Lauren Arthur is a passionate wildlife filmmaker, zoologist, and marine biologist with over 14 years of experience in wildlife conservation, both on land and underwater.

From her early days studying marine life in the Maldives to becoming a leading television storyteller, Lauren has dedicated her career to sharing nature’s beauty and importance with a global audience.

wildlife, filmmaking, conservation — Lauren Arthur, Image: Supplied

Today, she is also committed to shaping the next generation of wildlife filmmakers through training and mentorship.

After spending 8 years as a marine biologist in the Maldives, Lauren made a pivotal career change. She transitioned into wildlife education, taking up the role of a presenter at WildEarth, where she connected viewers worldwide to the wonders of the natural world.

“Living and working in the Maldives was the best time of my life. It was really hard work but so rewarding. Our clientele was some of the biggest celebrities and famous faces in the world but my role involved teaching everyone about the marine life,” says the renowned broadcaster.

With her scientific expertise and engaging storytelling, Lauren quickly became a trusted voice in wildlife broadcasting, delivering live shows from the African bush to the depths of the ocean.

Co-Founding Too Wild: Shaping the Future of Wildlife Filmmaking

Driven by her desire to give back and nurture new talent, Lauren teamed up with renowned South African wildlife filmmaker David Eastaugh to co-found Too Wild, an innovative wildlife filmmaking course.

This program is designed to offer aspiring filmmakers a hands-on, immersive experience in the heart of the Timbavati Game Reserve, South Africa.

Lauren says, “After working as a naturalist and wildlife TV presenter for over 15 years combined, I realised I wanted to give back and share the knowledge I have gathered over the years. What is knowledge anyway if it is not shared!

“We wanted to create something holistic, captivating and that teaches students what it really takes to become a filmmaker in the wild, not just how to point and shoot a camera.

“Ultimately, we wanted to create something that allowed us to help build the next generation of wildlife filmmakers.”

She emphasised that the social impact of ethical wildlife filmmaking is significant. By fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world, these films can inspire conservation efforts, promote environmental awareness, and challenge harmful practices.

This authentic portrayal encourages empathy for animals, motivating viewers to support preservation initiatives and advocate for sustainable policies.

The Too Wild course is unlike any other. It provides students with the opportunity to learn from industry professionals, including naturalists, trackers, cinematographers, and editors.

The program focuses not only on technical skills like filming and editing but also on the ethics of wildlife filmmaking. Students are taught how to interact responsibly with the environment and wildlife, ensuring that their work supports conservation efforts.

wildlife, filmmaking, conservation — Lauren Arthur and co-founder David Eastaugh, Image: Supplied

One of the core values of Too Wild is community empowerment. Lauren and David are dedicated to supporting local talent, offering scholarships to aspiring filmmakers from nearby communities.

“Our course teaches ethics in wildlife filmmaking and how do you know where to draw the line? ecology and animal behaviour; how to read the tracks and signs of the bush; how to shoot for the edit and manage your media,” says Lauren.

A percentage of every student’s fee goes towards funding these scholarships, making it possible for young people from underrepresented backgrounds to enter the world of wildlife filmmaking.

This initiative is supported by the Timbavati Foundation, Wild Shots Outreach, and RuggedWear Apparel, which ensures that sponsored students are fully equipped for their fieldwork.

The Power of Partnership: Lauren’s Friendship with David Eastaugh

At the heart of Too Wild is the strong professional and personal partnership between Lauren and her co-founder, David Eastaugh.

The two first met while working at WildEarth TV in 2018, where they spent countless hours together in the African wilderness, capturing the beauty of nature for live broadcasts.

Working in such challenging conditions—often spending long hours in unpredictable weather, tracking elusive wildlife—required them to develop a deep level of trust and communication.

Their shared passion for wildlife and commitment to ethical filmmaking quickly transformed their friendship into a powerful creative partnership.

wildlife, filmmaking, conservation — Lauren Arthur and co-founder David Eastaugh, Image: Supplied

Over time, their collaboration evolved, and they became not only colleagues but a dynamic duo in the world of wildlife storytelling. Together, they balance their different strengths and perspectives to bring Too Wild to life.

David’s extensive experience as a filmmaker, combined with Lauren’s scientific background and on-screen charisma, makes them a formidable team.

Despite the inevitable challenges that come with both running a business and working so closely together, Lauren and David have built a unique and successful partnership.

They often credit their success to clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared vision of empowering others through their work.

Their relationship is not just about business; it’s about a common goal of inspiring future wildlife filmmakers and promoting conservation through storytelling.

A Mission to Inspire Change Through Wildlife Storytelling

One of Lauren’s core beliefs is that storytelling has the power to change hearts and minds, especially when it comes to conservation.

