Our people

Africa Media Academy is home to many of the regions most passionate and skilled wildlife media specialists. We are located in the heart of South Africa, and enjoy incredible access to both the marine and terrestrial wonders of the African continent.

Fiona Ayerst

Director / Owner

Co-founder of Africa Media and the teams specialist underwater photography and videographer content creator.

Connect with Fiona

Ryan Johnson

Director / Owner

Co-founder of Africa Media in 2012 after transitioning across from academia to wildlife and underwater film production

George Kirkinis

Instructor – Wildlife Filmmaking

Initially trained in script writing, George has developed extensive filmmaking skills as a freelancer and working for many of South Africa’s most renowned wildlife production companies

Ashleigh de Villiers

Instructor – Wildlife & Travel Photography

A professional wildlife and adventure sports photographer from Cape Town, Ashleigh offers experience to train our wildlife and Travel photographic interns

Annie Post

Instructor – Wildlife Filmmaking

Specialist camera operator, Annie is centre to production of wildlife documentaries and stock content. Further is wildlife filmmaking internship program instructor

Riaan van der Merwe

Instructor – Underwater Videography

Riaan is a PADI/BSAC dive instructor and a professional BSAC underwater videography instructor. Riaan holds a wealth of experience in the film industry to augment his underwater video skills

Rouxne van der Westhuizen

Instructor – Environmental Journalism

A journalism (B.Sc. Honours) graduate from Potchefstroom University, Rouxne is the teams specialist environmental journalist and internship program instructor

Lucille Erasmus

Partnership Development & Administration

Bridget Kamu

Marketing & Intern Operations Manager

Originally hailing from Zimbabwe, Bridgette joined the marketing team in 2017. Today she also runs daily living operations for visiting interns

Jackie Griffin

Marketing and Sales

From her country office, Jackie communicates with prospective interns considering joining the our wildlife media training programs.

Samantha Scott

Marketing and Sales

A nature and wildlife lover, Samantha fits right at home with the company culture of Africa Media. Her knowledge or wildlife makes her a perfect consultant to guide aspiring wildlife media specialists interested in joining one of our programs.