In the realm of surf cinematography, Trilogy: New Wave emerges as a groundbreaking project that blends cutting-edge technology with the raw energy of world-class surfing. This feature-length film follows three of the best surfers in the world – Griffin Colapinto, Seth Moniz, and Ethan Ewing, on an epic eight-trip surf adventure, exploring the world’s most sought-after surf spots.
Big Sky Partners, awe-struck by the potential to revolutionize surf filmmaking, has played a pivotal role in bringing this project to life. Through their support, Big Sky Partners has helped integrate advanced drone technology and storytelling techniques, elevating Trilogy: New Wave beyond traditional surf films to create a narrative that resonates with both core surfing enthusiasts and broader audiences alike.
Trilogy: New Wave is not just a surf film; it’s a homage to a legacy and a glimpse into the future of surf cinematography.
The project draws inspiration from the original Trilogy, released in 2007, which starred surfing legends Andy Irons, Joel Parkinson, and Taj Burrow. This new iteration seeks to capture the spirit of its predecessor while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in surf filmmaking.
The origin of Trilogy can be traced back to a chance encounter on a tarmac in the middle of the Pacific. Director Andrew Mackenzie ran into Seth, Griffin, and Ethan, who were returning from a surf trip. This serendipitous meeting planted the seed for what would become a monumental project in the surfing world.
Mackenzie, a seasoned filmmaker with a background in drone cinematography, saw an opportunity to create something unique. He envisioned a film that would combine old-school surf montages with a compelling narrative, keeping both surfers and non-surfers engaged. With this vision in mind, Mackenzie pitched the idea to his longtime mentor and friend, Taylor Steele, who had directed the original Trilogy. Soon after, they secured funding from Billabong for the first trip.
“Trilogy: New Wave,” the highly anticipated surf film of 2024, captures the heart-pounding thrill of three top-performing surfers, Griffin Colapinto, Ethan Ewing, and Seth Moniz, as they embark on a global quest for the perfect waves in Indonesia, Peru, South Africa, and Tahiti. Directed by Andrew Mackenzie of Aether Films and acquired by Utopia, the film sheds light on the dedication and genuine friendship that drive the protagonists to new heights both on and off the water. With the trailer released and the film currently on tour in Australia, it is set to captivate audiences worldwide with its digital release in September 2024. This production not only promises to appeal to surf enthusiasts but also offers a fresh perspective on the evolution of mainstream surfing, marking a significant development in the world of cinema.
The film’s production spanned almost two years, taking the crew to multiple locations across the globe. From the pristine waves of Indonesia to the powerful swells of South Africa, from the exotic coastlines of Peru to the iconic breaks of Tahiti, the team left no stone unturned in their quest for perfect waves. They also filmed in the surfers’ hometowns – Hawaii, San Clemente/Trestles, and North Stradbroke Island – capturing the essence of where these athletes fell in love with the sport and honed their skills.
Directors and surfers alike recognized that only an innovative approach to filming would do this quest justice.
Utilizing advanced drone technology and multiple camera angles (often 5-6 per section), the film offers viewers an immersive experience unlike any other surf movie. This technological edge, brought to the table by Mackenzie’s expertise in drone cinematography, allows for unprecedented perspectives on the surfers’ performances and the waves they ride.
But Trilogy is more than just a showcase of world-class surfing. It delves into the personal stories of Colapinto, Moniz, and Ewing, exploring their diverse backgrounds – from Southern California to Hawaii to Australia. The film highlights how these athletes, who have been competing against each other since they were groms, navigate the delicate balance between rivalry and friendship.
The narrative also touches on a crucial theme in modern athletics – the pressure to be the best. Through their journey, the film illustrates that while practice is vital, the joy of traveling with friends and family can have an even greater impact on an athlete’s success. This human element adds depth to the spectacular surfing footage, creating a well-rounded viewing experience.
The vision behind Trilogy: New Wave extends beyond creating another surf film. It aims to revitalize the medium of feature-length surf movies, which had all but disappeared in recent years. The mission is to craft a unique cinematic experience that appeals to both die-hard surf enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
By combining breathtaking surf footage with compelling personal narratives, Trilogy: New Wave seeks to showcase the sport’s beauty and the athletes’ dedication while also exploring themes of friendship, competition, and the pursuit of happiness. The film aspires to inspire a new generation of surfers and filmmakers, demonstrating that with passion, innovation, and the right support, it’s possible to create something truly extraordinary.
Big Sky Partners’ involvement in Trilogy has been a key figure in elevating the project beyond traditional surf films. Recognizing the potential in Andrew Mackenzie’s vision and expertise in drone technology, Big Sky Partners provided valuable insight and support to help bring this ambitious project to fruition.
Fifteen years ago, Michael Schwab’s path crossed with Andrew Mackenzie, a talented surf photographer at the time. Little did they know that this chance encounter would lay the foundation for an extraordinary partnership. Michael Schwab observed Mackenzie’s journey as he established his own production company, Aether Films, fueled by his unwavering passion for cutting-edge drone technology. His company swiftly soared to great heights, earning recognition not only within the world of surf but also among major studios and commercial ventures.
During this meteoric rise, Mackenzie approached Michael Schwab with an audacious idea: supporting his directorial debut, a clever homage to the iconic Trilogy film from 2007 that showcased the world’s top surfers of that era. Recognizing the synergy of their passions, the two were driven to bring this cinematic vision and story to life. Big Sky Partners’ Brian Spitz, a DGA Director himself, helped bring crucial focus to the legal aspects, distribution strategies, and PR campaigns, which proved instrumental in positioning the film for success.
The venture capital firm’s backing allowed for the integration of cutting-edge drone technology, enabling the capture of unprecedented aerial footage that gives viewers a new perspective on surfing. Big Sky Partners’ emphasis on storytelling helped shape the film’s narrative approach, encouraging a focus on the personal journeys of the featured surfers.
This partnership has not only resulted in a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film but has also set a new standard for surf cinematography. Trilogy: New Wave, backed by Big Sky Partners, is set to make waves in the world of action sports filmmaking and beyond by bridging the gap between the core surfing audience and broader viewership.
Today, with immense pride and excitement, both Michael Schwab and Brian Spitz serve as Executive Producers of this ambitious film, a testament to their unwavering commitment to innovation and nurturing creative ventures. As the movie trailer generates buzz and anticipation, the entrepreneurial spirit of Big Sky Partners propels them forward, empowering others with the knowledge and encouragement they need to embark on their own thrilling journeys.
Movie Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0fPzckItLA
Other Notes to Integrate:
1) Please refer to our involvement for this project as “Big Sky Partners / Michael Schwab “
2) We should lace in more Big Sky background and work; here are the infos, but need to be properly written and integrated in the above.
Michael Schwab met Andrew Mackenzie 15 years ago in the ocean. At that time Andrew was a surf photographer. Soon after, Andrew got involved in the Kelly Slave Wave Pool on the production front. Schwab watched Mackenzie launch his production company, focused on cutting edge drone technology, https://aetherfilms.com/ The company exploded into one of the most successful drone production companies not only in the world of surf, but also with major studio motion pictures and commercials. Mackenzie then came to Michael with an idea to support his directorial debut which was a play on the original Trilogy film from 2007 that focused on the top surfers in the world at that time. During production, Brian Spitz from Big Sky Partners, a DGA Director himself, worked with Mackenzie creatively on the film and helped with legal, distribution, and PR efforts. Both Michael Schwab & Brian Spitz serve as Executive Products on the film.