Jack White received the 2nd Place Award in the PROFESSIONAL Category for his short documentary, “Misguided Fears- The Oahu Shark Diver”, in the Summer Shorts Film and Video Contest (2017), hosted by StudentFilmmakers.com. Interview published in HD Pro Guide Magazine.
“Shooting sharks without a cage, underwater, during a monsoon with five to six- foot waves was an incredibly humbling experience. While it is a wildly exciting, you have to remember that this is not a zoo. These are wild animals and must be treated with respect. I hope people are inspired to educate themselves about sharks, instead of seeing them as ‘blood thirsty beasts’. We all can do our part. Thanks to everyone that helped me with this short film. Long live the sharks.” ~Jack White, Documentary Filmmaker
“Shooting sharks without a cage, underwater, during a monsoon with five to six- foot waves was an incredibly humbling experience. While it is a wildly exciting, you have to remember that this is not a zoo. These are wild animals and must be treated with respect. I hope people are inspired to educate themselves about sharks, instead of seeing them as ‘blood thirsty beasts’. We all can do our part. Thanks to everyone that helped me with this short film. Long live the sharks.” ~Jack White, Documentary Filmmaker
HDPROGUIDE: What inspired the “story” for “Misguided Fears- The Oahu Shark Diver”?
Jack White: The idea for the story started when I met Ryan Bruner, the shark diver, on the North Shore of Oahu. At first, I thought, “man, this guy belongs in a psych ward.” Ryan makes a living swimming with sharks, and educating people about their importance to our ecosystem. Sharks mysteriousness and reputation as an “apex predator” have caused them to become one of the most misunderstood creatures in the animal kingdom. And naturally, as humans, we fear what we don’t understand. With Ryan’s knowledge, I wanted to maybe shed a little light on the subject of sharks, and do my best to help conservation efforts through my video. Next thing I know I’m sitting on the bow of Ryan’s boat at 9am in the pouring rain, wearing snorkel gear, finicking with my camera settings while a dozen 8-10ft sharks circled below me in the water.
HDPROGUIDE: What tools did you use from development to post?
Jack White: My short film is a classic example of ultra-low budget. In Hawaii, I was living on very little money. So, rather than spend big bucks on gear, I wanted to use the tools I already had to the best of my ability, and focus on the story as much as I could. Two DSLR’s and a rented SPL underwater housing was basically my entire package.
HDPROGUIDE: What was your ultimate goal for your documentary?
Jack White: I really wanted to focus on the sharks, while at the same time telling Ryan’s story. Marrying those two aspects was the ultimate goal in my short film.
HDPROGUIDE: Can you share with us a “Challenge and Solution” in regards to the making of your short film?
Jack White: I’d say the hardest challenge was trying to fight the enormously powerful ocean currents, while doing your best to get the shots you need. There were times when I would be so focused on shooting, that I would put myself in real danger of being swept farther out to sea by the currents. Some of the best advice I got during my tenure in Hawaii was to, “Never turn your back on the ocean.” I think going into the shoot with that mentality helped me stay safe, and gave me the confidence I needed. Dramamine also helped.
HDPROGUIDE: If you could share your Top 3 Tips related to filmmaking, what would it be?
Jack White: (#1) Always be a student. (#2) Break rules. (#3) Love what you do.
HDPROGUIDE: What are your thoughts about being selected and winning one of the top placements in the contest?
I’m stoked to have my work selected by the committee. I really hope people see my video and have at least a little more understanding of sharks’ importance to our ecosystem. I also hope it inspires people to donate, and get involved with the debate of sharks’ importance in our waters.
