The Outsiders Launch Elevation Fund & Talent Development Program partnered with Nikon

10th July 2025

Adventure and outdoor content agency The Outsiders has announced the launch of its first Content Residency, a month-long creative immersion set in the alpine landscapes of Wānaka, Aotearoa (New Zealand) this August. The first in its global residency series, these programs are designed to bring together global and local brands, world-class filmmakers and photographers, tourism, athletes, and emerging creative talent. The residency creates space for meaningful content collaborations that celebrate both the outdoors and the communities in which they take place.

This residency also marks the launch of the Elevation Fund, a long-term strategic initiative that reinvests 1% of The Outsiders’ annual revenue into supporting emerging creatives to foster creative growth, mentorship, and industry sustainability. The fund will provide project funding, mentorship, and commercial development opportunities for rising creative talent.

The residency includes commercial shoots, cultural storytelling, and outdoor brand and athlete-driven media projects filmed across the Southern Alps with filmmakers Justin Mayers of WestBank Media (Jackson Hole & LA, US) - renowned for his alpine cinematic work with Sammy Carlson, Colby Stevenson, GoPro, Red Bull, Ski-Doo and his commercial campaigns for US tourism (Jackson Hole, Goosewing Ranch) - and Sam Levings (AUS), known for his talent across both alpine and ocean cinematography with Arc’teryx, Red Bull, GoPro, RVCA, Coen Bennie-Faull, and Drew Jolowicz.

Mayers and Levings will lead the creative direction of the residency alongside The Outsiders founder and sports media veteran Michelle Bates. Together, they will guide commercial content production, tourism projects, and the Talent Development Program where up-and-coming creatives are mentored through real-world brand briefs.

As part of the launch, The Outsiders will host a dedicated Talent Development Program from August 8-10, 2025, in partnership with Nikon New Zealand. The program offers 30 emerging creatives the chance to work on real brand briefs, receive mentorship from industry leaders including Mayers, Levings, and Bates, and take part in a content competition during the residency. The top creative team will receive a $3,000 NZD cash grant, and extended commercial support through FY25/26. The weekend includes an exhibition in Wānaka, a full-day workshop and briefing at the Lake Hawea View property, and a team-based filming challenge, with final submissions due by August 22 5PM NZST with the winning teams being announced August 27.

Emerging creatives interested in applying for the program can do so via the application form at https://for-outsiders.com/talent-development-day by July 17 5PM NZST, with participants being confirmed via email July 18th. There will be 30 spots available in the Talent Development Program. While the program is open to applicants globally, creatives based in New Zealand are especially encouraged to apply. The program suits early to mid-career photographers, filmmakers, and digital storytellers looking to grow their skills, connect with like-minded creatives, and work on real commercial briefs in a high-energy, alpine environment.

This residency is the first in a series of programs The Outsiders will run annually across New Zealand and the United States. Participants in the August edition will benefit from a combined reach of over 3.5 million across athletes, creatives, and brand partners.

About The Outsiders The Outsiders is a content agency led by industry veteran Michelle Bates (AUS/NZ), with a global network of photographers, filmmakers, travel writers and creators who live and breathe adventure. We are not a traditional agency. We are a creative crew built from and for the mountains, trails, rivers and oceans. We specialise in content that connects, stories that stick and brand content that really delivers.