Nat Geo’s Field Ready Program Expands To Unscripted; Launches Collaboration With Wildscreen

EXCLUSIVE: National Geographic is expanding its 2026 Field Ready cohort to encompass unscripted, including science and exploration, adventure and survival, history, culture and the natural world.

A joint initiative of the National Geographic Society and National Geographic Content, part of The Walt Disney Company, Field Ready is a professional development program designed to accelerate the careers of unscripted storytellers through hands-on mentorship, practical training and real-world production experience.

Nat Geo has chosen 10 participants with demonstrated experience in photography or film, from seven countries: Brazil, Canada, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru and the United States, for the 2026 cohort.

Field Ready also will be collaborating with not-for-profit Wildscreen, an international community for natural world storytellers spanning the wildlife film, television and photography industry. Wildscreen will serve as a curriculum partner throughout the five-month program, providing advanced training in filmmaking and photography, and contributing to this year’s in-person bootcamp. In addition to mentoring one of the program grantees, Wildscreen will connect the Field Ready cohort to its network of more than 3,000 storytellers across 60+ countries, opening doors to new learning, exposure and career opportunities.

“At its core, Field Ready is about investing in talented storytellers with bold ideas and the drive to bring them to life — a commitment we share with Wildscreen,” said Karen Greenfield, SVP, Inclusive Content & Engagement, National Geographic Content. “As we enter our sixth year, together with our colleagues at National Geographic Society, we’re proud to see how this program continues to evolve — expanding its scope and impact while providing meaningful production experience and unmatched access to creative leaders and networks.”

“Lasting careers in unscripted storytelling are built on access to craft, mentorship and connections,” said Lucie Muir, CEO, Wildscreen. “This exceptional cohort of storytellers represents the future of the genre, and we’re excited to stand alongside National Geographic in supporting their journey as they refine their voices, pursue their creative ambitions, and expand their professional horizons.”

The Field Ready program spans five months and combines an intensive virtual curriculum, one-to-one mentorship, and a weeklong, in-person bootcamp at National Geographic’s London office, where participants receive advanced camera lab training, take part in a Pitch Fest, and connect with the U.K. production community. Following the bootcamp, cohort memberswill complete a tailored externship with their mentors and National Geographic production partners, with opportunities across field production, development or production management aligned to individual career goals.

“The National Geographic Society is committed to supporting our Explorers by providing the mentorship and professional networks necessary to share their work with the world,” said Chief Storytelling Officer Kaitlin Yarnall. “Through the Field Ready program, we are building on our legacy by equipping the next generation of filmmakers with the technical expertise and industry access they need to excel. We look forward to seeing the 2026 cohort drive impact through their powerful work and unique global perspectives.”

2026 Field Ready Cohort

2026 Field Ready Mentors

Since launching in 2019, 59 filmmakers representing 25 countries have completed the Field Ready program. To date, more than 60% of program graduates have returned to work on National Geographic productions across the globe. according to the company.

Graduates include Tamana Ayazi, who won an Emmy for her documentary In Her Hands; Pooja Rathod, who was selected as 2023 BAFTA Breakthrough India; Sugandhi Gadadhar, who was selected as an Emerging Producer by World Congress Science & Factual Producers in November 2023; and Gunjan Menon, who received the World Wildlife Day UN Audience Choice Award for the short film Wings of Hope.