Le Jardin Extraordinaire Wildlife TV Show

LE JARDIN EXTRAORDINAIRE

WILDLIFE TV SHOW

"Working on the TV show I grew up watching feels both surreal and an immense privilege."

Since September 2022, I co-direct two episodes a year of 'Le Jardin Extraordinaire', a wildlife TV show on the French-speaking Belgian public television RTBF.

Hosted by wildlife filmmaker and showrunner Tanguy Dumortier since 2014, the program focuses not only on the animals themselves but also on the journey and challenges of filming them.

First aired in 1965, Le Jardin Extraordinaire is the channel’s longest-running program and remains its second most-watched after the news.

TITLE: Excerpt of "Namibie, la traversée des déserts"
MY ROLE: Co-Director & camera Operator / Producer / Editor
TIME OF YOUR LIFE REQUIRED: 3MIN
KEYWORDS: #wildlife #tvshow #belgium #primetime

My comprehensive role
in the making of this wildlife show

Pre-Production

After determining a destination with the host and showrunner, I set out to design an itinerary based on the local wildlife and identify key local figures such as nature guides or scientists. This process results in a structure that serves as a script draft for the episode.

Production

Over approximately 15 days, we embark on a location shoot anywhere in the world. While the host both presents and films the wildlife, I focus on capturing the interactions with guides or scientists while covering wider shots of wildlife and landscape.

Post-Production

Since January 2024, I have also taken on the role of editor. I collaborate with the host on writing the voice-over, tailored to the available images. Additionally, I oversee the color grading and sound mix to ensure the delivery of the final episode.