EXCITING NEWS!

Wildlife filmmaker and friend of the project James Stevens will be heading out to Sumatra, and we are really pleased to announce that our project will be a part of a forth-coming documentary that he is making on conservation projects in Sumatra.

ABOUT JAMES

Filmmaker, photographer, singer/songwriter, and artist from Gloucestershire, United Kingdom. James has been inspired by the natural world from a very young age. His natural curiosity for nature developed into an aspiring career as a wildlife filmmaker. Tailoring his studies to best suit him for this career, he found himself studying Wildlife Media at the University of Cumbria where he further developed his skills.

Since graduating from University in 2016, James has focused most of his time learning about, and filming the wildlife up in the Scottish Highlands. The saying goes “if you can film wildlife in Scotland, you can film wildlife anywhere in the world” for Scotland’s wildlife boasts many challenges. The changeable weather, biting midges and weeks in hides have not deterred him. Not only does he continue to work in film and photography, but also guides Scottish wildlife holidays, taking guests all throughout Scotland in search of stunning animals.

James now has his sites set on international ventures. He has lined up projects in both Sumatra and Papua New Guinea and will set to complete the former this year. Being a one-man production team poses many challenges, but with the help of conservationist Pungky Nanda Pratama, the documentary will be of great success.

To see James’ work, check out his website at: jegsmedia.co.uk

***UPDATE***

The trip to Sumatra was a huge success, one month of non-stop filming of people, places and wildlife. I was told so many stories of conservation successes, as well as saddening tales of poaching and logging. Nevertheless, it all adds to the documentary and it is important to capture the good along with the bad. 

This will be a truly honest documentary, informing the public on what it is like in Sumatra. Despite seeing horrible things, I am proud to report that I have returned optimistic for the future. I have met so many incredible people working endlessly to protect the land and wildlife they love. Their tenacity and passion is abundantly clear and the work they carry out should form a benchmark for global conservation. As such, I feel responsible for making this documentary the best it can be. Therefore, I have made the decision to go back to Sumatra to cover yet more stories. 

This is because there is one gap in the documentary – Orangutan. Sumatra is best known for two things: Tigers and Orangutan. I originally wasn’t planning to film Orangutan because they only exist in the North (I was filming in the South) and the permissions you need to work with them is a long and tough process. However, recently, I have been talking with various organisations, as well as discussions with Pungky, and we are making good progress. The originally impossible task is now looking more and more likely. 

Given this development, the release of ‘Conserving Sumatra’ is pushed back. I hope to release the film Summer 2019. I will endeavour to keep you updated on the second trip to Sumatra. As it stands we are in the planning phase. As soon as everything is in place I will get funding and I will be on my way back there. 

This will likely be Spring 2019. As always keep a look out on social media under JEGS Media, for photos, updates, videos. I perpetually thank you for your support in the making of this documentary.

Kindest regards, 

James Stevens 

Producer/Director ‘Conserving Sumatra’