Andrew Budziak CV
Photo credit: Andrew Budziak
Andrew Budziak
Andrew Budziak is an accomplished filmmaker, photographer, and explorer, dedicated to revealing hidden worlds and environmental challenges through innovative media projects and storytelling. With expertise in documenting urban wildlife and climate change, his projects span Canada’s urban environments to remote freshwater lakes under winter ice. His work on the series Edge of Frame has brought attention to the adaptability of urban wildlife across Canadian cities, while Under the Ice, a National Geographic and Royal Canadian Geographical Society-sponsored project, explores climate change effects on freshwater ecosystems. Budziak’s previous roles in emergency response with GlobalMedic have also shaped his approach to impact-driven storytelling. Through his award-winning media and expedition work, Budziak strives to inspire conservation and awareness around critical issues worldwide.
EXPEDITIONS
Under the Ice Expedition Phase 2
Dates: January 2024 – March 2024
Objective: To continue the study of the effects of climate change on freshwater lakes through ice diving and citizen science.
Sponsoring Institutions: National Geographic Society, Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Consecon Foundation
Location: Kenora region, Manitoba/Ontario border
Role: Expedition Lead and Lead Photographer
Description: In the winter of 2023 I conducted an ice diving expedition building on the previous winter’s pioneering ice diving work. This second phase focused on collecting algae samples from beneath the ice surfaces of freshwater lakes further north. The data collected aimed to understand the changing dynamics of these ecosystems due to rising temperatures. The research involved innovative diving techniques and rigorous scientific analysis.
Results: Successfully gathered algae samples, which provided valuable insight into the effects of warming waters on local ecosystems. The findings are contributing to ongoing research into climate change impacts on freshwater environments.
Distribution and Impact: The data was shared with environmental scientists for publication in scientific journals and used in climate change advocacy campaigns. The documentary Under the Ice will also highlight the expedition's findings and methods.
Under the Ice Expedition Phase 1
Dates: December 2022-April 2023
Objective: To develop a method for under ice algae extraction in Canada’s frozen lakes
Sponsoring Institutions: Consecon Foundation, Martineau Foundation
Location: Lake Simcoe, Georgian Bay
Role: Expedition lead
Description: In the winter of 2022 and 2023 I launched an expedition in tandem with Environment and Climate Change Canada biologist Dr. Andy Bramburger to see if we could extract the first ever ice bottom algae samples. After working with Dr. Bramburger’s engineering term, we developed a dome system that we would test in Phase 1 of our multi year project. We formed a series of small expeditions around Ontario’s frozen lakes. In March of 2023, we successfully extracted the first ever ice bottom algae samples. While the technology wouldn’t be perfect for another year, we proved it was possible.
Results: Successfully gathered algae samples proving the technology worked.
Distribution and Impact: The methods and data were shared with environmental scientists for publication in scientific journals and used in climate change advocacy campaigns.
Edge of Frame: Urban Wildlife Series
Dates: May 2022 – August 2022
Objective: To explore and document urban wildlife in cities across Canada, focusing on their adaptation to human-influenced environments.
Sponsoring Institutions: The Bell Fund, Consecon Foundation
Location: Vancouver, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Toronto, Montreal, St. John’s
Role: Host, Director, and Producer
Description: The series covered several Canadian cities, each focusing on the unique wildlife that has adapted to urban environments. I worked as the host, directing the team to capture rare interactions between wildlife and urban landscapes. Each episode aimed to reveal new insights into how these animals navigate and thrive in metropolitan spaces. Each episode was an urban expedition, revealing a hidden side of Canada’s urban landscape.
Results: The series was well-received for its fresh perspective on the urban landscape and wildlife, and it showcased how wildlife conservation efforts are evolving in cities.
Distribution and Impact: The series aired on multiple platforms and was featured in educational resources for environmental organisations. It has contributed to the wider understanding of how urbanisation impacts wildlife populations.
Polar Bear Provincial Park: Climate Watch Shorts
Dates: October 2017
Objective: To explore Ontario’s Polar Bear Provincial Park and share the stories of indigenous climate perspective.
Sponsoring Institutions: TVO
Location: Polar Bear Provincial Park
Role: Director, and Producer
Description: In the fall of 2017 I embarked on a self-supported expedition to Ontario’s remote Polar Bear Provincial Park for a TVO series titled Climate Watch Shorts. While we shared the harsh landscape with the park’s namesake bears, we documented the stories of the local Cree guardians who have devoted their lives to protecting the region and its incredible animals.
Results: The series shared the incredible and remote landscape of Ontario’s north and was well received by Ontario and Canadian audiences.
Distribution and Impact: While the series was released several years ago, it’s still aired regularly.
INTERNATIONAL DISASTER RESPONSE DEPLOYMENTS
Dates: January 2011 – December 2014
Objective: As an Emergency Programs Officer with the Canadian NGO GlobalMedic, I was responsible for running disaster programs in the aftermath of natural disasters internationally. These responses included clean drinking water programs, emergency medical programs, shelter construction, and housing construction.
Role: Emergency Programs Officer
Locations:
● 2011 – Pakistan (flood response)
● 2012 – Japan (tsunami response), Pakistan (flood response)
● 2013 – Philippines (typhoon response), Japan (tsunami response), Pakistan (flood response), Philippines (typhoon response)
● 2014 – Bosnia/Herzegovina/Croatia (flood response), India (flood response), Philippines (typhoon response)
Impact: Oversaw the distribution of millions of dollars worth of aid, helping hundreds of thousands of people with clean drinking water, medical assistance, shelter, and food aid. Additionally ran one of the world’s first disaster response drone programs which helped aid workers navigate flooded landmine fields in Bosnia and provided new maps of typhoon affected areas in the Philippines for the United Nations.
Recognition:
● Official Recognition from former Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty for Pakistan Flood Response and Tsunami Response in Japan
● Official Recognition from former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford for Pakistan Flood Response and Japan Tsunami Response
● Official Recognition from Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne for Philippines Typhoon Response
● Official Recognition from Bosnian Police Service for Flood Response Program
JOURNALISM WORK
Dates: July 2008 – September 2012
Role: Field Reporter
Location: CBC Europe Bureau, CBC Montreal, CBC Toronto, CBC Winnipeg
Description: I worked as a reporter and producer for CBC Radio and Television nationally and internationally. From my base at CBC’s Europe Bureau in London, England, I covered several high profile global events including the 2009 Iranian Election. As a reporter with CBC Winnipeg, I covered the devastating 2011 flooding from the most affected regions. In Toronto, I covered national and international events as a producer with CBC Radio’s flagship current affairs program As It Happens.
Impact: Provided on-the-ground reporting and producing for major events, contributing to public awareness and understanding of the local and national issues.
EXPEDITION SKILLS AND RELATED TRAINING
SKILLS :
● Documentary production and directing
● Extensive video and photo experience
● Underwater video and photo experience
SCUBA TRAINING:
● Open Water
● Advanced Open Water
● Dry Suit
● Nitrox
● Gas Blender
● Ice Diver
● Decompression Specialist
● Self-Sufficient Diver
● Night Diver
● EANX Gas Blender
● Trimix Gas Blender
● LSS Service Technician
CLIMB TRAINING:
● Proficient lead and top rope climber
● Specialises in camera rigging techniques