Samantha Van Praet
Editor and Producer
About
Samantha Van Praet is a filmmaker based in San Diego, California. She is devoted to crafting narratives that fuse cinematic artistry with an evocative exploration of human culture and social impact. Since childhood, she recognized that a career in the entertainment industry was her true calling. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Television, Film, and New Media Production from San Diego State University, along with a minor in Communications.
Over the past three years, Samantha has been an integral part of Day’s Edge Productions, contributing to a broad spectrum of influential projects, including the Emmy-nominated series Human Footprint. Her work spans two national PBS broadcast seasons, two seasons of a PBS Terra digital series, a feature-length documentary for PBS Nature, several short films, and extensive social media content.
Earlier in her career, she was a part of the production team at KPBS for live news, specials, and documentary programming. Beyond her live broadcast duties, she played a key role in archival research, editorial strategy, and narrative development across multiple projects.
Outside of her professional sphere, Samantha enjoys curating eclectic playlists of music and podcasts, dancing to live music, crafting handmade art, and hiking scenic trails.
Portfolio
Human Footprint
[Digital Series]
PBS Terra, Day's Edge Productions
Digital Producer - 12 episodes
The Human Footprint digital series on PBS Terra enhances the broadcast program with dynamic, original content crafted for YouTube audiences. Anchored in the show’s core themes of human innovation, impact, and adaptation, each episode revisits and expands upon stories and characters from the televised series while introducing fresh perspectives, emerging research, and narratives tailored for the digital landscape. Rather than simply repurposing broadcast content, the digital series offers a unique viewing experience that amplifies the program’s reach and accessibility. It provides an inviting entry point for online audiences seeking pertinent, thought-provoking science and nature content presented through visually compelling storytelling. The series encompasses a diverse range of topics, including the evolution of urban anoles, new technologies to control invasive carp, the global influence of supermarkets on food systems, and the use of mosquitoes in biological control against viruses. Each episode is paired with a short social media video distributed across YouTube Shorts, Instagram, and TikTok to deepen engagement and connect with wider audiences.
San Diego: America's
Wildest City
PBS Nature, Terra Mater, Day's Edge Productions
Associate Editor, Assistant Producer
San Diego is renowned for its stunning coastline, endless sunshine, and lively surf culture. But beyond its idyllic image lies a surprising truth: despite its population of 3.3 million and centuries of urban development, San Diego County remains the most biologically diverse county in North America. This natural history special exhibits the hidden lives of wildlife flourishing at the crossroads of city, desert, ocean, and mountains. The film reveals moments of wild beauty often overlooked, from orcas hunting just offshore and grebes performing elaborate courtship dances, to ground squirrels outwitting predators and grunion spawning under the moonlight. With seals basking on crowded beaches and hummingbirds darting through suburban gardens, this special celebrates the fragile yet vibrant ecosystems that persist alongside one of America’s most iconic cities.
Tell Me, Who Am I?
San Diego State University
Producer
Jessie, a recent art school graduate, sulks through his days in a gloomy bedroom, weighed down by a depressive slump. In a half-hearted attempt at self-improvement, he joins a video therapy session with his therapist, who also happens to be his mother. But the conversation quickly spirals as Jessie dodges vulnerability and resists genuine reflection. At that moment, Sarah, his impulsive and unfiltered best friend, whisks him away on an unorthodox spiritual detour. What starts as a comedic escape turns into a surreal, introspective journey through the depths of his quarter-life crisis. Through awkward encounters, including a painfully uncomfortable run-in with his crush Oliver, emotional confessions, and transient realizations, Jessie is forced to reckon with the idea of change and whether he’s truly ready to embrace it.
Chemistry Shorts
Day's Edge Productions, The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation
Assistant Editor - 3 episodes
Chemistry Shorts is a collection of science-focused short films that bring chemistry to life in surprising and relatable ways. Designed for both public audiences and classroom use, each film is accompanied with a lesson plan to make complex concepts accessible and engaging. In “Frosty Formulations,” the chemistry of ice cream reveals how molecular bonds, bubbles, and emulsions create its signature texture and taste. This short film introduces fundamental chemistry concepts through a familiar and enjoyable experience. “Cracking Chirality” investigates the molecular asymmetry of life, examining how DNA, RNA, and proteins have a specific “handedness.” The short film delves into intriguing theories that ancient magnetic forces may have shaped the very building blocks of biology. The short film “Driving Reactions” showcases directed evolution, a process that mimics nature’s way of improving molecules to develop new ones. This approach is driving breakthroughs in medicine, materials, and environmental solutions.
