Environmental filmmaker Chris Palmer

The Herbert W. Hoover Initiative in Environmental Media proudly presents Chris Palmer, award-winning filmmaker and producer, wildlife environmentalist and author. Palmer’s presentation, How to Film Bears and Sharks without Getting Eaten: Making Environmental Films that Make a Difference, is free and open to the public; however, tickets are required for admission.

Speech location: The University Center

Ticket pick-up location: Main Hall

 Tickets are required for this free lecture. Tickets may be obtained by visiting the Kent State Stark Information Desk in Main Hall, beginning Monday, March 11 at 8 a.m., while supplies last. A limit of four (4) tickets will be distributed per person. Phone reservations will not be accepted.

Palmer is the founder of two national nonprofit organizations. In 1983, he launched his film production career when he started the National Audubon Society Productions, serving as president and CEO for 11 years. In 1994, he created National Wildlife Productions, which he led as president and CEO for 10 years. Palmer is currently president of the One World One Ocean Foundation, a multimillion-dollar global media campaign to save the oceans. He is also president of the MacGillivray Freeman Films Educational Foundation, which produces and funds IMAX films.

In 2004, he joined American University’s faculty as a distinguished film producer in residence. There he founded, and currently directs, the Center for Environmental Filmmaking.

He has swum with dolphins and whales, come face-to-face with sharks and Kodiak bears, camped with wolf packs and waded through Everglade swamps. His 2010 book, Shooting in the Wild: An Insider’s Account of Making Movies in the Animal Kingdom, reveals the dark side of wildlife filmmaking, showing an industry undermined by sensationalism, fabrication and sometimes animal abuse. Jane Goodall praised it as “a very important and much-needed book.”