“No expedition, adventure, or film comes about without a little bit of suffering. But the suffering co-efficient is my key to success.” – Bryan Smith

Have you ever watched a National Geographic film about some incredibly remote, dangerous place—and then wondered what the people behind the cameras had to go through to capture the action? Join Bryan Smith, an award-winning filmmaker for the National Geographic Channel, as he shares gripping, behind-the-scenes moments from his assignments to document extreme feats and high adventure in the world’s most challenging environments.

An experienced kayaker who had paddled steep rivers in India, Peru, and Russia, Smith was inspired to take up video photography while protesting a hydroelectric dam project that threatened British Columbian rivers. He went on to make films about sea kayaking and other adventure sports, and has specialized in creating innovative technical solutions to capture dizzying images of dangerous situations.

Last year, funded by a Society Expeditions Council grant, Smith explored and filmed Russia’s wild Kamchatka Peninsula during a five-day, first-descent kayak journey—where bears, volcanoes, and mosquitoes fought for his team’s attention. He just finished filming National Geographic’s “Alaska Wing Men” series about bush
pilots, and is currently directing a special on human-powered flight.

For Bryan Smith, extreme is “whatever is scary for you,” and in extreme filmmaking, the cameraman joins the athlete in testing the limits. Meet this dynamic young filmmaker, adventurer, and conservationist for an evening of incredible stories and intense footage shot in stunning locations.

View our Tickets and Information page.

Return to the Seattle Speaker Series main page.