Well known among the nature documentary field, Patrick Dykstra is a TV presenter, BAFTA award-winning wildlife cameraman, and expedition leader.
He is a certified rebreather scuba diver, wingsuit skydiver, hang-glider and para-glider pilot and is passionate about wildlife conservation. He ensures he obtains the correct permits and works with sustainable local companies when running safaris. He was at the forefront of blue whale exploration and documentation in Sri Lanka and worked on important research surrounding the behaviour of killer whales in Iceland. Patrick has led trips with NWS in Sri Lanka, Dominica, and Norway.
Prior to his work in natural history, Patrick spent eight years as a corporate lawyer working at one of the world’s most prestigious international law firms. Since leaving the corporate world Patrick has visited 102 countries and has filmed in some of the harshest environments including Yemen’s tribal areas, diving under Antarctic ice and at the top of Congo’s erupting volcanos. When not on the road Patrick is at home in Bristol, UK with his two dogs.
-Patrick Dykstra's Projects-
Patrick won a BAFTA for his cinematography work on the BBC’s Blue Planet 2 and went on to host his own eight part television series titled Chasing Ocean Giants that has aired in over 150 countries on the Discovery Channel and continues to be aired and streamed on the Discovery+ streaming service. The eight-part series follows Patrick’s journey across the globe to assist some of the world’s leading scientists in discovering mysteries of the ocean. During the production, the team filmed numerous world-firsts and provided a valuable platform for the scientists with whom they worked. Patrick has also filmed major nature programs for Netflix, National Geographic, AppleTV+, Discovery, BBC and others. A feature film about his friendship with a sperm whale titled “Patrick and the Whale” (WT) has just been released in September 2022.
Patrick and the Whale
Embark on an awe-inspiring journey into the world of whales with marine videographer Patrick Dykstra in this breathtaking documentary. Prompted by a profound encounter with "Dolores", a female sperm whale, Dykstra immerses himself in the pursuit of understanding these ocean giants. Veteran wildlife filmmaker Mark Fletcher’s lens beautifully captures the whales' intelligence, emotional depth, and complex social bonds. Beyond the visual spectacle, Dykstra grapples with ethical questions surrounding his research and our relationship with the natural world as he delves deeper. Don’t miss this odyssey that reveals the wonder and vulnerability of life beneath the waves.
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