WHO WE ARE
Safari Planning | Film Production | Technology | Conservation
Founded in January 2019 by the dynamic duo of Brent Leo-Smith and Wium Dörnbrack, Painteddog.tv is a technology-driven wildlife film production company and planner of life-changing safari expeditions.
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With over 30 years of combined experience in safari guiding, conservation, and film-making, Brent and Wium have led Painteddog.tv to achieve remarkable milestones in a short span of time.
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In 2019, Painteddog.tv established itself as a leading wildlife documentary production company and the “go-to” wildlife media business in South Africa’s Lowveld. In 2020, the company developed unique live broadcast capabilities, achieving several world firsts in live safaris and conservation broadcasts.
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As the dust of COVID-19 settled and travel resumed in 2021, Painteddog.tv expanded to offer world-class safaris across Africa, and the world.
OUR TEAM
Keeping Painteddog.tv Alive and Growing
Brent Leo-Smith
CEO & Co-founder
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Having grown up in the KwaZulu-Natal hinterland of South Africa, Brent Leo-Smith always knew that a career in the bush was inevitable. He was home-schooled at Phinda Game Reserve and, as a result, became a true “wild child.”
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Brent initially pursued a degree in law but was soon drawn back to the wild, spending six months in Zambia working on crocodile and big game capture, as well as managing game farms. He then returned to his home in Botswana to work for his father at Kwando Safaris before moving to the Kruger National Park, where he became a guide at the Lebombo Concession. Later, he joined Londolozi Game Reserve as a guide and camp manager.
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In 2010, Brent transitioned to film production, both behind and in front of the camera, appearing on Animal Planet and Nat Geo Wild, where he presented over fifty episodes of the #SafariLive series. In 2019, he co-founded Painteddog.tv, a technology-driven wildlife and conservation media company.
Wium Dörnbrack
CTO & Co-founder
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Wium grew up in Pretoria and spent his childhood holidays exploring South Africa’s wild areas with his family. He began his filming career as a cameraman for the South African Broadcasting Commission from 2008 to 2014, where he covered sports and news events.
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He was also part of the team that installed over 110 km of fiber optic and coaxial cable in South Africa’s soccer stadiums for the broadcasting of the 2010 World Cup.
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In 2014, Wium expanded his career to include roles as both a cameraman and broadcast engineer, designing and building broadcasting systems, including outside broadcast units onboard 4×4 safari vehicles.
Ronnie Harris
Lead Safari Planner & Executive Director
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Ronnie is a passionate travel enthusiast with a deep love for exploring the world and immersing herself in nature.
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“Through Painteddog.tv’s Safaris I aim to share my knowledge, expertise, and personal experiences to inspire and assist you in planning your dream vacation.
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With years of travel experience under my belt, I have had the privilege of visiting remarkable destinations throughout the African Continent and across the globe.
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From bustling cityscapes to serene natural wonders, I’ve traversed through breathtaking landscapes, tasted exotic cuisines, and connected with fascinating people along the way.
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I look forward to curating exceptional travel experiences tailored to your preferences and interests. Whether you seek an adventure-packed journey, a romantic getaway, or a relaxing beach retreat, I am here to guide you in crafting a personalized itinerary that fulfills your travel aspirations.”
Gareth Nuttall-Smith
Conservation Manager & Presenter
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With a decade of experience in iconic wildlife destinations, Gareth brings a deep passion for nature, conservation and immersive travel. As a zoologist, safari guide, and passionate birder, he specializes in personalized journeys tailored to unique interests—whether that’s tracking the Big Five, birdwatching, or exploring remote corners of the world.
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Growing up surrounded by Africa’s wilderness, Gareth developed an early fascination with wildlife, later formalized through a master’s degree in zoology, and certifications in conservation, and guiding. He is a man who is committed to sustainable practices, ensuring each safari not only delivers extraordinary experiences but also contributes to the preservation of Africa’s natural heritage.
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From the lush deltas of Botswana, Gareth’s homeland, to the savannahs of South Africa, he has an intimate knowledge of the land, its creatures, and hidden gems that enrich each journey, offering insights and stories that bring the wild to life.
