandre has a huge amount of energy and enthusiasm for the subject he’s filming, producing creative solutions for technically challenging locations and species. Knowing that Jeandre is on one of our shoots leaves me in the knowledge that we will achieve a set of innovative and visually stunning rushes, even in the most demanding locations. He’s also one of the most positive people I’ve worked with and a true asset to any team"

- Emma Frazer (Producer/Director - Offspring Films)


"Fantastic eye and attitude. Wonderful rushes and very proactive!"

- Lydia Baines (Producer/Director - BBC Natural History Unit)

"I hold him in the highest regard as a camera operator and as a human being… I can categorically state that Jeandre's camerawork was a highlight of the production. His ability to anticipate wildlife behaviour and catch the action, his ability to frame a "sigh-worthy" shot, to find the best settings and lighting and generate material any wildlife editor is more than keen to cut, is impeccable. He really has a gift and an eye for creative, beautifully composed wildlife filming."

- Megan Parker (Series Producer: Predator Bloodlines)

"I cannot recommend Jeandre's skills, endurance, loyalty, commitment, professionalism, leadership and all round good-guy'ness enough... Jeandre is a man of integrity with a can do attitude to back up his vast array of skills and experiences... He can be relied upon in any conditions, no matter the circumstances to keep delivering the very highest quality programming long after others would have given up. Jeandre truly is the best of the best... Once you have worked with him once you will keep on doing so." 

- Graham Wallington
(CEO WildEarth)

"Jeandre is a master of his craft, and gives his all to every project he works on. His eye for detail is formidable, and his passion for environmental & humanitarian issues is evident in his work. A pleasure to work with, a perfectionist, and an expert in his field."

- Jenny Griesel
(Media & Communications specialist)

"Jeandre is a highly professional, brilliantly artistic, and technically exceptional camera operator. He is a dedicated and caring leader who went above and beyond for his team. He took his job as a camera operator and leader very seriously, pushing himself and his team to constantly do better no matter how difficult the work or conditions were. I hope to work with Jeandre again at some stage."

- James Hendry
(Wildlife TV Presenter & Private Safari Guide) 

WILDLIFE CINEMATOGRAPHY REELS

A snippet from one of the sequences I helped craft for David Attenborough's latest landmark series, "Mammals" . The series is available now in the UK on iPlayer, and will be released globally later in 2024. The drone work in this sequence and some of the underwater shots are mine. Filming this sequence certainly changed my perspective on Orcas.

Craft

  • Long Lens

  • Drone Pilot (CAA RPL with ROC, CASA RPA OA)

  • Gimbal (GSS, Shotover, Underwater, Ronin)

  • Underwater (Open Circuit & Freedive)

  • Cable Cam

  • Mo-Co timelapse

  • High Speed (Phantom)

  • Remote Live Broadcast

  • Night (Low Light, Thermal, Infrared)

  • Children’s Wildlife Shows

The Ammo

  • 10+ Years Experience

  • 5+ Years living in the African bush

  • Degree in Producing for Film (AFDA)

  • Diving License (CMAS*** Master)

  • Freediver (Pure Apnea)

  • FGASA Level 1 (Field Guide)

  • 400+ dangerous game encounters on foot

  • Dutch and South African Passports

  • GSS 516 Operator and Technician Training

  • Shotover M1 Operator and Technician Training

  • First Aid Level 1

 

Familiar Toys

  • Red DSMC2 / DSMC 3 (Gemini, Helium, Raptor)

  • Canon CN20

  • DJI Drones (Inspire 3, Mavic 3 Pro, Matrice600)

  • Sony (F55, A7Siii, FX6, FS7, A7Riv)

  • Nauticam & Gates Underwater Housings

  • Rhino & Edelkrone Mo-Co Sliders

  • Ronford, Prosup, Flyking Sliders

  • Shotover M1, GSS 516, GSS mini 2, Ronin 2 / RS3

  • ME20-FSH (Low Light / IFR)

