Dylan Coundley-Hughes Documentary filmmaker

ABOUT ME
Dylan is an ocean conservationist and aspiring natural history documentary filmmaker with a particular interest in (but not limited to) ocean storytelling. His work has been primarily UK based telling independent stories in collaboration with conservation organisations above and below the waves.
With a strong background in Biology from the University of Southampton and an understanding of documentary storytelling from being selected as a 2026 Grierson DocLab New Entrant Trainee, he is now eager to take his career further.
He hopes to do this by collaborating with UK conservationists, learning from creative industry professionals, and developing his ability to communicate stories that resonate with people and inspire them to appreciate the wildlife on their doorsteps.
Having taken part in several prestigious development training schemes since 2024, all aimed at improving access to the creative industries, he has developed a strong belief that it is often a lack of access, rather than ability, that limits opportunity.
He hopes to continue developing as an underwater cinematographer and videographer, but most importantly, to tell stories that allow people to experience the natural world vicariously and appreciate the richness and diversity of life closer to home. He wants to show that people don’t have to travel far to experience a rich marine environment, inspiring them to protect our oceans. After all, if people don’t know what’s living in the waters on their doorstep, how can they be expected to appreciate it and want to protect it?
AWARDS


Highly Commended, Video Category
2026

Volunteer Impact Award
2026
NOTABLE RECOGNITIONS
Nature & Conservation
Storytelling Fellow

Took part in the first Wales Nature & Conservation Storytelling Fellowship, crafting a compelling Welsh conservation story about the Cardigan Bay bottlenose dolphins and the people dedicated to protecting them. The film premiered at a public screening in Cardiff on June 7th, 2025, in front of 70+ nature advocates, locals, and fellow storytellers.
Grierson DocLab New Entrant
Trainee 2026

I was selected to be on of the 2026 Grierson DocLab New Entrant Trainees. This scheme aims to provide trainees with the skills, knowledge, confidence and connections to pursue a career in the UK factual TV industry. Grierson DocLab has an established track record of supporting those from under-represented backgrounds in the screen industries.
The training culminates with a paid industry placement, which for me will be a 5 week placement on Countryfile with the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol. It has been an extremely validating experience, and I can't wait to see where my career in documentary storytelling and conservation goes over the coming years thanks to DocLab.
Ocean Culture Life Storytelling Grant Recipient 2026

Recipient of a £1000 storytelling grant from Ocean Culture Life. This has enabled me to pursue a personal film project titled 'Operation Porbeagle'. The film will explore how people in Pembrokeshire, Wales have interacted with the Porbeagle shark, whilst tackling topics on recreational catch-and-release shark angling, the importance of sharks in UK waters, and the benefits of using shark ecotourism as a research platform.
BBC Our Lives - Dolphin Town,
Network TV Credit

The production company Carlam created an episode of Our Lives for BBC iPlayer that focuses on the bottlenose dolphins of New Quay, Wales. I received a Network TV credit for contributing high-quality drone footage capturing dolphin behaviour.












