FILM

National Geographic’s Pristine Seas

Combining exploration, research and filmmaking, Pristine Seas is an initiative that promotes the creation of new marine protected areas in collaboration with island nation governments, local conservation organizations, Indigenous and local communities. Since 2008, Pristine Seas has carried out 45 expeditions to over 30 places, published more than 170 peer-reviewed scientific articles and produced 22 documentaries. With support from partners and local communities, 29 vast marine reserves have been created covering over 6.8 million km2 — more than twice the size of India.  

I have been working with Pristine Seas since 2022 first as a researcher and then in field production. Since 2023, I have been on three expeditions: to the Marshall Islands, Palau and Papua New Guinea as a field producer, topside cinematographer and photographer. The documentaries made not only highlight the state of the marine environment in each place and the scientific findings but also tells the stories of local people’s relationship to the ocean and its value to them economically, culturally and spiritually. The scientific paper created and film produced together are the “head and the heart” that are presented to policy makers to move the needle on the creation of marine protected areas.

Papua New Guinea Field Edit 2024. Field Production, Topside Cinematography, Co-Editor.

Rough cinematography reel focused on women in the islands region of Papua New Guinea from July-October 2024.

2020 Reel & Reason for Making

Cinematography, Edit and Narration by Madison McClintock
Words adapted from Fruitful Darkness by Roshi Joan Halifax
Music "Dreamer's Wake" by Rival Consoles

Archived Impact-Driven Client Work & Nature Stories

Archived Commercial & Non-Profit Work

Art Films

Copyright © 2025. Madison McClintock