🎥 Erin Ranney – Wildlife Cinematographer & Deep-Sea Video Engineer
Erin Ranney is a freelance wildlife cinematographer and deep-sea video engineer based in Alaska, Washington State, and the Falkland Islands. With extensive experience in remote fieldwork, she has contributed to major productions for BBC, National Geographic, Disney+, PBS, and Smithsonian, capturing the natural world in some of the planet’s most challenging environments.
🌱 Early Life and Education
Erin’s passion for wildlife and storytelling was ignited during her time as a field technician in Madagascar, where she studied lemur populations and shared her experiences through photography. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Ecology from Washington State University and a Master’s in Wildlife Documentary Production from the University of Salford in England. Her early career included interning with Mark Emery Films and assisting cameramen in the field.
🎬 Career Highlights
- National Geographic/Disney+ “Queens” (2024): Served as a long-lens cinematographer and drone operator, contributing to episodes focusing on female leadership in the animal kingdom.
- “Planet Defenders” (CBBC): Filmed and presented a children’s conservation series in the Falkland Islands, highlighting rockhopper penguins.
- “My Alaskan Journey”: Self-funded and produced a documentary exploring four unique areas of Alaska’s coast, weaving personal and historical narratives.
- Deep-Sea Exploration: Trained as a video engineer aboard Dr. Robert Ballard’s E/V Nautilus, operating live cameras on ROVs at depths of 4,000 meters.
🐟 Commercial Fishing and Conservation
As a third-generation commercial fisherwoman, Erin operates a set net fishing site in Bristol Bay, Alaska, home to the world’s largest sockeye salmon run. Her family’s deep-rooted connection to the region has instilled in her a commitment to conservation and sustainable practices.
🛠️ Skills and Certifications
- FAA Certified Drone Pilot
- Wilderness First Responder (including CPR, AED, and airway management)
- BSAC Certified SCUBA Diver
- Experienced in operating RED Epic-W, Canon R5, and drone systems