Prakash Matada

National Geographic Explorer. Wildlife Filmmaker. Cinematographer. Speaker.

Prakash Matada is an artist who has turned his childhood obsession with wildlife into a professional pursuit. Splitting his time between creating wildlife conservation films for non-profit organisations and doing camerawork for broadcasters, he strives to craft stories that tug at the heartstrings of people from all walks of life and evoke a genuine love in them for the natural world. His work has won him awards of repute, including WildScreen and Jackson Wild, two of the most prestigious Film Festivals in the Natural World.  Currently, Prakash is working on a blue-chip landmark series for the BBC and Apple TV. 

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Prakash Matada with newly launched Arri Alexa 35
Work Featured On
Recent Camerawork

Planet Earth III - BBC Studios Natural History Unit - Episode - Forests

Big Beasts -Apple TV - Episode 8 - Tigers

Play Video
Recent Conservation Film

Flying Elephants – A Mother’s Hope is a multi-award-winning film by Prakash Matada. The short film on Asiatic Elephants is inspired by a mythological story from the ancient Hindu book ‘Gajashastra’. The film is narrated in Betta kuruba language, a dialect of Kannada spoken by the tribals residing along the South Western border of Mysore. Although considered sacred, elephants are being decimated across Asia. The film sheds light on these sensitive, emotional, and socially intelligent creatures that rightfully deserve their place in the natural world. Flying Elephants was launched on social media platforms on World Elephant Day, 2021. It collectively reached up to 100 Million followers with support from celebrities and influencers globally, including the honourable Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.

Awards
David

Prakash has excelled in solving problems and working undirected to create fantastic rushes. His attention to detail is excellent, his eye for composition superb, and he has excelled expectation at every stage. It has been a real privilege to work with him and I hope that we get to work on many projects to come.

– David Johnson, Producer

Plimsoll Productions

Prakash continues to be a trusted, reliable and innovative DoP. I am extremely glad I could work with him to cover a species that had never been filmed with such precision and quality. Working remotely, we communicated clearly and often; Prakash handled everything with professionalism and charm. I cannot wait to work with him again.

–Guthrie O'Brien, Assistant Producer

BBC BBC Studios Natural History Unit
Philip

Prakash has a gentle and unassuming manner about him, he treads gently with a keen and original eye for filming intimate and beautiful wildlife behaviour. Pouring over his rushes has opened my eyes to the natural treasures of India I’ve not seen or experienced before.

– Philip Dalton, Executive Producer

John Downer Productions
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I have had the privilege of working with Prakash for over 10 years now. He has created multiple award filming documentaries and short films for my organisation. He is the consummate professional and a joy to be in the field with.

– Dr. Krithi Karanth, Chief Executive Scientist

Centre for Wildlife Studies
Jon-Bougher

Prakash and his team are a joy to work with - professional, creative and adaptable to any situation. We worked with them in-person and remotely and their breadth of experience and understanding of equipment made the project a breeze. Highly recommended!

– Jon Bougher, Executive Producer

Emic Films (USA)

Prakash is passionate, professional & most importantly ethically sound when it comes to filming documentaries. All his projects are unique and innovative. He has a keen understanding of the natural history to be an accurate and effective story teller. His drive and dedication reflects in his work.

– D. Mahesh Kumar, Indian Forest Service

Director, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve
Camerawork

Conservation Films

Prakash likes to craft stories about science, culture and wildlife conservation and their intersection that influences opinion and changes behaviour.

Natural History Camerawork

Prakash’s experience as a cinematographer includes filming for blue chip landmarks and sync/actuality across some of the most challenging environments.

Filmmaking Workshops

Prakash teaches the artistic and technical details of wildlife filmmaking in his workshops, sharing the lessons and inspirations gleaned during a decade in the wild.

Get In Touch

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