Cinematographer · Director · Drone Cameraman · Wildlife Consultant

Co-Founder, AfriScreen Films

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Mike Holding is an award-winning cinematographer and director with over 35 years' experience in international wildlife filmmaking, and one of the most experienced wildlife camera operators working in Africa today. Born in Kenya, and shaped by a childhood immersed in Africa's wild landscapes, he holds a BSc (Hons) in Zoology from the University of Exeter and has spent over 50 years as a licensed bush pilot.

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After graduating, Mike spent his early years on the Kenya coast working in marine biology, scuba diving instruction, aerial photography and habitat mapping. In 1978 he stepped into the role of cameraman for BBC TV News in Kenya, filming frontline war coverage of the Ugandan civil war.

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Mike then moved into corporate filmmaking in South Africa, founding Catchlight Pictures — an award-winning corporate film company — with clients including Coca-Cola, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and the UNDP. He also served as Director and Cinematographer for a number of top corporate production companies in South Africa for several years.

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In 1993, Mike was commissioned as principal wildlife cameraman on National Geographic's Okavango: Savage Paradise, a turning point that drew him permanently into Botswana and wildlife documentary production.

In 1996, he co-founded AfriScreen Films with producer Tania Jenkins.

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Over the last 30 years, Mike has served as Director of Photography, Director or Cinematographer on more than 40 high-end , award winning international wildlife documentaries. 

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His specialities are long-lens behavioural wildlife cinematography, aerial filming from his own Cessna 182, and high-end drone cinematography. He has served as Field Producer and Wildlife Consultant on multiple productions. He is a member of the International Association of Wildlife Filmmakers (IWAF) and an elected member of the South African Society of Cinematographers (SASC).