Big wave surfer Andrew Cotton risks his whole season on an unexplored piece of the Atlantic that could hold the biggest wave to ever be ridden, but the ocean offers no guarantees.

Interview with Writer/Director Mikey Corker

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I made this film because I love and respect the big wave surfing community, and really admire what they are doing, especially the guys doing it in really cold and hostile environments. I am fascinated with all the effort that actually goes into riding big waves, and there is so much more to show than just a person riding a huge wave. It is all the gritty bits leading to that point which I think are the really interesting parts.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

So you can be inspired to get out of your comfort zone, challenge yourself and hopefully grow as a human being.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The main theme I was hoping to get across is that the process is as important as the result, and it is as much about the trying as it is about the succeeding. I think it is very important to have goals, but it is equally important to enjoy the process of striving to meet those goals.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

We set out to document a giant wave being ridden at this new surf break, and not everything went according to plan. There is only so much you can control when it comes to Mother Nature, and Mother Nature was most definitely in the driving seat for this one. Only after we finished shooting could I look at what actually transpired during the time period we gave ourselves, about 5 months, and see what the story turned out to be.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

It has all been really positive. The die hard surfing fans would have liked more action, and to be honest so would've Andrew and myself, but we chose a very fickle spot and it was the difficulty of succeeding to capture action there that made up the backbone of the story. It was going to be a challenge from day 1, but that is the real story.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

It's great to share your work, especially if people like it too. I would also like to raise my profile as a film maker and connect to more great projects and people to work with. This was very much a stepping stone project for me, and I am really excited about more great projects ahead. Film making is great because it is like a martial art, it is limitless and we are constantly evolving and learning. Although I had tons of amazing help on this project, In a lot of ways I'm still a one man band so one day could be spent in a meeting in a fancy city office, the next is booking flights for my crew and sorting rental cars and accommodation, the next is hanging off a jetski in a storm trying to get a shot, and the next is burning the midnight oil on an edit. It really challenges on so many levels, and I have so many aspects to work and improve on. It's really exciting and I think I need 5 lifetimes to even get close to where I want to be as a film maker.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I would like people to be entertained and inspired.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

Was it worth it? Was the effort worth the reward?

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

We are working on the sequel to this movie, and it is really exciting. We are chasing a clue left 200 years ago to find more unchartered surf territory way off the beaten path. I have just finished the first 2 month block of filming.

Interview: December 2016

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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Beneath the Surface

Big wave surfer Andrew Cotton risks his whole season on an unexplored piece of the Atlantic that could hold the biggest wave to ever be ridden, but the ocean offers no guarantees.

Length: 30min

Director: Mikey Corker

Producer: Red Bull Media House

Writer: Mikey Corker

About the writer, director and producer:

Mikey has been working in film for 10 years, and is now combining his passion for outdoor sports with film making. He works as a writer, director, producer, D.P and editor

Key cast: Andrew Cotton, Matt Knight

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):

Funders: Red Bull Media House

Made in association with: Grama Films

Release date: July 2016

Where will it screen in the next month? Waimea Ocean Film Festival

More info:

https://www.redbull.tv/film/AP-1NN82RUJ91W11/beneath-the-surface