Neil Rettig is a naturalist and filmmaker who began his career in the mid 1970’s after attending the Chicago academy of Fine Arts. His early films were some of the first music videos. These films were produced on super 8mm, and opened the world of creative filmmaking to Neil. Rettig then turned his attention to natural history films and documentaries. Over the past three decades Rettig has contributed to the production of hundreds of films, including IMAX Productions, National Geographic Specials, and Science Documentaries. Rettig’s work has resulted in numerous awards, including 3 Emmys, for outstanding cinematography. Neil has also published popular articles in National Geographic, Audubon, and other high profile magazines. His knowledge of raptors, especially the rare forest Eagles, has resulted in scientific publications and a greater understanding of critically endangered species such as the Philippine and Harpy Eagles. Rettig’s fieldwork has been instrumental in the conservation of rare and threatened animals, the establishment of protected ecosystems around the world, and breeding projects for endangered species.

During his career working for the BBC, National Geographic, and other production companies, Neil has traveled all around the world and has visited some of the most remote habitat on the planet, including a long stint in the Arctic and years in the tropical rainforests from New Guinea and the Congo to remote areas of the Amazon. Rettig is well known for his innovative camera work in tropical rainforests, his ability to move the camera from forest floor to canopy, and 'film on the fly.' Neil has been acclaimed for creative eye, artistic composition, lighting fast ability to capture the moment, and intimacy with the subject.

Neil Rettig is also a scuba diver, Master Falconer, accomplished still photographer, and animal trainer. When not traveling, he lives on a farm in rural southwestern Wisconsin.