Private Project

On Your Doorstep

When asked where nature could be found, a random stranger would quite possible answer: the forest, jungle or savannah; somewhere far away. But sometimes we forget that nature can be found far closer than we expect it to be.

In "On Your Doorstep" the common back garden is explored through the perspective of the species that live there, how they survive and thrive and together form a small ecosystem.

The film was made as the final dissertation of Sander van Iersel for his MA course in Wildlife Documentary Production. The film was edited by a team that completely consisted of ambitious students.

  • Sander Ian van Iersel
    Director
  • Sander Ian van Iersel
    Writer
  • Sander Ian van Iersel
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Other
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 37 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    August 27, 2014
  • Production Budget:
    998 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    Netherlands
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    DSLR video h.264 Quicktime
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes
Director Biography - Sander Ian van Iersel

I am a passionate and young wildlife film maker who wants to inspire people to look differently at their natural environment. I studied Biology at VU University in Amsterdam and Wildlife Documentary Production at Salford University in Manchester. With this background in both film and science I'm making my first steps into the industry.

I believe that the natural and the human world are one and thus that the stories we tell about natural history are inextricably connected to those of people and their behaviour. In my work I strive to unveil (common) subjects through new perspectives that challenge the way we look at ourselves and our place in natural history.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Everything out of sight and beyond the horizon instantly becomes more attractive and mysterious. That made me wonder: how come that we overlook the natural environment that is right under our noses.

With "On Your Doorstep" I wanted to challenge the idea that people have to travel to see true nature or even have to leave their home. I think it is important that people feel connected to the outdoor space that is still a part of their home and feel privileged and responsible that many different species might want to spend time in this place as well.

Gardens are extremely important to the urban ecosystem. With my film I hope the audience will start to think about how they can influence this ecosystem through their own garden.

At the beginning of this project I wondered: is it possible to make a good wildlife documentary within the boundaries of a single garden? I chose to use my own normal garden in a normal street. Because, if I can make a good film right on my doorstep there is no reason you can't find wonderful natural stories on your own.