Jonathan Bird (born March 1969) is an American underwater cinematographer, photographer, director and television host known for his work in marine filmmaking. He is the creator, host and producer of the Emmy Award–winning public television series Jonathan Bird's Blue World.[2][3]
Jonathan Bird | |
|---|---|
 Bird in 2007 | |
| Born | March 1969 (age 57)[1] |
| Education | Electrical engineering |
| Occupations | Cinematographer, photographer, director, television host |
| Spouse | Christine Bird |
| Children | Elise Bird, Liam Bird |
| Awards | International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame |
| Website | www |
Bird has produced underwater films for broadcast and educational distribution, with his work appearing on networks including PBS, National Geographic Channel and Discovery Channel.[3]
His cinematography has earned nine Emmy Awards and two CINE Golden Eagle Awards.[4][5][6][7][8]
In addition to television production, Bird has directed large-format documentary films for IMAX and giant-screen theaters, including Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit (2015), Ancient Caves (2020), Secrets of the Sea (2022), and Call of the Dolphins (2025).[9][10][11]
Underwater photography
editBird learned to scuba dive while in college at Worcester_Polytechnic_Institute.[12]
He worked as an electrical engineer before leaving his position in 1993 to pursue underwater photography full-time.[13]
His first book, Beneath the North Atlantic, was published in 1997.[14]
Cinematography
editBird co-founded Oceanic Research Group, Inc. in 1991.[15]
The organization became a non-profit in 1993 and produced educational marine science films for schools.[16]
His first television film, Sharks: The Real Story, aired on PBS in 1995.[17]
In 2005, he completed Sharks: Deep Trouble for National_Geographic_(American_TV_channel).
His film Ancient Caves (2020) received Giant Screen Cinema Association awards including Best Film, Best Cinematography and Best Film for Lifelong Learning.[10]
Jonathan Bird’s Blue World
editPremiering in 2008, the series was distributed to public television through NETA.[18]
The series has received multiple Emmy Awards, including recognition for Outstanding Magazine/Feature Segment and Children/Youth Programming.[5][6]
Beginning in 2012, episodes were released on YouTube, where the channel has attracted over one million subscribers.[19][3]. It is also distributed on the educational platform Epic!.[20]
Selected filmography
edit- Sharks: The Real Story (1995)
- Beneath The North Atlantic (1998)
- Sharks: Deep Trouble (2005)
- Jonathan Bird's Blue World (2008–present)
- Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit (2015)
- Ancient Caves (2020)
- Secrets of the Sea (2022)
- Call of the Dolphins (2025)
Awards and honors
editPersonal life
editBird lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two children. He is the grandson of Kenneth_T._Bird, a pioneer in telemedicine.
References
edit- ↑ "Profile". Worcester Polytechnic Institute. October 15, 2010.
- ↑ "The Wonders Down Under". UNH Magazine.
- 1 2 3 "Jonathan Bird". X-Ray Magazine.
- 1 2 3 "Jonathan Bird CV".
- 1 2 3 "33rd Boston/New England Emmy Awards Winner List" (PDF). National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
- 1 2 3 "35th Boston/New England Emmy Awards Winner List" (PDF). National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
- 1 2 "2002 CINE Golden Eagle Awards Winner Directory" (PDF). CINE.
- 1 2 "1997 CINE Golden Eagle Awards Winner Directory" (PDF). CINE – via Wayback Machine.
- ↑ "Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit". MacGillivray Freeman Films.
- 1 2 "2020 Awards". Giant Screen Cinema Association.
- ↑ "2023 Awards". Giant Screen Cinema Association.
- ↑ "Revealing the Ocean's Mysteries".
- ↑ "The Wonders Down Under". UNH Magazine.
- ↑ "Beneath the North Atlantic".
- ↑ "Oceanic Research Group Mission".
- ↑ "ORG Films".
- ↑ "Jonathan Bird Films".
- ↑ "NETA Program".
- ↑ "BlueWorldTV".
- ↑ "Jonathan Bird's Blue World: Great White Shark Adventure". Epic!.
- ↑ "ISDHOF Bio".
- ↑ "Academy of Underwater Arts & Sciences announces 2026 NOGI Award recipients". DiveNet.
- ↑ "Jonathan Bird" (PDF). Worcester Polytechnic Institute.