Victoria Nuttall-Smith
Private Safari Guide & Presenter
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One of Victoria’s first words was “kitty,” foreshadowing her natural affinity for cats, especially the big, wild ones. In 4th grade, her teachers showcased an excerpt from her writing in the school yearbook. At just 10 years old, she wrote, “When I grow up, I will be happy if I can drive an old Land Rover, be with my family, fly a helicopter, and live among wild animals.” Though she hasn’t piloted a helicopter yet, the rest of her dreams have become a reality.
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After earning a degree from Stellenbosch University, Victoria began her career as a safari guide, naturalist, and photographer at the prestigious MalaMala Game Reserve. Since then, she has been on an inspiring upward trajectory.
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Victoria’s infectious passion and extensive knowledge make her an exceptional tour leader. As an expert guide and dedicated wildlife enthusiast, she excels in creating unforgettable experiences. An animated storyteller, she shares her deep understanding of Africa’s ecosystems, wildlife, and landscapes, unveiling the wonders of the bush and ensuring every safari is an immersive and thrilling adventure.
Bryan Joubert
Editor, Graphics, Man-At-Arms
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Bryan was born in Cape Town but raised in the concrete jungle of Johannesburg. Growing up consisted of outdoor adventures such as climbing trees, swimming, bicycles, camping…you name it, as well as many an hour spent in front of a screen playing video games.
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After working abroad at a Club-Med as a High-Trapeze Artist in the Circus, Bryan returned to South Africa. As the fates would have it; ​an opportunity to film Meerkats out in the Kalahari appeared, and thus began a new chapter in Wildlife Film Making/Production.
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Wium, Brent and Bryan met back in 2014 when they all happened to work on the same project: #SafariLIVE.
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Bryan is now part of the furniture at Painteddog.
Rebecca Christensen
Producer & Storyteller
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Rebecca has known the Painteddog founders since long before “the pack” came to life. With her signature “mom energy,” she’s a natural at producing and directing across diverse formats,from advertising and sport to long-form films, soapies, and journalism.
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In 2016, she joined Brent and Wium on a wildlife series that shifted her path into natural history storytelling. Since then, she’s spent nine years creating impactful, visually stunning conservation content.
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Rebecca has an eye for perfect imagery, a deep love for wild places, and a spirit that craves movement...having lived in seven locations in the past nine years (much to her insurance company’s dismay). She thrives in change, embracing every new challenge like the next great story. For Rebecca, it’s all about sunshine, laughter, and capturing the awe and energy of nature especially in the grey-green-blue glow before an African storm.
Bazel Mogale
Cameraman
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Bazel Mogale, born and raised in Acornhoek, has dabbled in graphic design, photography, filming, and video editing. His creative journey began in 2015 during high school when he tried building a clothing brand. Although the brand didn’t succeed, it ignited his passion for photography and editing.
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In 2020, Bazel started his own small business, offering photography and video services. His entrepreneurial approach saw success at McDonald’s, where he captured candid customer photos and sold digital copies.
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A chance McDonald’s meeting with Wium from Painteddog.tv in 2022 led to a pivotal career shift. Bazel officially joined the team in 2023 as a full-time employee, discovering a new passion for nature conservation while refining his production skills.
James Rich
Cameraman
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Growing up in Durban, South Africa, James spent much of his childhood on family camping trips in the bush, exploring remote corners of South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. These early adventures sparked a deep love for wild places and laid the foundation for his passion for conservation.
He went on to study Nature Conservation at Nelson Mandela University, where he gained a strong grounding in ecology, wildlife management, and environmental sustainability. After graduating, he began his career as the junior manager of a private game reserve just outside Hoedspruit, gaining hands-on experience in reserve operations, wildlife monitoring, and conservation initiatives. He later completed a Wildlife Filmmaking course with TooWild, blending his interest in nature with a growing passion for storytelling through film.
Outside of work, James enjoys photography, filming, gaming, playing guitar and the occasional round of golf.
