Nature & Wildlife // Swell Chasers
Original Broadcaster
FOX Docos
Original Producer
Tim Bonython Productions
Rights
Worldwide excluding Australia
The four-part series follows acclaimed cinematographer Tim Bonython in his unrelenting quest to document the world’s best big wave surfers at the world’s most isolated, dangerous and big wave spots.
Shot at Shipsterns Bluff in Tasmania, Nazare Portugal, Mullaghmore Ireland and Cape Solander in Australia. A rare behind the scenes look into what it takes to chase and score big waves: flawless planning, dogged determination and an all-out willingness to take risks to get the ultimate shot. “From the moment you see the swell report, you have to plan for it - logistics are everything”. A meticulous process which involves the coordination of planes, boats, jet skis, unruly oceans and unpredictable surfers. Increased crowds and over publicised surf sports have meant that, for people like Tim, the search for new frontiers in the big wave world is getting tougher. Needing to travel further and into more treacherous situations, Tim has had more near misses in the past year than in the last four decades of his career combined.These intense life-and-death moments are captured up close in Swell Chasers.
Tim’s team of chargers and mates includes: Up & coming big wave slab surfer Kipp Caddy from Sydney. Justin ‘Jughead’ Allport, bodyboard legend Mike Stewart play a part in the episode 1 at Shipstern Bluff. Traveling across the globe, over to the world’s biggest ridable wave Nazare with amputee surfer Ollie Dousset & Kipp Caddy. Moroccan surfer Jerome Sahyoun & Kipp with UK surfer Tom Lowe in Ireland at Mullaghmore. Then we head back to Australia to document Sydney’s Cape Solander with Kipp & Dylan Longbottom with his 17 year old daughter Summa tackling one of the most dangerous waves on the planet.
Tim’s life behind the lens began nearly 44 years ago. Starting with big wave surfing’s rise in late 70’s Hawaii, Tim has gone on to document nearly every key milestone in the sport.
Swell Chasers represents Tim’s latest efforts to capture incredible feats in the world of big wave surfing—efforts that have seen him push the boundaries of surf cinematography itself. Swell Chasers is directed by Luke McKnee, with cinematography by Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Award-winning and multi-award winning surf film producer Tim Bonython, who has over four decades of experience filming and documenting surfing.
