Science film-making and D&D with Shamini Bundell

Science communication comes in all mediums, from film-making to journalism, even Dungeons and Dragons, and Shamini Bundell does it all.

Shamini is an award-winning filmmaker, a writer, and a journalist, working on the Nature YouTube channel, podcast, and magazine online. She is also one of the members of RPGeeks, combining Dungeons and Dragons with science.

Join us as we speak about Shamini's journey through science and science media production, her introduction to Dungeons and Dragons, and applying her broad skillset to both science communication and creative arts.

About Shamini Bundell

Shamini is a science-film maker and video journalist for the journal Nature. She studied Zoology at undergrad followed by a Science Media Production MSc and then worked in TV for several years before ending up at Nature. In her spare time she combines science communication with Dungeons & Dragons as part of the 'RPGeeks' including running live shows at evens like New Scientist Live and Natural History Museum Lates.

Show Notes (link)

[00:01:17] Delving into the natural sciences.

[00:02:24] The transition into science media production and science communication.

[00:04:37] Shamini's long history with filmmaking.

[00:07:00] Science filmmaking for Nature.

[00:07:24] The creative process for science filmmaking.

[00:10:01] The making of Sandcastle film.

[00:12:49] Project managing the filmmaking process.

[00:13:48] How do you decide where to stop when making a video?

[00:18:12] On discovering Dungeons & Dragons.

[00:19:24] So, pantomime.

[00:20:09] Drunken bus stop D&D.

[00:22:37] The origins of RPGeeks.

[00:24:55] Magic is just the science we haven't justified yet.

[00:25:36] Segue: That world building thing.

[00:27:31] On being a Dungeon Master / Game Master.

[00:29:32] Making the science work.

[00:31:42] The morally grey areas of science and magic.

[00:34:08] Bonus Question 1: What hobby or interest do you have that is most unrelated to your field of work?

[00:35:08] Bonus Question 2: Which childhood book holds the strongest memories for you?

[00:40:07] Bonus Question 3: What advice you would give someone who wants to do what you do? Or what advice should they ignore?

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Hosted and produced by Michele Ong.

Music is "Gypsy Jazz in Paris 1935" by Brett Van Donsel.

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