Hi, I’m Vanessa, wildlife filmmaker and nature-lover since birth.  I couldn’t help it, really.  My dad is a naturalist by profession. (That’s someone who studies and teaches about nature.  Not someone who runs around naked--that’s a “naturist.”  A few letters makes a big difference in this case.)  So, I grew up with a pet bullfrog who sang along with my piano lessons, and terrariums filled with snakes and spiders next to the dinner table.  Our family vacations were canoe trips through The Everglades or Okefenokee Swamp.  Sure, sometimes we went to the beach, but only if we were camping.  Not exactly a typical childhood, but definitely interesting...and fun!      

I always knew I wanted to do something with nature, and after trying to be a scientist and then an activist, I eventually picked up a video camera and found my calling.  I got my start in documentaries working for the Discovery Networks and have produced both on-air and online content for Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel and TLC.  I’ve also created outreach and marketing campaign videos for non-profits such as The Jane Goodall Institute. 

Then In 2009 I founded NatureBreak so I could be truly independent and make the kind of nature films I think are interesting, exciting, and important.  Plus, producing for the web lets me meet all kinds of people interested in nature like I am. 

I’ve been fortunate to have won some awards for my work:  a People’s Voice Webby for my series “Deadliest Catch: The Real Dutch.”  I was nominated for an Emmy for this same series.

I also still regularly produce for television and non-profits, too.  So if you’re looking for a someone to produce professional, high quality, and cost-effective TV or Web video content for you, send me an email.