Human Footprint
[Season 2]
PBS, Day's Edge Productions
Associate Editor - 6 episodes
Story Development - 1 episode
Hosted by biologist and Princeton University professor Shane Campbell Staton, this six-part series unveils humanity’s profound role as a creative, destructive, and adaptive force molding the planet. Traveling across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas, Shane guides viewers through an immersive, captivating examination of how human actions have irrevocably altered ecosystems worldwide. Through in-depth conversations with scientists, journalists, farmers, and business owners, Shane reveals that how we shape the world stems as much from our biology as from the social, political, and cultural frameworks that surround us. This season delves into the roots of our global food system, human use of species for biological control, the challenges facing bees, the environmental cost of fashion, water management, and species on the brink of extinction.
Human Footprint
[Season 1]
PBS, Day's Edge Productions
Assistant Editor - 6 episodes
Earth is home to over ten million species, yet humans have emerged as an unmatched force, transforming the planet on an unprecedented scale. We move ourselves, our goods, and countless other species across the globe, driven not only by survival but by ambition, creativity, and the insatiable desire to explore. Our boundless curiosity has taken us to the highest mountains and deepest oceans, into the richness of life and the depths of consciousness. We have decoded and rewritten the genetic blueprint of life and cultivated cultures rich in art, music, literature, and meaning. Yet, despite our brilliance, we often act without foresight. In this Emmy-nominated series, Princeton biologist Shane Campbell-Staton travels the world to explore the complex ways our actions affect the planet and what they disclose about the essence of humanity. Integrating cutting-edge science with enthralling real-life stories, this season examines invasive species, predators, dogs, human-animal alliances, urban wildlife, and the history of cotton, revealing the intricate web that binds human nature and the environment.
SDSU: The First 125 Years
KPBS
Copy Editor, Associate Producer
As San Diego’s oldest institution of higher learning, San Diego State University has been a vital force in fostering the region’s growth, identity, and educational opportunities. Since its founding in 1897, SDSU has consistently upheld its mission to empower students, advance research, and strengthen communities. This KPBS-produced documentary commemorates the university’s 125th anniversary by highlighting pivotal moments in its history and the people who have shaped its enduring legacy. Through a rich blend of archival footage, historical insight, and heartfelt stories from students, alumni, and university leaders, the documentary traces SDSU’s transformation alongside the city it serves. What began as a humble teacher-training school has evolved into a nationally recognized public research university that remains deeply committed to the San Diego community.
Vesna: Director of Photography
San Diego State University
Co-Producer, Co-Director
Vesna is an aspiring director of photography, deeply passionate about cameras, lighting, and visual storytelling. She is an active participant in the film and media program at Options For All, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) through creative and career-focused opportunities. Under the mentorship of her lead supervisor, Carlos, Vesna has grown remarkably, honing her technical skills and artistic vision through hands-on experience in film production. Vesna’s story highlights the importance of inclusion and representation in media. As a young woman with Down syndrome, Vesna serves as a powerful role model, proving that with the right support, access, and opportunity, individuals in the I/DD community can excel in production environments and pursue fulfilling careers in film.
Skills and Tools
Post-Production
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Film Editing
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Adobe Premiere Pro
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DaVinci Resolve
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Project Assembly and Management
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Color Grading and Correction
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Sound Editing
Design and Visuals
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Digital Artwork
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Adobe Photoshop
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Canva
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Photo Editing and Retouching
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Adobe Lightroom
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Producing and Development
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Episodic Production Scheduling and Tracking
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Airtable
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MeSuite
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Content Creation for Digital Platforms
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Archival Research and Curation
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Script Breakdown and Narrative Structuring
Workflow and Media
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High-Volume Media Organization
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QNAP (NAS)
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Asset Delivery Across Multiple Teams
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Stock Footage and Music Library Compilations