There are few in the programming space who are doing as much to ensure content reflects the world around us as Janet Han Vissering.
As the overseer of National Geographic’s entire natural history slate, she has ensured that her teams continue to ask what more they can do to push the genre forward. That doesn’t just mean unearthing untold stories from the most isolated corners of the globe. It also means striking partnerships with experts from Minorities in Shark Sciences (MISS) and featuring them during the company’s annual Sharkfest and offering a spotlight to women and non-binary scientists whenever possible.
Her relentless desire to expand the natural history space and create room for individuals from all backgrounds has been noticed, and in 2022, she was awarded the Chris Parsons’ Outstanding Achievement Award at the Wildscreen Festival.
“I get choked up every time I think about it. I was so surprised that I had a hard time comprehending what had happened. I was literally helped to get up from my chair,” she says. “What it has done is push me to do more, to work harder and strive for excellence, not just in the craft, but also who I’m bringing along to join in future successes. It’s now more important for me to focus on what I can do to impact the future of diversity in the industry than what I can do for my own singular achievements.”
Vissering’s legacy will be rich with this year serving as just one landmark in a career filled with success. She and Vanessa Berlowitz together originated the idea for “Queens,” the first-ever women-led natural history production, which premieres on National Geographic in March 2024. The series focuses on matriarchs of the animal kingdom, and it was an instant hit with National Geographic President Courteney Monroe.
“What I do know is that everyone on this project put their heart and soul into it. We all believed in the project and without everyone’s effort, it wouldn’t have ended the way it did,” she says. “We empowered voices that don’t always have the chance to be upfront on stage.”
Over the past 12 months, Vissering has also successfully wrapped the third installment of the Nat Geo Field Ready Program, a project she has spearheaded from the start. The initiative offers a hand to those looking to break into the natural history genre, touting one-on-one mentorships with seasoned filmmakers, master classes with industry leaders and workshops with industry executives. By the end of the program, each participant has a clear path to a role within National Geo, and, to date, early-career storytellers from 15 countries have completed the program. Approximately 60% of participants are working on National Geo productions.
Thinking back on who inspired her in her early days, Vissering credits former boss David Haslingden for being generous with his knowledge and time. But the person who has most influenced how she approaches her work today is her mother.
“She has always been the most positive, generous and humble person in the world,” she says. “She reminds me constantly to give back and to look out for those who could be better off if we gave back a little more.”
