Meet the Falmouth graduate working on ‘the most ambitious portrait of life on earth ever attempted'

Within a year of graduating from Falmouth University's Marine & Natural History Photography BA, Hedvika Michnova had secured a coveted role as a researcher on HOME, an epic wildlife series from the BBC Studios Natural History Unit and National Geographic. We caught up with Hedvika to discuss working on location in Africa, why she chose Falmouth and how an award-winning student film launched her dream career.

Tell us about HOME…

It has been described as a cinematic spectacle of natural history across the planet, filmed over a decade and journeying through five oceans and seven continents. I'm working on the first series, which is all about Africa. I feel incredibly fortunate that this job has opened doors for me to explore extraordinary locations and spend weeks documenting the local wildlife. 

What's your role in this epic project?

I joined the HOME team at the BBC in 2022. As a researcher, my day-to-day work is incredibly diverse. At the beginning of the production I spent a lot of time searching for new animal behaviour stories, which entailed reading scientific papers, Zoom calls with researchers and watching past natural history programmes for inspiration. As the production advanced, my focus shifted towards organising shoots - with the most enjoyable aspect being the opportunity to travel with a film crew, collaborating to create captivating sequences. 

I work closely with producers, crafting pitches for National Geographic and developing story beats and shot lists. My team is exceptionally inclusive and collaborative, giving me ample room for creative input. I cherish the (albeit slightly stressful) moments in the final weeks leading up to a shoot. It's a whirlwind of activity - juggling equipment, finalising logistics, dealing with permits - but you also feel the undeniable rush and excitement for the upcoming adventure. My role is not in camera work but I've had the opportunity to develop my skills and learn a lot about various camera technologies, taking stills for promotion of the programme and filming behind-the-scenes content.

I chose the Marine & Natural History Photography BA at Falmouth because there's simply nothing else like it. I couldn't believe that I could actually study something like this...

What part did Falmouth play in your career development?

I chose the Marine & Natural History Photography BA at Falmouth because there's simply nothing else like it. I couldn't believe that I could actually study something like this - it ticked every box. When I was a teenager, I was really into landscape photography and always joked that one day I'd work for National Geographic. The Falmouth degree opened the doors for me and I fulfilled that dream less than six months after finishing the course, when I started as a researcher on the award-winning TV series Super/Natural.

How did the course prepare you for life in natural history TV?

It was really helpful to have gone through the experience of making a film in my third year, as I developed an understanding of storytelling, shooting, editing and all the other filmmaking elements. Even though I decided to pursue the editorial route in TV, the basic knowledge I gained in filming and editing has enhanced my skill set and helps me do my job better. Falmouth gave me an amazing starting point and enough to get my foot in the door, but I'm still learning in my job every day. 

The Falmouth degree opened the doors for me and I fulfilled that dream less than six months after finishing the course, when I started as a researcher on the award-winning TV series Super/Natural.

Your third-year film was a triumph. Can you spill the beans about making it?

My final-year project, the documentary It's Bean Too Hot, was something I poured my heart, sweat and tears into! It was my first real experience of filmmaking and a very steep learning curve. It took me to Costa Rica and Tanzania, where I worked with local coffee farmers and documented how climate change is impacting their lives. 

We premiered the film with the organisation I worked with in Tanzania. Ever since, it's been an incredible honour watching it screened at festivals around the world. It received a nomination at Jackson Wild 2021 and an award from the American Conservation Film Festival, among others. It has been broadcast on African DStv Channel and can now be watched on the streaming service WaterBear Network.

I'm not exaggerating when I say that I probably would not be working in the industry without It's Bean Too Hot. It gave me a real sense of what goes into making a documentary, and all the stages of production from development to editing, which was really beneficial when I was starting out in Bristol and going through my first job interviews. Because I was able to take the project from start to finish, it helped me clarify my decision on my chosen career path and seek editorial roles that allow me to develop, produce and direct stories. 

I definitely went into a career in wildlife TV thinking it must be one of the best jobs in the world. Being there now, I think I was probably right! 

Now you're established in the industry, what's next?

My role with HOME gives me a great balance between an office-based job and time in the field. I know that as I progress in the industry, that time in the field will increase. Is my job as enjoyable as I'd imagined? I definitely went into a career in wildlife TV thinking it must be one of the best jobs in the world. Being there now, I think I was probably right! 

I'm excited to keep developing my skills in the editorial side of natural history TV and hope to eventually become a producer/director. When the time is right, I'd also like to make my own film once again.

Can you offer any advice to budding photographers and filmmakers starting at Falmouth?

As a student, you have an incredible gift of time - a wonderful few years where you can work on your craft, supported by a great community of lecturers and coursemates. You'll never have that time again, so make the most of it.

Follow Hedvika's work on Instagram: hedvika_michnova

If working with the BBC's Natural History Unit is your dream role too, explore our Marine & Natural History Photography BA degree.

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