EP 099: Tom Opre, Adventure Filmmaker

A compelling discussion with Tom Opre, Adventure Filmmaker turned Wildlife Filmmaker and advocate during the pandemic. After the pandemic, instead of returning to producing commercial based film-making, he felt his mission was to educate the world about African wildlife. He highlighted the devastating impacts of poaching, showing that many species were brought to the brink of extinction and the impact that this had on local human populations. His film, Shepherds of Wildlife, allows us to see the reality as seen through his lens. Accepted by over 40 film festivals, worldwide, Shepherds of Wildlife won over 20 major awards including best film for social justice, indigenous and human rights. Amazon bestseller, “Killing the Shepherd: Beyond the Film”, tells the story behind the making of the film and lays out a blueprint for major stakeholders in regards to wildlife and habitat conservation in Africa.   A film director, cinematographer, television producer, wildlife conservationist, and human rights advocate, Tom Opre has made educating the public on wildlife conservation and stewardships issues his main priority. As the past president of the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), he has worked to help other outdoor communicators and industry leaders understand and present a unified message regarding the top issues facing wildlife conservation today. Since 1990, Opre has produced and/or directed national television commercial projects for Fortune 500 companies, feature films and episodic television including projects for Discovery Channel and PBS. In 2015, he wrapped a seven year prime-time run on NBC Sports producing the highest rated, award-winning, television show in the outdoor field sports genre.   Today, he serves on non-profit boards including African Children’s Schools and Shepherds of Wildlife Society™. He is the Founder of the Shepherds of Wildlife Society, a 501,(c)(3), a non-profit with a mission to educate the broader public about the critical importance of modern-day wildlife conservation and h