About Us
Who We Are
WildLens is a channel dedicated to amplifying the wonders of wildlife, nature, and the personalities involved in conservation initiatives helping to safeguard the remaining wild places of our planet. The WildLens team is responsible for showcasing these magnificent moments in a series of short and long form films. All the footage we share is accessible for free viewing, and we will distribute the content on our platform of choice, YouTube.
Mission Statement
To unite people and animals, ignite engagement, and grow an enormous community passionate about our planet!
Capturing The Wilds Through A Lens
In today's world, almost everyone has the ability to capture incredible content through their smartphones, turning us all into videographers in our everyday lives.
Calling All Lenses
We are excited to offer you the opportunity to showcase your wildlife videos on the WildLens YouTube channel by submitting them to us. If you capture something truly amazing let's talk!
Our backstory
A Passion for Rewilding & Film Making
For numerous years, the devoted team behind WildLens has wholeheartedly committed themselves to the realms of wildlife, conservation, and the art of capturing these awe-inspiring wonders on film. In the early 1990s, they played a pivotal role in the remarkable rewilding efforts carried out in the Eastern Cape, a province in South Africa. While Yellowstone National Park in the USA was reintroducing wolves to its park, the wildlife team in the Eastern Cape embarked on a mission to reintroduce elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and various other indigenous species. Through the years this pioneering rewilding story was documented in many magnificent films.
Over the decades, the team pursued several other ventures. One such venture involved the rewilding of an expansive piece of land near Cape Town in South Africa, spanning an area equivalent to Singapore. Thousands of animals were reintroduced to roam freely in this huge reserve. They also engaged in master planning for diverse eco-tourism projects in different parts of Africa and the Middle East. The passion for film making was deeply rooted in these thrilling rewilding endeavors, fueling their drive to bring the marvels of wildlife to the screen today.
With the growing challenges faced by nature, the team aims to foster unity between people and animals, spark meaningful engagement, and cultivate an extensive community that shares an unwavering passion for our planet.
MEET The Team
Barbara Bellini - Founder
Alastair McEwan-Smith - Financial Advisor
Alastair McEwan-Smith - Financial Advisor
Barbara Bellini is an experienced
global media executive and premium
content producer having served in
various leadership roles at Channel 4,
National Geographic TV, Discovery
International, and South-African
content provider Trace Studios.
Barbara’s years of international work
and travel has built in her a passion
for global storytelling, espec
Barbara Bellini is an experienced
global media executive and premium
content producer having served in
various leadership roles at Channel 4,
National Geographic TV, Discovery
International, and South-African
content provider Trace Studios.
Barbara’s years of international work
and travel has built in her a passion
for global storytelling, especially
positive and nuanced narratives
about the African continent.
Alastair McEwan-Smith - Financial Advisor
Alastair McEwan-Smith - Financial Advisor
Alastair McEwan-Smith - Financial Advisor
Alastair McEwan-Smith has a background in the hospitality industry, where he has dedicated a significant portion of his career to working with renowned eco-hospitality brand, Mantis. More recently, he has been instrumental in guiding the trajectory of both Mantis and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, which is a part of Mantis Entertainmen
Alastair McEwan-Smith has a background in the hospitality industry, where he has dedicated a significant portion of his career to working with renowned eco-hospitality brand, Mantis. More recently, he has been instrumental in guiding the trajectory of both Mantis and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, which is a part of Mantis Entertainment. His expertise has extended beyond the United Kingdom, with the expansion of these businesses into neighboring territories in the Middle East.
Paul Gardiner - Director
Alastair McEwan-Smith - Financial Advisor
Paul Gardiner - Director
Throughout the majority of his career, Paul Gardiner has been deeply involved in the field of eco-tourism. Working alongside his father and an incredible team, he played a pivotal role in the remarkable transformation of the Mantis Collection hotel brand, turning it into a prominent global player in the industry. Additionally, Paul took o
Throughout the majority of his career, Paul Gardiner has been deeply involved in the field of eco-tourism. Working alongside his father and an incredible team, he played a pivotal role in the remarkable transformation of the Mantis Collection hotel brand, turning it into a prominent global player in the industry. Additionally, Paul took on the role of co-founder of the Bear Grylls Survival Academy, collaborating with Bear Grylls to expand the brand's reach to numerous countries worldwide. Paul and his family share a profound passion for conservation, actively striving to identify meaningful ways to make a positive impact.