WANDERLUST BY NAME
Wanderlust by nature – we have a new home in Queensland, Australia.
Wanderlust Action Films was founded in the UK in 2017 by factual filmmaker Ellie Cartwright. We began by capturing high-energy stories — from extreme sports to lifestyle campaigns. That foundation shaped our approach to storytelling. Today, our focus is documentary. Whether working with broadcasters or brands, we’re committed to real stories that connect, inspire, and create lasting impact.
FOUNDER + FILMMAKER
meet Ellie
In 2017, after a decade working on major British TV hits like The Apprentice and 24 Hours in A&E, I took my storytelling skills into the endurance sports circuit and the fast-growing world of short-form content. Social media was on the rise, and brands were struggling to bring real storytelling into their films. I developed a way to market their products ‘through the back door’ — telling authentic stories that resonate, rather than sell. Our winning formula was born.
After years of working with global clients as a freelancer, I founded Wanderlust Action Films.
Today, we partner with brands that understand the power of subtle, authentic storytelling. We create documentary-style content that connects audiences to a brand’s values — not through sales messages, but through real, human stories.
Take Changing the Game, for example — an online documentary for HSBC about how the Australian women’s rugby sevens team transformed their sport. It doesn’t promote a single product, but aligns beautifully with HSBC’s message: “Opening up a world of opportunity.” The film has now had over 3 million views.
Alongside branded work, I continue to direct for global documentary production companies. I’m known for my adventurous spirit and sturdy sea legs — most recently as Expedition Director for Titanic: The Digital Resurrection, a feature-length documentary by Atlantic Productions and National Geographic. The film follows the creation of the world’s first digital twin of the Titanic wreck and is now streaming on Disney+.
The project reached over 5 billion people worldwide. If you were one of the 2 billion that missed it, here’s a link to the coverage on the BBC:
Scan of Titanic reveals wreck as never seen before – BBC News
Since relocating to rural Australia, I launched our own independent documentary arm, dedicated to developing original, story-led films. Our focus is on uncovering powerful, underrepresented stories — particularly from regional Australia, where voices are often overlooked but deeply impactful.
We currently have a slate of projects in active development and we’re proud to be working closely with government screen bodies and philanthropic organisations to bring them to life. Our aim is to spotlight the people, places, and perspectives that shape Australia beyond the major cities — stories that deserve to be seen, heard, and shared on a national and international stage.
OUR COMMITMENT
WANDERLUST WOMEN
When our founder Ellie Cartwright was looking for crew she was struck by how few women there were in the adventure space, or how few she knew…
“I feel it is my duty, as a successful female in a field largely dominated by men, to support more women into this career and help them on their path. I made the commitment in January 2022 that from now forward all shoots would be ideally a full female crew, at a minimum 50/50 and if I couldn’t find women to shoot in our Wanderlust style I would train them up!”
ALICE
Alice got in touch in November 2021, a water-babe and waterspouts instructor she was a fantastic fit, Alice in Wanderlust we called her. She had some experience in filmmaking but wanted to properly understand the camera and how to shoot awesome stories. She came onboard with Wanderlust and Ellie gave Alice video training and production training on shoots all over the world, she has since gone on to shoot and produce solo shoots with some awesome global clients.
GEORGIA
Georgia and Ellie built up a relationship over the course of a few years supporting each others work online. A fantastically skilled photographer and videographer she needed no training in that department but Producing was a skillset that needed honing. Georgia has since been trained by Ellie in documentary interview shooting and producing techniques and has been wonderful addition to the team filming for major brands this year.
OUR VALUES
We are, and always will be, a company with equality at the forefront of our ethos. We strive for equality in who we work with: broadcasters, brands and individuals.
We approach our business holistically and action change where balance needs to be restored.
We are committed to ensuring a company culture which cares for our clients, our crews, our environment and our future.
Together, we are stronger.
How do your values align?
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL
We love to explore. But we don’t love the impact global video production has on our footprint.
So, we are working towards building a more sustainable production process. By training up local videographers in our Wanderlust AF style this will enable us to reduce the number of foreign filmmakers we fly into jobs. By sourcing local freelancers on location and engaging them earlier in the pre-production process. Enhancing our remote production process so our staff don’t need to travel into the office each day. And for the time being, whilst we build this sustainability strategy, offsetting our carbon emissions and choosing environmentally friendly travel partners.
We also sweat the small stuff, our team are supplied with water purifiers in countries with non potable water, ending our use of plastic bottles.
SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION PROCESSES
COMMITMENT TO CARBON NEUTRAL TRAVEL
PLASTIC FREE / WATER PURIFIER
Equality & empowerment
WE WORK WITH
want to WORK TOGETHER?
We’d love to get to know you and bring your vision to life!
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