Dan O’Neill
He/Him
I am gay and I am a wildlife filmmaker, documentary presenter & conservation biologist.//
I’m an independent filmmaker, presenter and zoology PhD candidate with a specialization in remote expeditions and conservation. My PhD study at The University of Sheffield looks into the effects of war and conflict on wildlife populations. I am based out of Bristol where I also work freelance in the wildlife TV industry.
I’m hugely passionate about science communication and the power that filmmaking has to inspire a new generation of conservationists. In 2018, I founded Wilderland Film Festival to bring the most awe-inspiring and thought-provoking wildlife short films from independent filmmakers across the globe on tour to the British public.
I would have loved seeing an openly gay explorer on TV going on wildlife adventures when I was younger. I hope initiatives like this help to showcase all the kick-ass LGBT+ scientists there are in the world so people showing an early interest in science and natural history TV feel empowered to chase that dream.