Chris Schmid is an accomplished producer-director, Panda Award-nominated Director of Photography, and photographer with over a decade of experience in natural history storytelling. A Sony Ambassador and National Geographic Explorer, he is known for creating cinematic and emotionally resonant content in some of the world’s most remote and challenging environments.
Specialising in big cat filmmaking and wildlife behaviour, Chris brings a strong technical foundation in long-lens work, high-speed filming, drone and gimbal operation, and underwater cinematography. His work has been recognised internationally, including a Panda Award nomination for cinematography.
As a director/DoP, his films Frozen Warriors (2018), Okavango (2020), and Unwavering (2024) have been featured at international festivals and received multiple awards. He has collaborated with leading organisations such as Disney Nature, BBC, National Geographic, Sony, Terra Mater, Arte, WildAid, and WWF.
Motivated by a passion for conservation and a deep respect for the natural world, Chris aims to create work that informs, inspires, and supports efforts to protect wildlife and wild places. He is available for commissions and speaking engagements worldwide.
