Talent Development Program — Wānaka 2026

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Supported by Film Queenstown Lakes

Sunday 1 February 2026 | Wānaka, Aotearoa / New Zealand

As part of the Outsiders’ RUN / MTB / HIKE Content Residency this February, this one-day Talent Development Program offers early and mid-career creatives the opportunity to learn from industry leaders — combining mentorship, technical training, and practical field experience in the heart of Aotearoa’s adventure landscape.

Delivered through the Elevation Fund, this initiative reflects the Outsiders’ long-term commitment to reinvesting 1% of annual revenue into developing the next generation of outdoor creatives, storytellers, and athletes.

Program Overview

Join the Nikon New Zealand team and outdoor photographer Dakota Brown for a focused day designed to expand both your technical and creative approach to outdoor cinematography and photography.

Morning Session — Q&A and Nikon Workshop

Start the day with an interactive Q&A and insight session with the Outsiders residency crew, offering an open look into career pathways and the realities of working in outdoor media. The session also covers business development strategies — from pitching and collaboration to securing more work from the other side of the fence.

Then, dive into a hands-on workshop with Nikon NZ and Dakota Brown (@dakotabrownphotography) covering:

• The new Nikon Z Cinema camera, developed in collaboration with RED

• A selection of NIKKOR Z Series lenses built for stills and motion

• Practical approaches to shooting in natural light, gear setup, and visual storytelling

A light lunch will be provided at the residency house before heading into the afternoon field session.

Midday — Field Shoot

Head outdoors with the Nikon team for a guided field shoot.

• Capture mid-day and golden-hour light across Wānaka’s alpine and lake terrain

• Learn movement, framing, and environmental composition techniques

• Collaborate with peers and mentors in a live creative environment

The program concludes late afternoon, with the option to continue if conditions and light are in favour of further creating.

Who It’s For

• Early to mid-career photographers, filmmakers, and digital storytellers

• Creatives passionate about the outdoors, adventure sport, and authentic storytelling

• Individuals looking to strengthen their technical skills, industry insight, and professional connections

Program Details

Date: Sunday 1 February 2026
Location: Wānaka, Aotearoa / New Zealand
Duration: 1 day (morning to mid-afternoon)
Capacity: 20 participants
Eligibility: Open globally, with strong encouragement for NZ-based applicants

Applications open: 9 January 2026
Applications close: 23 January 2026 (5 PM NZST)
Notification: All applicants notified within 2 business days of application

About the Elevation Fund

The Elevation Fund is the Outsiders’ long-term initiative to support the next generation of outdoor storytellers and athletes.
We reinvest 1% of annual profit directly into mentorship, project support, and industry opportunities that build creative and athletic careers in the outdoor space.

Through the Fund, we partner with brands, mentors, and regional organisations to create tangible pathways for emerging talent — helping them grow the skills, networks, and confidence needed to thrive in the global outdoor industry. The program also provides meaningful access to community and connection, opening doors to new collaborators, mentors, and future opportunities.

The 2025 pilot program in Wānaka — supported by Nikon NZ and Film Queenstown Lakes — was oversubscribed, with participants describing it as “the kind of experience that builds both skill and confidence in the real world.”