User:Brentgstorm/sandbox

Synopsis: A professional surf photographer chases down the largest surf ever seen in hopes of capturing a once in a lifetime image. What he receives is much more than that.

White Rhino - Surf Film[edit]

White Rhino emerges as more than just a surf documentary; it's a captivating voyage into the heart of surfing culture, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on a surfboard while embracing the soulful essence of the ocean. Directed by the visionary filmmaker Brent Storm, this cinematic marvel takes audiences on an exhilarating ride through the world of big-wave surfing, showcasing the beauty, adrenaline, and sheer magnitude of conquering some of the planet's most awe-inspiring waves.

The film's title, "White Rhino," draws its inspiration from the rare and majestic phenomenon that is both elusive and awe-inspiring—a metaphorical nod to the colossal waves sought after by a daring breed of surfers. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking coastal landscapes and the untamed power of the sea, Storm weaves a narrative that transcends the sport itself, capturing the sheer audacity and indomitable spirit of those who brave these colossal swells.

At its core, White Rhino is a testament to human resilience, courage, and an unyielding pursuit of passion. Through stunning cinematography and intimate storytelling, Storm delves into the lives and minds of these surfers, painting a vivid portrait of their unwavering commitment to the craft, their connection to the ocean, and the adrenaline-fueled rush that comes with riding waves that dwarf imagination.

The documentary doesn't merely focus on the adrenaline rush of surfing; it digs deeper, exploring the camaraderie and mutual respect among surfers, the emotional highs and lows, and the profound sense of purpose that comes from embracing the unpredictability of the sea.

"White Rhino" captures not only the awe-inspiring moments of triumph but also the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by these athletes. Storm artfully portrays the sacrifices made and the mental and physical fortitude required to confront the monumental forces of nature, making this documentary a compelling and deeply human narrative.

Moreover, the film serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of our oceans, highlighting the importance of preserving these natural wonders for future generations. Through breathtaking visuals and a compelling storyline, "White Rhino" urges viewers to appreciate and protect the beauty of our planet's aquatic realms.

Brent Storm's directorial finesse shines through in "White Rhino," offering audiences an immersive and emotionally resonant experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional surf documentaries. It stands not just as a celebration of athleticism and the thrill of surfing but as a tribute to the unbreakable bond between humans and the mighty ocean—a bond that echoes through every crashing wave and every exhilarating ride.

In a world where adrenaline meets artistry, "White Rhino" stands tall, inviting audiences to ride the crest of inspiration, courage, and the untamed beauty of the ocean's most majestic waves.

Photographers[edit]

Brian Bielmann is a highly acclaimed surf photographer renowned for his stunning images capturing the beauty and power of the ocean and surfing on the North Shore of Oahu. Born in West Virginia, Bielmann moved to Hawaii where he developed his passion for surf photography.

He gained widespread recognition for his work with some of the world's best surfers (Kelly Slater and Andy Irons) in the iconic waves of Hawaii's North Shore. Bielmann's photography is characterized by his ability to freeze moments of intense action and emotion, showcasing the dynamic relationship between surfers and the ocean.

His career spans several decades, during which he has contributed immensely to surf culture by capturing breathtaking images that have graced the covers of major publications, adorned galleries, and inspired countless individuals passionate about surfing and photography. Bielmann's work not only showcases the athleticism of surfing but also evokes a deep connection to the ocean and its ever-changing moods.

Peter "Joli" Wilson, known as "Joli," is a highly respected surf photographer renowned for his captivating images capturing the essence of surfing and the ocean. Originally from Australia, Joli has spent decades traveling the world's coastlines, photographing some of the most iconic surf spots and athletes.

His career began in the late 1970s, and since then, Joli has become synonymous with producing striking, evocative, and powerful images of surfing. He has a remarkable ability to capture the beauty, energy, and emotion of the ocean and its relationship with surfers. Joli's work has graced magazine covers, exhibitions, and galleries worldwide, contributing significantly to surf culture.

Apart from his photography, Joli is also known for his storytelling ability, sharing the narratives behind the images he captures, offering insights into the lives of the surfers and the moments he immortalizes through his lens. His dedication to the craft and his eye for capturing the essence of surfing have solidified his position as one of the most respected and influential surf photographers in the world.

