3 SURFERS / 3 FILMERS
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The best surf films are made when there is a natural fluidity between the surfer, the filmmaker and the story being told. With the global pandemic restricting travel and changing many athletes' plans for the year, we set out to create a unique kind of film series. Some of our top O’Neill team riders have close friendships with cinematographers, and we wanted them to work as partners and put their talents to good use. Watch as each pair brings a unique surf expedition to life, scoring insane waves from across the globe and giving their take on the ever-changing world we live in. This is Vantage Points.
EPISODE 1
NOAH WEGRICH & PERRY GERSHKOW
DESTINATION: TAHITI
Eying down a swell and pulling the trigger two days before the trip, Team O’Neill’s Noah Wegrich and filmmaker Perry Gershkow headed to Tahiti with hopes of scoring some barrels. Wanting to create something different than your average surf edit, Perry opted for underwater and above water transitions, adding a seamless flow to the film as if Noah were catching wave after wave with no lag time. With a unique soundtrack by Will Berridge, Episode 1 of Vantage Points is a strike mission like never before.
NOAH WEGRICH
Noah Wegrich was born and raised in Santa Cruz, California, coming up with a new generation of Norcal surfers that continue to push boundaries. From his above-the-lip abilities to his smooth, powerful turns, Noah has an outstanding blend of style and progression.
PERRY GERSHKOW
Hailing from San Francisco, Perry Gershkow is a filmmaker who specializes in commercial work, surf films and microdocumentaries. His close friendship with Team O’Neill’s Noah Wegrich lends him the upper hand in this project. Perry’s films have been nominated for multiple awards, awarding him a Vimeo staff pick and numerous surfer poll nominations. His previous work includes: Elude, Hues and Tesoro Enterrado.
EPISODE 2
SOLI BAILEY X MIKEY MALLALIEU
DESTINATION: AUSTRALIA
For the first time in over a decade Soli Bailey was forced to stay home all year. He made the most of his time and scored some epic waves in his own backyard. From big waves to small, Soli can do it all with power and style. I want these edits to showcase how much of an all-around surfer Soli Bailey is and why he is one of Australia’s best. From big airs to his powerful rail game and a knack for reading tubes of consequence, these edits will be high in action with minimal fluff. The goal is to get you psyched to go surfing and hit the road in your own backyard wherever that may be.
SOLI BAILEY
When the waves turn on, few are better in the barrel than Byron Bay native Soli Bailey. Asa fierce competitor and dynamic free surfer, Soli can hold his own with the world’s best no matter the conditions.
MICHAEL MALLALIEU
Michael Mallalieu A.K.A Mallmic is a videographer born in Cape Town, South Africa. At age 18 Michael went to the Gold Coast, Australia for a 3 weeks trip and never left. His passion for filming surf escalated and soon became a full-time profession. With close ties to some of the Gold Coast’s most influential and progressive surfers such as Noa Deane, Jack Freestone and Mitch Crews, Mallmic has managed to curate some of the surfing world’s most watched content. His self-produced short films include, Something is Calling, Clique, Candle, PUP, and RU.BU 994 with Noa Deane’s HEADNOISE being his proudest work to date.
EPISODE 3
RUSSELL BIERKE X ANDREW KAINEDER
DESTINATION: AUSTRALIA
Episode 3 is a short film by Andrew Kaineder showcasing Russell Bierke’s latest and craziest waves. It’s a mix of hi-fi cinematography, low-fi lifestyle and photographic stills while being backed by a suspenseful and moody original psych-rock score. Andrew used abstract imagery and mixed media of nature and landscapes to help break up the edit. It’s a perfect balance, showcasing Russell’s unique big wave skillset and the hard charging he’s known for.
RUSSELL BIERKE
Russ Bierke is a surfer's surfer, quietly spoken, but someone who lets his actions do the talking. With an ability to remain calm in serious situations and a surfing maturity well beyond his years, it is no surprise that Russ has stepped into the world's big wave riding elite.
ANDREW KAINEDER
Australian film director Andrew Kaineder focuses on telling genuine human stories. The simplicity of his work is in the beauty, strong cinematography, honest performances and unique audio scores. He has created many award-winning documentaries and narrative films within the surf world, claiming prestigious awards like the AUS surf film of the year. Andrew is passionate about being authentic and aims to push the boundaries. His recent work includes: An Introduction, Flow State, Beyond the Noise and Derek Hynd TV Series.
