How To Become A National Geographic Explorer (2024/2025)

Today I'm sharing every piece of insight I have to help you become a National Geographic Explorer. These are lessons I’ve learned from getting a grant from the National Geographic Society myself, from exchanging notes with tons of other NatGeo filmmakers, and from years of attending the National Geographic Storyteller’s Summit in which I’ve gone to sessions specifically on how to get their grants. I’m going to go over what a National Geographic Explorer grant is, who should apply, how to apply for one, what will make your application stand out, how you’re most likely to screw it up, what you should do if you get accepted or rejected, and lastly, I’ll get real about the biggest value of a NatGeo grant, which I’m going to guess, might surprise you. Hope you enjoy!

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WHO AM I?
If we haven’t met yet before - Hey 👋 I'm Austin Meyer and I am a documentary filmmaker based in Berkeley, California. I'm a National Geographic Explorer and my work has been featured by HBO, Hulu, Apple TV, The New York Times, National Geographic, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, and PBS among others. Through my videos here on this channel, and my podcast called The Austin Meyer Podcast, I share skills, mindsets, and lessons to help you become a better documentary filmmaker and build the life full of creativity that you aspire towards.

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⌚️Timestamps:
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Grants Are Important!
2:05 - What is a NatGeo Explorer Grant?
3:32 - Who Should Apply?
6:28 - How to Apply
7:08 - The 6 Keys To Stand Out
7:19 - 1. Story, Not Topic
8:13 - 2. Assume A Beginner's Mind
8:41 - 3. Be Specific
9:00 - 4. Don't Promise Too Much
10:08 - 5. Help Reviewers Visualize
10:46 - 6. Ensure A Safe Investment
12:02 - How You'll Screw It Up
13:15 - What You Should Expect From The Grant
16:24 - The Biggest Value of The Grant
17:52 - Final Thoughts

#documentaryfilmmaking #documentary #filmmaking #nationalgeographic

[FilmshooterOH]

Great insights on grants. I have landed $80, 000+ in grants for various historical documentary projects. I would encourage folks to check out their local and statewide granting organizations. As you point out, it's not easy and you will get rejected but learn from each rejection and keep applying.

[travelexplorer]

I was Nat Geo collaborator in my early years of DP about 2006-2012 and then since I haven been close to them for a while, it does give you a plus when you say you used to work for them, is interesting what it does to your career

[onelifekush]

Beautiful. Many congratulations for becoming an Explorer!

And many thanks for patiently explaining and guiding upcoming filmmakers on the same. Much helpful ✨

[andrei-lazar]

One of the most informative video I ever seen on YT. Thanks!

[katongobkampamba]

These are some great insights. I also found it inspiring that your project was in Zambia since I'm a Zambian. I'll be sure to watch your documentary. Thank you so much for the advice, I applied for a grant last year and was rejected your video has helped me see the areas where I made mistakes for my next application. I'm so glad you posted this before I submitted my application for this year's grants.

[DrKaushikRam]

Congratulations on your NatGeo grant. I applied to be an explorer back in 2003 when I was studying Animal Behaviour at University. Had no idea what the grant entailed let alone demonstrate any track record. Obviously, I did not get a grant, or any reply for that matter. Your video is certainly informative and has re-inspired old ideas.

[katutasichilongo]

This is so insightful! Thank you for making it and sharing it. It's also a great coincidence that the algorithm brought me here because I am Zambian! I'm right at the start of trying to break into getting funding for story telling and even just building a portfolio, I currently barely have any gear so I'm trying to see how i can build a small portfolio of sorts and how i can tell more Zambian stories about the people, the landscapes and the wildlife. Definitely saving this one and will return to it time and again. Looking forward to watching your short that you made in Zambia! Thanks again 🙏🏾🙌🏾

[Zakwildlife]

I'm aspiring to nat geo, the wildlife side of things. Awesome video, very helpful tips, keep up the good work.

[prathamniwal]

Thankyou so much for sharing the insights this definitely will be helping us in getting our dream come true ( working with or for natgeo) . Again thanks alot for letting out so much knowledge appreciated it.

[rajendradwivedi]

Thank you Austin for great information to work with Nat Geo

[JasonLorette]

I am extremely intrigued by this, thank you for this video. There is something I've wanted to make for a long time but had no idea how I could accomplish it.

[DANAMIONLINE]

Very clear insights and good pacing, not too fast or slow. Keep it up, Austin. 👊🏾

[stanfordcardinal]

This is amazing! Thank you for the taking the time to put all of these insights together. Super helpful 🙏

[David_Quinn_Photography]

Great information I know 1 person who works for natgeo but he is a full time employee night a freelancer so never understood what happens to the in the field people.

[johnandrew]

My God so much informativ so big thank you for that Austin. I wish you good luck for your future projects

[marinrealestatephotography]

Very enjoyable video, Austin. I think that every film maker - even if they make commercials for shampoo and insurance - can benefit from having the skills to tell a good story. Beause you are such a good instructor, I would suggest you get in tocuh with your local high schools' video programs and see if you could come in and just talk to the students there about what makes a compelling story. Or... maybe make a video about that geared primarily towards high schoolers than schools across the country could use. You certainly have the teaching skills, experience and credentials to do it.

[FeelingHuman]

Such an amazing video! I was wondering if it is necessary to have attended college to apply for the beginners grant.

[caro_santamaria]

This videos is gold! It actually made it feel not so impossible to become a national geographic explorer which is something I dream of! Super inspiring 🐋✨

[terryhope]

Excellent advice on applying far any grant or even corporate pitches. Thank you Austin.

[jorgecampozanoalarcon]

Hey!!! great videa very inspiring and nicely tips for other creatives in the world!! applicable to other creative carreers, greetings from Ecuador