A tantalising passage in a 19th century treasure hunter’s journal inspires modern adventurers to find and surf a spectacular wave in some of the most remote and dangerous waters of the Atlantic ocean.
For renowned skipper, Matt Knight, the challenge of sailing to such an unpredictable and uncharted region is impossible to resist. As a lifelong thrill-seeker, he’s constantly testing the limits of what’s possible. Something world-class big wave surfer Andrew Cotton has built his career on.
Joined in their quest by family and friends, they’ll be faced with serious injury and life-threatening challenges, and forced to question their attitudes towards risk and the tensions that can exist between personal fulfilment and our relationships with those we love.
This film will take audiences worldwide on a unique treasure hunt, wrapped in jaw-dropping cinematography, and in the company of remarkable protagonists, for whom living life to the full often means putting themselves in harm’s way.
Savage Waters is directed by Mikey Corker (Beneath The Surface), produced by Ghislaine Couvillat (Girls Can’t Surf, Against The Tides, La Quête du Sauvage) of Whipped Sea and edited by Emmy Award winning Jordan Montminy (The 8th, Nuala: A Life and Death), with story consultation from BAFTA-winning Nic Guttridge (The Spy Who Fell To Earth, The Night Caller).
Post-production started on the documentary feature in January, with Play House Studios in Dublin providing full post-production services. Kathleen Glynn (Sicko, Bowling for Columbine, Fahrenheit 9/11), Peggy Cafferty and Lorcan Kavanagh from Play House Studios are joining the project as Executive Producers. The original score will be composed by the artist duo AVAWAVES, consisting of Aisling Brouwer and Anna Phoebe. AVAWAVES are signed to One Little Independent Records, and are published and represented by Manners McDade.
Director Mikey Corker said: "As a storyteller, a father and husband, and an adventuring surfer, my personal viewpoint is strongly woven into the fabric of this film. I’m expecting public feedback to raise heated opinions around topics such as risk versus reward and what ‘responsible’ parenting should look like - but I hope this story reflects my standpoint that in order to live life to its fullest, we sometimes have to tiptoe to the edge of comfort, even if it’s just to find out where our limits lie. The overarching aim is to make a film that inspires others, just as spending time with the protagonists has inspired me to step out of my own comfort zone on many occasions."
Ghislaine Couvillat of Whipped Sea said: “We are thrilled to have found the perfect partnerships for post-production with Play House Studios, with Abacus Media Rights for distribution and to have Jordan Montminy and Nic Guttridge as part of the team. The expert storytelling and technical knowledge gathered around this project will ensure we deliver a fantastic film depicting the beautifully inspiring adventure documented in Savage Waters.”
Lorcan Kavanagh from Play House Studios said: "Play House Studios are delighted to be working with Ghislaine Couvillat and Director, Mikey Corker to realise their ambitious vision for what will be a breath-taking documentary that will wow audiences across the globe."
Jonathan Ford, Managing Director, AMR, comments: “This is a beautiful example of an inspirational human interest documentary, demonstrating in equal measure the huge benefits of risk and freedom in these strange times. We’re extremely pleased to be working with Whipped Sea and to have the opportunity to launch Savage Waters to a wide international audience. We are sure viewers will truly appreciate the stunning locations, as well as the emotional and spiritual journey that these modern day surf adventurers undertake.”