WILD OCEAN 3D

A large format 3D experience from the makers of PULSE, THE LAST REEF and GREAT WHITE SHARK 3D.

The movie explores South Africa's coastline, and the apex predators that patrol its waters: sharks, dolphins, whales and man... their prey: the supershoal of billions of sardines that lurk in the deep cold waters of the Indian Ocean.  This is where Africa meets the sea...

Filmed over two years in Kwa Zulu Natal and the Transkei, WILD OCEAN 3D transports the audience to one of the world's last wild places, and gives them a chance to see the ocean as it once was elsewhere, hundreds of years ago.

Written, directed, edited and scored by Luke Cresswell and Steve McNIcholas, with leading photographers Reed Smoot above water and DJ Roller below water, Wild Ocean is a symphonic journey, and a soaring, diving spectacle that fills the giant Imax screen in stunning 3D.

See the trailer here, in HD on Apple's trailer page, or
See the trailer on YouTube

 

BEHIND THE SCENES:

Wild Ocean was shot over two winters in South Africa. An underwater crew was based largely in Port St Johns, headed by DJ Roller, the Pace underwater 3D rig. DJ brought his experience using the rig with James Cameron, for whom it was first designed.

A topside crew was also based here, with Dave Douglas utilising a specialised Imax 3D camera, otherwise only used in space for movies such as Space Station 3D and Hubble. This is the most compact 3D 65mm camera, and Dave had to handle it on the high seas in less than favourable conditions.

The land crew was based at Scottborough in KwaZulu Natal, laying in wait for the beached shoals, that never came! This was headed by veteran large format cinematographer, Reed Smoot, who nonetheless captured some beautiful footage (as he always does) with the enormous Imax Solido 3D camera system. Reed also handled the aerial photography, with Dave Douglas lending a hand and taking over the second year. All aerials were also shot on 65mm film.

Reed also shot the gannet sequence on Bird Island, just off Port Elizabeth, which is where DJ also shot the African penguin/mossbunker baitball sequence.

The fishing boat sequences were intended to be shot at Port Elizabeth, but the sardines had other plans: moving the entire crew down to Mossel Bay two Solido cameras were deployed out at sea on a sardine boat, the aptly named "Nemo", and also used to capture the offloading of sardines at dockside.

Another crew worked on some of the specialised shots, using the Paradise 35mm beamsplitter rig, headed by Max Penner and veteran stereographer, Peter Anderson.

As a result, the film utilised pretty much every available form of 3D film rig available at the time.

Steve and Luke then embarked upon several months of editng, composing and writing... Veteran South African actor and playwright John Kani was their first choice for narrator, his rich voice a perfect complement to the complex, shifting score.

 

DJ Roller and Vance Weise plus a few sharks...

WHERE TO SEE WILD OCEAN:

Although Wild Ocean was first released in early 2008, it is still being screened in theatres around the world. It is currently playing in 34 Large Format and 3D screens.

The best source of information on Giant Screen schedules worldwide is the independent site, Bigmoviezone.

It has plenty of information on the theatres, and links to their sites and schedule pages.

It has Wild Ocean specific theatre listings.

You can also use Bigmoviezone to look for screenings of our first Imax movie, Pulse for the occasional return screenings (thank you Chattanooga!), and our upcoming 3D move, the Last Reef.

Whilst we urge you to see the movie on a giant screen and/or in 3D, Wild Ocean is also available on DVD and BluRay.

 

WILD OCEAN at HOME:

Wild Ocean currently playing at over 30 screens worlwide, the majority of which are in 3D. Whilst we encourage you to enjoy the 3D large format experience wherever possible, the movie is now available on DVD and BluRay, and the soundtrack is soon to be available as a digital download.

A 3D BluRay is also available for those who have already decided to try 3D at home...

 

 

WILD OCEAN NEWS

October 9 2009

Wild Ocean, a Giant Screen Films and Yes/No Productions production, received the Outstanding Achievement award at last week’s Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.

September 17 2009

Giant Screen Films and Yes/No Productions are pleased to announce that Wild Ocean has been selected as a finalist in three categories of the 2009 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Competition.

March 19 2009

On March 19 Earthwatch will honor Wild Ocean, a Giant Screen Films and Yes/No Productions release, as its 2009 Film of the Year with a screening, award presentation, and panel discussion in Washington, DC.

September 10 2008

Wild Ocean wins both Best Sound Design and Best Score at the GSCA Awards ceremony.

June 5 .2008

Wild Ocean Nominated by GSCA for Five Awards including Best Film, Cinematography, Sound and more. Wild Ocean and Mummies 3D Nominated for 7 GSCA Awards Overall.

9 June 2008

Wild Ocean is Finalist for Wildscreen Awards - Best Film (Theatrical) and Best Sound