Through her work, she has seen firsthand how powerful wildlife filmmaking can be in raising awareness and fostering a connection between people and the natural world.

Whether she’s live-broadcasting from the plains of the Kruger National Park or sharing the wonders of marine life in the Maldives, Lauren’s mission is always the same: to inspire people to care about wildlife and take action to protect it.

wildlife, filmmaking, conservation — Lauren Arthur, Image: Supplied

Her work with Too Wild is an extension of that mission. Lauren believes that by training the next generation of wildlife filmmakers, she is not only passing on technical skills but also fostering a deep respect for the natural world.

The course covers key aspects of filmmaking, from reading animal behaviour and tracking wildlife to editing and producing a showreel.

“Our course is open to anyone, even if you don’t want a career as a wildlife filmmaker, you can transform your passion for nature into cinematic art and have the experience of a lifetime.

“Spending that amount of time in the wild will have a huge impact on anyone and is genuinely a life-changing experience,” she shares.

However, Lauren places equal importance on teaching students about conservation and the ethical responsibilities of wildlife storytelling.

Lauren’s academic background in zoology (BSc) and marine biology (MSc) has provided her with a solid foundation in understanding ecosystems and animal behaviour.

These expertise allows her to teach students not just how to film wildlife but how to capture it in a way that is both ethical and impactful.

Wildlife Filmmaking in Action: Lauren’s Global Success

Lauren’s career has taken her across the globe. In the Maldives, she spent years studying creatures like manta rays and turtles, working closely with local communities to promote marine conservation.

Her work with the Olive Ridley Project and the Maldivian Manta Project helped raise awareness about the dangers of ghost nets to marine life and contributed to efforts to protect endangered species.

wildlife, filmmaking, conservation — Lauren Arthur in the Maldives, Image: Supplied

After transitioning into wildlife filmmaking, Lauren quickly gained recognition as a gifted presenter. Her ability to translate complex scientific concepts into engaging stories has made her a favorite among audiences.

She has presented live wildlife broadcasts across Africa, bringing the beauty of the continent’s diverse ecosystems into the homes of viewers worldwide.

Her pioneering underwater live shows set a new standard in natural history storytelling, showcasing the magic of the ocean in real-time.

wildlife, filmmaking, conservation — Lauren Arthur underwater in the Maldives, Image: Supplied

But Lauren’s success as a television storyteller is only part of her journey. Through her mentorship of young filmmakers, she is now helping others tell their own wild stories.

She understands the responsibility that comes with capturing the natural world on film, and she encourages her students to use their skills not just to entertain but to educate and inspire positive change.

Creating Impact: Community and Conservation at the Heart of Too Wild

Lauren and David’s commitment to conservation goes beyond filmmaking. Their work with local communities in South Africa is a vital part of the Too Wild program.

Many of the communities surrounding the Timbavati Game Reserve have limited access to the wildlife that draws tourists from around the world.

“The main drive of our wildlife filmmaking course is to share our knowledge and to break down the ‘metaphorical fence’ which separates the local communities from what is inside the game reserve. Many local people live on the periphery of reserves but have never set foot inside or even seen an elephant,” she shares.

“We have the power to inspire change and break down this ‘fence’. Too Wild aims to nurture local talent and produce the next generation of South African wildlife filmmakers, especially uplifting the youth,” she adds.

wildlife, filmmaking, conservation — Lauren Arthur, Image: Supplied

Lauren and David are determined to change that by breaking down the barriers between these communities and the natural world.

By offering scholarships to local students, Too Wild is giving young people the chance to not only learn about wildlife but to build careers as filmmakers, naturalists, or conservationists.

The partnership with the Timbavati Foundation and Wild Shots Outreach ensures that these students are supported throughout their journey, from training to employment.

wildlife, filmmaking, conservation — Lauren Arthur, Image: Supplied

Lauren’s goal is to create a ripple effect: by training local talent, she hopes to inspire future generations to take up the mantle of wildlife conservation and storytelling.

It’s not just about teaching people how to use a camera; it’s about empowering them to share the stories that matter.

The Road Ahead: Lauren’s Ongoing Commitment to Wildlife Filmmaking

Lauren Arthur’s journey as a wildlife filmmaker, educator, and conservationist is far from over. With Too Wild now fully operational, she is focused on expanding its reach and impact.

When she’s not busy teaching or presenting, Lauren can often be found traveling the world, immersing herself in nature, and finding new ways to inspire others to care for the planet.

wildlife, filmmaking, conservation — Lauren Arthur, Image: Supplied

Her partnership with David remains a cornerstone of her work. Together, they continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in wildlife filmmaking, always striving to tell stories that make a difference.

As Lauren often says, “The world needs more storytellers, especially those who can speak for the animals that cannot speak for themselves.”