PASSION AND PURPOSE
Rakesh's filmmaking journey kicked off during the pandemic, where he found himself stealthily navigating railway tracks and airports to film a mischievous group of urban langurs. The excitement was palpable, but his lack of filmmaking and wildlife expertise became apparent. Post-graduation, Rakesh delved deeper into the wild, joining an NGO in Agumbe in pursuit of knowledge and networking opportunities. It wasn't until a serendipitous encounter with Prakash Matada, a Green Oscar award winner filming king cobras, that Rakesh's passion and commitment to capturing the perfect shot were reignited. Collaborating on several conservation films with Prakash, Rakesh now draws from his childhood culture, evolving scientific knowledge, and artistic sensibilities to craft his own stories, believing in the transformative power of storytelling to make the world a better place.
WORK EXPERIENCE
2023
BBC - Planet earth III - Field Assistance & DIT
Gujarat - Lions - NDA - Field Assistance & DIT
Forest Department - Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary - Cameraman, Drone, Editor
Forest Department - BRT Tiger Reserve - Cinematic Teaser - Drone Operator
Project Tiger - Behind The Scene - Cameraman
BBC -Planet earth III- Field Assistance & DIT
Kabini - Wild Dogs & Elephants - NDA - Field Assistance & DIT
Forest Department - Project Clean Kabini - Cameraman
Forest Department - Lantana Eradication & Grassland Development - Cameraman & Editor
Forest Department - Footprints Of Devotees - Cameraman & Script
Forest Department - Mangalore Division - Jewels Of The Coast - Cameraman
Forest Department - Mangalore Division - Urban Marsh - 4 Episodes - Cameraman
Rescued Around 50+ Venomous & Non Venomous Snakes In Mangalore Urban & Conducted Awareness Program
2022
2021
2020
Agumbe - Kalinga Foundation- Internship In Agumbe Rainforest For 5 Months
Unsung Estuary Of Mulki - Cameraman
Bird Count 2021 - Lead A Group Of 20 College Students On A Bird Count.
Snake Rescue & Rehabilitation Workshop - Participant
First Ever Documentary Film Worked As Cameraman - Urban Langurs
Crocodile Count - Volunteer
2019
CWS - Man Animal Conflict Survey -Volunteer
2024
Natgeo - NDA - Cinematographer
Owletter Creation - NDA - Cinematographer
NatGeo - NDA - Nagarahole
Green stories - Observer
Anne para - Human Elephant conflict documentary - Director of photography
Forest Department- NDA - Cameraman, Drone and editor
My Days at Agumbe
Rakesh Kote interned at a reptile-focused research station in Agumbe, a region known for receiving some of the highest rainfall in India. The station specializes in King Cobra conservation through rescue operations, educational outreach, and guided experiences for guests.
Assigned there during peak monsoon season, Rakesh was tasked with monitoring a clutch of King Cobra eggs every hour — day and night. The eggs had been relocated from a nearby farmer’s field, and a wildlife film crew was on-site to document the hatching. Although the hatchlings were delayed by over a month, Rakesh worked tirelessly — assisting the crew in dense forests, participating in rescues, guiding guests, and continuing his egg watch through long, rainy nights.
The moment the eggs finally hatched was unforgettable. Handling a newborn King Cobra for the first time — a venomous snake still learning to control its venom — was both thrilling and humbling.
Rakesh spent five months at the station, often alone, with no sunlight for weeks and rain constantly falling. Those months shaped his ability to work in isolation and prepared him for filming in remote landscapes.
It taught him resilience and revealed his path. For the past three years, Rakesh has worked with National Geographic Explorer Prakash Matada, traveling across India to document incredible wildlife and remote village life..
Experience With Green Oscar Award Winner and National Geographic Explorer
Prakash Matada
Rakesh Kote has spent the past year working closely with Prakash Matada, benefiting from a valuable mentorship in the field of cinematography and gaining insights into the workings of a major production house. During this time, Rakesh had the opportunity to work directly under Prakash's guidance as a cameraman. One particular project provided him with hands-on experience, as he served as a field assistant.
This experience allowed him to work with cutting-edge equipment, including the remarkable Red Helium 8K Camera, the CN20 long lens, and the versatile Movi Pro gimbal featuring the Gemini 8K camera. Through this immersive experience, Rakesh honed his skills and expanded his knowledge of cinematography and storytelling , further fueling his passion for the art form.
