TIMELAPSE
SHOWREEL
MACRO
ANDREA VALE
Portugal and U.K.-based wildlife camera operator and assistant, specializing in long lens filming of behavioral sequences. Additionally, I am a science communicator, using filmmaking and writing to document marine research expeditions.
I have a long-time background as a biodiversity writer. Now I use both side to create compelling, surprising visual stories driven by a foundation of strong storytelling and character-led narratives.
My focus is on using long-lens filming to capture wildlife behavioral sequences. I also work to document scientific expeditions at sea, with a particular focus on deep the seabed. Although I am dually-based in Porto, Portugal and Bristol, U.K., I was raised in the United States and hold an American passport.
My credits include wildlife camera operator for The One Show; drone operator, underwater camera, and second camera for Anthroposea; and 360 camera for Down Window. I have experience in timelapse, macro, underwater, and 360 filming, with an FAA 107 commercial drone license, top-rope belay certification, and PADI Open Water Diver certification.
In the natural history film world, I have worked on shoot and in pre- and post-production for Icon Films, Off the Fence Productions, and Metropolis Films. For scientific research expeditions, I have worked on the Science and Exploration Team at the National Geographic Society, and as an ocean exploration filmmaker for the Oxford Anthroposea Expedition. I’ve planned and undertaken filming and researching in remote, off-the-grid locations across India, Nepal, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Italy, and along the U.S.-Mexico border. I have an MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation and Management from the University of Oxford and a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing from the University of Notre Dame.
Wildlife Camera Operator:
The One Show, BBC, 16th December 2021
Sony FS5 and FS7. Off the Fence Productions. Captured close-ups, slo-mos, and establishing shots for robin behavioral sequences, in addition to b-roll cut-aways, and talking head interviews.
Drone Operator, Underwater Camera, Second Camera:
Anthroposea, Oxford University Expedition Society, May 2021
Sony a6400, DJI Mavic Mini, GoPro Hero9 Black with underwater dome port. Captured second camera character interviews, b-roll cut-aways, establishing shots, underwater, and aerial footage.
360 Camera:
Down Window, Silvano-Mari Productions, June 2021
Ricoh Theta 360. Conceived, shot, and edited promotional 360 footage.
Camera Credits
Out of Eden Walk, National Geographic Society
March 2018: Amritsar, India, to Harike Pattan, India)
Anthroposea Expedition, Oxford University Expedition Council May 2021: Southampton, U.K. to Plymouth, U.K.)
Expeditions
Skills and certifications
U.S. Passport Holder
FAA 107 Commercial Drone License (U.S.)
CAA Open Category Drone Flyer and Operator Permit (U.K.)
Time-Lapse Videography
Macro Videography
360 Videography and Photography
International Driving Permit, U.S. Driving License
PADI Open Water Diver Certification, Drysuit Certification (Exp. April 2022)
Top-Rope Belay Certified
U.K. First Aid Certification
Languages: Arabic (Beginning), Spanish (Advanced), Italian (Intermediate)
Equipment Experience
Cameras
Topside: RED Helium, Sony FS5, Sony FS7, Sony a7sii, Sony a6400 (all 4K shooting)
Aerial: DJI Mavic Pro, DJI Mavic Mini
360 VR: Ricoh Theta Z1, GoPro MAX 360
Underwater: Nauticam and Seafrogs full function housing systems (Cameras: Sony a6400, GoPro MAX 360, GoPro HERO9)
Lenses
Telephoto zoom: Nikon AF-P 70-300mm 1:4.5-6.3 G
Wide prime: SLR Magic Cine 12mm f/2.8, Nikon 11-16mm f/2.8
Medium range zoom and prime: Sony 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6, Nikon 50mm 1:1.8 G