Today we’d like to introduce you to Braeden Meyer

Hi Braeden, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I have always been fascinated by the intersection between arts, culture, and the scientific realm of understanding the world around us. My whole life has been driven by exploring these facets of creative and research-based intrigue. Artwork and photography were some of my hobbies and interests during school growing up but I quickly realized how fascinating science can be for all ages! I decided I would pursue some way to blend these interests moving forward and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biological Sciences (fisheries & wildlife ecology & Mgmt. concentration) in Spring 2020 from Montana State University – Bozeman. During this degree I worked a multitude of scientific research/conservation seasonal technician positions with federal, state, and private level conservation entities throughout MT and WY.

Prior to my undergraduate degree I was well aware of the MFA program in Science & Natural History Filmmaking (also at Montana State), but a degree in a science-related field was required to enroll.

After obtaining my B.S. in Biological sciences I took a year off of schooling due to the impact of COVID-19 and in-person courses to work in adult education at a community college back home in Lander, WY but soon after applied and was accepted to the MFA Program in SNHF for Fall 2021 start.

Since starting this graduate degree I have spent the past 3 years diving into science communication through the art of documentary filmmaking, the perfect blend of film, photo, art, and science I’ve always been looking for! Ranging from a personal pursuit to track and film the elusive river otter in harsh Yellowstone winter, to the debate on ownership of multi-million-dollar dinosaur fossils, my work focuses on the relationships between people, the sciences, and their impact on and interactions with the world around them. My ultimate goal is to elucidate and inform the public about the unique realms of science, natural history, and everyday life that can be observed through a scientific, cinematic, and ultimately approachable experience to bridge the gap between these often separated worlds.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of friends and family that support my creative endeavors, and I would say it’s been a pretty smooth road taking what began as a hobby and self-taught photography.

Over the years I’ve been able to take my undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences and real-world field research experience and merge them with the science and art of filmmaking. I’m happy to say that all my interests in the arts and sciences can blend in a unique way through documentary filmmaking. This has granted the opportunity to educate and inform the public about the unique realms of science, natural history, and everyday life that can be observed through a scientific, cinematic, and ultimately approachable experience to bridge the gap between these often separated worlds.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

As I mentioned, I have been in the MFA program in Science & Natural History Filmmaking at Montana State University, Bozeman for the past 3 years, and am now in my fourth year focusing on my graduate thesis film and research. I’m fortunate to have made many amazing connections and opportunities to enhance my craft along the way! Ranging from frozen winters spent in solitude tracking river otters, to an intense debate between science, profit, and prosperity of vertebrate fossils, my interests are guided by the relationships between people, the sciences, and their impact on and interactions with the world around them.

My current work includes my thesis film (which I plan to expand into a longer for documentary) titled “Thought & Memory” documents the scientific research, cultural understanding, and oral tradition related to the common raven (Corvus corax). Throughout the Northern Hemisphere, a variety of experts and individuals with close relationships to the beautiful bird present a long-standing understanding of a highly intelligent species long deemed to be a trickster, omen of death, and harboring the secrets of creation and destruction. It’s been very exciting to collaborate with scientists, artists, writers, and indigenous leaders and storytellers to tell this story.

I’ve also explored the complexities of a highly politicized dispute over the ownership of dinosaur fossils and the disparity between commercial, private, academic, and legal interests and the complexities that lie within. My short film “Terra Draconis: posterity and prosperity of fossils in the modern age” dissects this long-standing debate millions of years in the making, and has been on a film festival circuit since February 2024. I’m proud to say it is now a multi-award-winning short film with more than a dozen festival selections on the world stage (and still growing).

In addition to being a part of the #1 program in Science & Natural History Filmmaking in the world, I feel that I have been able to develop a unique blend of skillsets ranging from cinematography and drone operation, to producer, sound recordist, and set designer for a variety of film settings. This has equipped me to enter the professional world as I defend my thesis this Spring 2025 to effectively document stories involving science, nature, culture, and art.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?

My favorite childhood memory, as it pertains to my creative endeavors, reminds me of when I was gifted my first digital camera when I was about 7 or 8 years old. Immediately, I took it outside and began photographing as much as I could. I thoroughly enjoyed being outside and capturing moments in nature. I had also been pursuing art through drawing and painting and this gave me yet another exciting outlet for those modes of expression. This interest has grown into an amazing blend of the natural sciences, creative arts, and my personal desire to instill a fascination and understanding of these subjects to people around the world!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://braeden-meyer-film.squarespace.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flytyer97/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/braedenmeyerartphotography/?_rdr
• Other: ttps://bio.site/braedenmeyer

Image Credits

Copyright Braeden Meyer