Surfers[edit]

Bruce Irons: Known for his powerful surfing style and being the younger brother of the late Andy Irons, Bruce is a highly skilled surfer who has tackled challenging waves.
Mark Healey: Healey is recognized for his prowess in big wave surfing and is known for riding some of the largest waves around the world.
Nathan Fletcher: A renowned big wave surfer, Fletcher is known for pushing the boundaries in surfing and riding massive waves.
Kohl Christensen: Christensen is another big wave charger, well-known for his performances in heavy and challenging surf conditions.
Dave Wassel: Wassel is recognized for his skills in big wave surfing and has been part of some daring surfing expeditions.
Kalani Chapman: A talented surfer, Chapman has showcased his abilities in various surf conditions and is known for his performances in heavy waves.
Kelly Slater: As a guest appearance, Kelly Slater, a legendary figure in surfing, might have made an appearance in the film as well

Filmmaker[edit]

Brent Storm is a filmmaker known for his work in the surfing world. He gained recognition particularly for directing the surf film "White Rhino." Storm has been involved in capturing the essence of surfing through his cinematography, focusing on the experiences of surfers in challenging and extreme conditions.

While specific personal details about Storm might not be extensively available in the public domain, his contributions to the surfing film industry, especially through "White Rhino," have cemented his place among filmmakers who capture the raw beauty and intensity of big wave surfing. Through his direction, Storm brought together a group of talented surfers to showcase their skills and experiences in riding some of the most formidable waves around the world. His filmmaking style often highlights the adrenaline, danger, and camaraderie among surfers, creating an immersive experience for audiences passionate about the sport.

Cinematographers[edit]

White Rhino was a collaborative effort that brought together content from multiple cinematographers, each contributing their unique perspective and footage to create a compelling visual narrative.

Tim Bonython, Stephen Spaulding, Brent Storm, Bruno Lemos, Ryan Thomas, and Volcom were among the cinematographers involved in capturing the essence of big wave surfing for the film. Their collective footage showcased the adrenaline-pumping action, the beauty of the ocean, and the incredible skills of the surfers tackling massive waves.

Each cinematographer brought their expertise and artistic vision, using various techniques to capture the intensity and thrill of surfing. From aerial shots to in-water cinematography, their footage provided diverse angles and perspectives, creating a visually dynamic and engaging film that depicted the raw power of the ocean and the courage of the surfers.

The collaboration between these talented cinematographers allowed "White Rhino" to compile a range of breathtaking scenes, showcasing the world-class surfing talents and the awe-inspiring nature of the waves, making it a visually stunning and impactful surf film.

Producers[edit]

Randy Olson - Randy Olson is a prominent marine biologist turned filmmaker and science communicator known for his unique approach to blending science, storytelling, and visual media. He earned a Ph.D. in marine biology from Harvard University before transitioning to a career that merged his scientific expertise with a passion for filmmaking.

Olson's work focuses on communicating complex scientific concepts to broader audiences through compelling narratives and visuals. He became recognized for his documentary films that explore environmental and scientific issues, aiming to bridge the gap between scientific research and public understanding.

One of his notable films, "Flock of Dodos: The Evolution-Intelligent Design Circus," critically examines the debate between evolution and intelligent design while using humor and storytelling to delve into this contentious topic. Olson's filmmaking style often involves a blend of humor, storytelling, and expert insights to engage audiences and provoke thoughtful discussions about science-related subjects.

Beyond filmmaking, Olson is an advocate for effective science communication and has authored books discussing the challenges scientists face in conveying their work to the public. His efforts in combining science and storytelling have contributed significantly to the field of science communication, encouraging more accessible and engaging ways to share scientific knowledge with diverse audiences.

Julie Romaniuk

Greg Olson

Brent Storm

Brian Bielmann

Film Locations[edit]

Hawaii, USA: The North Shore of Oahu, particularly iconic surf breaks like Pipeline, Waimea Bay, and Sunset Beach, provided some of the most intense and legendary waves featured in the film.
Tahiti: The infamous break known as Teahupo'o, famous for its thick, heavy barrels, was likely another prominent location showcased in the film, demonstrating the surfers' skills in handling powerful waves.
Fiji: Fiji's iconic surf break, "Cloudbreak," is renowned for its incredible waves and undoubtedly could have been one of the significant locations featured in "White Rhino." Known for its powerful, perfect barrels and challenging swells, Cloudbreak is a world-class wave that attracts top surfers seeking adrenaline-pumping rides. Its inclusion in the film would have added to the diverse range of breathtaking and demanding surf spots showcased, highlighting the surfers' abilities to navigate and conquer such challenging waves.

Awards[edit]

White Rhino received critical acclaim within the surfing community for its stunning cinematography and portrayal of big wave surfing. The film went on to win Best Film - Storyline and Production at the 2019 Waimea Ocean Film Festival. It also won Best Picture at the Santa Cruz Film Festival, Audience Choice at the Honolulu Surf Film Festival, Yewww Factor at the London Surf Film Festival and Best Cinematography at the Carolina Surf Film Festival and San Diego Surf Film Festival

Distribution[edit]

The film was originally picked up by The Orchard Film Distribution, now known as 1091 Media. The film is streaming online on Amazon Prime, Tubi and The Outdoor Network.