Follow The Tracks Of Science And Natural History Filmmaker, Nathan Small
Crafting a story that gives unprecedented access to the natural world and opens our eyes to scientific marvels takes exceptional technical skill, resilience in the face of challenging environments and above all, a passion for shining a light on important stories.
Nathan Small is a graduate of the Directing and Producing Science and Natural History (SNH) course at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) where these attributes are nurtured, encouraged and trained through practical filmmaking modules.
We caught up with Nathan to find out how he went from pivoting from a career in advertising photography to winning a Children’s and Family Emmy for his work on National Geographic/Disney’s A Real Bug's Life.
What was your pathway to the NFTS – how did you know you wanted to do SNH filmmaking?
I’ve always been a bit of a nature nerd with a camera – ever since I was a kid, I was obsessed with both wildlife and photography. Somehow, that led to a career in fashion and advertising photography (don’t ask – long story). The truth is, I was never that into fashion – I just liked making images. One day, I typed “wildlife, photography, film” into Google like it was a magic spell, and the NFTS course popped up. I’d never heard of it (sorry, NFTS), but a bit of digging showed it was the real deal. I applied on a whim, got in, and that was the beginning of a whole new adventure.
What was your favourite thing about the Directing and Producing Science and Natural History course? What surprised you once you started your training?
Hands down, the best thing was how immersive it was – you hit the ground running, and suddenly you’re making stuff instead of just talking about it. The teaching was brilliant, but it’s the collaboration that really makes it. Working with editors, composers, cinematographers – it’s like bootcamp for teamwork. I also didn’t expect to get so much creative freedom so quickly – it’s a playground, and you’re encouraged to swing from the climbing frame.
"Suddenly you’re making stuff instead of just talking about it"
How do you feel your training at the NFTS set you up for graduation?
Pretty well, considering I walked straight into a job! My course mentor, Steve Nicholls, literally said, “When you graduate, I’m giving you a job.” And he wasn’t kidding – that first opportunity was huge. Beyond that, the course gave me space to experiment. I left with a toolkit full of practical skills and the confidence to use them. It’s not just theory – you come out of the NFTS ready to do the thing.
What has been your journey since graduating?
Straight out of the gate, I worked as a shooting researcher on Tiny World for Apple TV+ at Plimsoll Productions. That led to Planet Insect for Curiosity Stream, and then back to Plimsoll for A Real Bug’s Life (NatGeo/Disney), where I was promoted to Producer. That show was a game-changer – big budget, plenty of time, loads of creative input. Now I’m directing a brand-new series for Netflix, coming out this Halloween. It’s been a bit of a blur – but the good kind.
What is your advice for current students at the NFTS and for those thinking about pursuing a career in SNH filmmaking?
Work hard, play hard, and make the films you want to make. NFTS is your chance to take creative risks – use it. Be bold, be weird, be curious. And talk to people – your classmates are your crew now, but they’ll be your collaborators for years to come.
If you’re thinking about going into SNH filmmaking – honestly, do it. It’s the best of both worlds: science and creativity, storytelling and exploration. Yes, it’s tough – think mud, bugs, long days, heavy kit, and very little glamour. But the reward? Access to wild places, inspiring people, and the chance to tell stories that matter. Just make sure you like being outdoors... and bring insect repellent.
"The reward? Access to wild places, inspiring people, and the chance to tell stories that matter."
Thanks Nathan!
You can follow in Nathan’s tracks and apply for the NFTS Directing and Producing Science and Natural History MFA today!
With kit and production costs covered by the School, you’re free to focus on your own voice and creative storytelling, with guidance from industry professionals.
Recent graduates from the NFTS SNH course have achieved great things in the past few months including Thomas Cassar who’s film Orchids: Darwin’s Conundrum was named finalist at the BAFTA Student Awards and Daniel Green and Olly Cummins took home two awards at the RTS Student Television Awards for Beyond the Bay and secured funding from On the Edge for a new comedy series about the UK’s temperate rainforests.
Explore the course and apply today at https://nfts.co.uk/directing-and-producing-science-and-natural-history
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