A letter from Sir David Attenborough himself kickstarted Christian Marot’s career in wildlife filmmaking. Now, over a decade later, Marot has found himself working alongside his “hero” on a new BBC documentary series about the natural wonders of London.
Marot, a professional camera operator from South-East London, never expected a reply when he sent Sir David a copy of his early wildlife footage at the age of 19. However, 10 days later, he received a personalised response from the renowned broadcaster, containing both praise and constructive critique.
“It was just surreal,” says Marot, who struggled with dyslexia and was once told by teachers that he “would not succeed in life.” The letter was “hugely encouraging for a budding wildlife filmmaker.”
Years of experience and self-funded trips, such as a 2017 expedition to Madagascar, have now led Marot to work directly with his “hero” on the new BBC documentary series, “Wild London.”
On the first filming day in Greenford, West London, Marot finally met Sir David in person. Despite his initial nerves, the legendary naturalist quickly put him at ease. Marot’s task was to capture close-up shots of Sir David gently encouraging a harvest mouse to cling to the grasses of a meadow.
“It was an amazing day and really special,” Marot reflects. “There I was as a 12-year-old, picking up a camera for the first time and immediately drawn to photographing the animals in my garden, and here I am 20 years later doing the exact same thing but for a BBC, David Attenborough series.”
Marot’s journey has come full circle, from receiving that formative letter to now working alongside the man who inspired him. “Attenborough did have such a profound effect on the course of my career,” he says. “I wouldn’t be here without him.”
The new BBC series “Wild London” showcases the diverse wildlife thriving in the capital, from deer sightings in East London to snakes along the Regent’s Canal. For Marot, it’s a dream come true to be part of a project that celebrates the natural world in his own backyard.