  • Remote PTZ Cameras / Fixed Rig

Awards

  • Gold Panda

  • Webby

  • KidScreen

  • Jackson Hole (Nomination)

  • SAFTA (2x Winner & a Nomination)

Playtime Pursuits

  • Trail Running

  • Scuba Diving

  • Freediving

  • Canyoneering

  • Rock Climbing

 

SHOOT DIARY

2024 - South Africa - Passion Planet & Artivist - Long Lens, Sync & Drone
2024 - South Africa - Offspring, Apple TV+ - Long Lens, Drone & Sync
2024 - South Africa - Artivist Films & Makhulu - Sync
2023 - South Africa - NHK - Drone
2023 - South Africa - Groundglass - Saudi Arabia TVC - Long Lens & Drone
2023 - South Africa - BBC NHU, Apple TV+ - Long Lens & Drone
2023 - South Africa - Offspring, Apple TV+ - Long Lens & Phantom
2023 - South Africa - Passion Planet & Artivist - Long Lens, Sync & Drone
2023 - Indonesia - FOP - Underwater, Gimbal, Sync, Drone
2023 - Botswana/South Africa - “Wild World Diaries” - Long Lens & Drone
2023 - South Africa - Wildpharm, French distribution - Drone
2023 - South Africa - Offspring, Apple TV+ - Long Lens
2022 - South Africa - Artivist - Long Lens, Drone, Sync & Gimbal
2022 - South Africa - Offspring, Apple TV+ - Long Lens
2022 - Zambia - Story Studio - “Ranger” - Drone, Long Lens, Ronin
2022 - Madagascar - BBC NHU - “Mammals” - Drone, Long Lens
2022 - Kenya - BBC NHU - “Mammals” - Long Lens, ShotOver
2022 - Australia - BBC NHU - “Mammals” - Drone, Pole Cam, GSS
2022 - Sri Lanka - BBC NHU - “Mammals” - Long Lens, Cable Cam, Gimbal, Underwater, Timelapse
2022 - New Zealand - BBC NHU - “Mammals” - Drone, Polecam
2021 - Tanzania - BBC NUH - “Mammals” - Long Lens, Timelapse
2021 - Botswana/South Africa - “Wild World Diaries” - Drone, Long Lens, TimeLapse
2021 - South Africa - BBC NHU - “Predators”, Discovery+ - Long Lens
2021 - South Africa - “Wild World Diaries” - Underwater

IN THE PRESS

The first look trailer for David Attenborough's latest landmark series, Mammals, has been released. I'm thrilled to announce my involvement in crafting six sequences across four episodes, with several of my shots making it into the trailer.

///

I'm honored that David Attenborough speaks so highly of a human impact cheetah sequence I helped craft with an incredible team in the Masai Mara. The sequence will feature in Attenborough’s latest Landmark Wildlife series, 'Mammals'. You can read the full article here.

///

A behind the scenes look at what it took to film a brand new behaviour, Tree hugging lemurs. This behaviour has arisen as an adaptation to climate change, a means for our fury friends to cool down in the increasing temperatures they are having to endure. The full article here.

///

After having developed “Siyaya - Come Wild With Us” as Co-Producer and Director of Photography back in 2012 on the first two season’s of this youth wildlife series, I had the privilege of shooting an episode for season 5, which has just won the SAFTA for the best youth programme of 2022. It’s marvelous to see Siyaya win in this category that competes against all genres, not just natural history, as it means we are truly reaching the series’s aim of connecting youth with nature. To date the series has aired on several channels (Amazon Prime, Nat Geo, SABC, Africa Channel, etc.) 


Latest Instagram Feed @jeandre_gerding

Contact

I'm privileged to call the most beautiful city in the world home, Cape Town. I’m often away, out in the wilderness with several cameras glued to me, so leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. 

+27 84 657 3491 (Whatsapp)
jgerding@gmail.com