Will WEST has made films  for broadcasters including BBC, Channel 4, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC and SBS Australia

 I began my career in natural history film- making and was lucky to work extensively in southern Africa (Namibia) with some top Directors while I learned the process of building sequences and telling stories on- screen.

Switching focus to people instead of animals, I moved into current affairs, mainly for the pioneering UK broadcaster Channel 4 on their Dispatches and Unreported World strands. I am particularly proud to have made films for Unreported World which remains one of the world's leading producers of current international documentaries.

I spent two years with a London communications agency running a production unit based in Mogadishu, Somalia. Working in support of the UN and AU Mission we made short and long- form content across a range of formats for Somali and International audiences. I travelled regularly to Mogadishu and filmed in cities and towns across this fascinating but troubled country

I have worked in challenging environments in Africa, Asia and South America, England and the US. I have experience of both overt and covert filming, I have shadowed security forces and law enforcement in several countries and have up- to- date Hostile Environment and medical training. 

Since inheriting a Pentax SLR as a teenager I have loved using cameras and self- shoot most of my films which means I can respond quicker to dynamic situations, and it is more cost- effective on smaller budgets. But I also look for every opportunity to work with dedicated camera and sound professionals as they raise production values still further and offer valuable input to the creative process.

In broadcast I work with dedicated editors but I can also self- edit (Final Cut Pro / Premiere Pro) for some commissions.

Based on the south coast of England I am married with two young children.  Freelancing can place heavy demands on a family and I feel incredibly lucky for the support they give me, for the amazing variety in my work, and for the insights I get into so many fascinating cultures and lives