Media Lab

Earth in Focus 2025

Applications are now open until 15 July 2025!

The Earth in Focus Media Lab is a full-funded, 10-day intensive workshop, that spans across 3 months. It is created for emerging filmmakers and content creators who are passionate about telling nature’s stories.

Designed to nurture the next generation of environmental storytellers, the lab brings participants together with leading industry professionals for a dynamic experience that includes:

Expert-Led Masterclasses
Learn from acclaimed filmmakers, producers, and conservationists working at the intersection of media and the natural world.
Hands-On Production & Fieldwork
Get practical experience through guided shoots, editing labs, and immersive sessions in nature.
Exclusive Networking Opportunities
Connect with a growing community of creatives, conservationists, and media leaders dedicated to making an impact.

Whether you're looking to deepen your craft or break into the world of conservation filmmaking, the Earth in Focus Media Lab is your launchpad.

If you are an emerging / early-stage filmmaker/storyteller/content creator based in Singapore and looking to break into the world of nature and environmental storytelling, then you are just who we are looking for!

The Earth in Focus Media Lab is looking for 10 emerging filmmakers and content creators, based in Singapore ,who are passionate about nature and want to sharpen their storytelling skills using visual media.

Criteria for Applicants

We’re looking for individuals, based in Singapore, who have a strong interest—and some background—in using visual mediums for storytelling. You’ve dabbled in or are actively creating films, videos, or digital content, and you’re ready to take your skills further. Some experience with a camera, editing software, or content creation is helpful — but not required. We’ll support your learning curve.

You might be:

A student or recent graduate from a film school, science communication, journalism, or education program who are interested in exploring film as a medium for environmental impact.
An early-career filmmaker or freelancer with published or commissioned work seeking guidance and mentorship.
Individuals at the beginning of their filmmaking journey, looking to grow their skills in nature and conservation storytelling.
A science communicator or in-house content creator with a conservation, academic, or environmental institute looking to enhance your technical skills.
A self-driven digital creator experimenting with short films, reels, or documentation.

Above all, you’re curious about the natural world and eager to tell stories that inspire, inform, and connect people to nature. You’re also excited about learning, collaborating, and being out in the field with a creative, conservation-driven community!

Media Lab Details

Media Lab Period: August – October 2025 (3 months)

Workshops: 10 workshops which are 2-hour sessions each

Guest lectures: No more than 5 guest lectures which will be 1-hour sessions each

Location: In-person & Virtual Classroom for the workshops

Festival: In-person attendance for the festival dates

Upon acceptance, participants are required to pay an admin fee of:

$80 for general participants

$40 for students (proof of matriculation required)

* Fee waivers may be considered on a case-by-case basis for those facing financial difficulties

What you will be required do

It’s all about teamwork in conservation and applicants are expected to collaborate in teams to create a short film (no more than 10 min) based on this year’s themes.
Attend all workshops and guest lectures that may be virtual or in-person depending on content covered.
Build your network with peers and industry professionals
Work on the film independently beyond the workshop hours so that you can come to the workshop fully prepared with questions to be reviewed.
Premiere your film at the festival at an exclusive screening event

What to expect from the Media Lab

The mentors from the lab are experienced professionals who’ve worked in the field of environmental storytelling and will be guiding you through the process of crafting, creating, shooting and editing for the final film.
You will be supported by the network of partners at Earth In Focus if you require access for shoots and interviews.
Equipment rental is supported under the lab where necessary
A stipend to cover transport for location shoots will be provided
Here are sample topics that will be covered - storytelling for impact, shooting for the edit, pitching for production.