"Of Shark and Man," is an independently produced, award winning feature documentary that revolutionises the way sharks are presented in film. Telling the untold story of Shark Reef in Fiji, through the eyes of a passionate shark lover who risked everything to follow his dream, "Of Shark and Man," blends stunning cinematography, heartfelt storytelling and incredible, close up shark footage, to deliver an inspiring message about the power of dreams and how a small group of dedicated people can change the world for the better.
"Mesmerizing, exciting...a really seat-grabbing thrill ride. The last
minutes are a roller-coaster of in your face action and some of the most
brilliant nose to nose shark cinematography ever filmed. If you love
sharks and the Ocean, this is a must-see film!" - Deeperblue.com
I have dreamed of making films about sharks since the age of seven. Having grown up watching pretty much every film ever made on the subject, I realised that the films which inspired me, films which were about adventure and celebrated sharks for what they are, simply weren't being made anymore so, five years ago, I made an on the spot decision... If nobody else was going to do it, I may as well just do it myself.
I quit my job, gave up my flat and sold as much as I could and set out on a journey to plan a film, write a concept, raise the funding, shoot the film, edit the film, release the film and get TV distribution.
As of now, in 2015, "Of Shark and Man," is completed, ready to go and the final step to take is to get the film out there to an international audience and to do that, I need your help!
What People Are Saying
"I was reminded of a reporter on the street, filming amidst a riot, with
frenetic activity all around. The Bull Sharks are the stars of the show,
and Of Shark and Man brings us literally nose to nose
with these sharks, with some of the most stunning and bold
cinematography ever seen. No amount of Hollywood CGI can duplicate the
pinpoint clarity of point-blank shooting seen in this film... like any good roller coaster, the best comes near the end…the last 10
minutes are absolutely amazing, with the most stunning footage of sharks
I have ever seen." deeperblue.com"The
way this film blends all of the stories into one beautiful (love) story
is absolute poetry. Diley is a master of his craft." - savethesharks.org
This is the
sort of thing that Shark Week should be showing on a regular basis." - Ian Campbell (WWF)
"...the
film is a personal journey into a beautiful and majestic world
beneath the surface, and a self-transformation process deep inside
the filmmaker’s soul." - Jorge Cervera Hauser (Director of "Mexico Pelagico")
"...what could be
just a personal experience, has now become personal for everybody
else watching it" - Cristina Zenato
What We Need And What You Get
We are looking to raise £31,991, all of which will go into a targeted and professionally run release campaign to get "Of Shark and Man," out there so you can see the film for yourselves
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The £31,991 will mainly go towards the following:
- A Strategic and targeted Marketing Campaign
- Entrance onto the International Film Festival circuit
- Subtitles (We are hoping to have the film subtitled into French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese)
- Merchandise, Press Kit Materials and Promotional Events
- Private Screenings
- Licensing - The film has a very small amount of externally sourced footage
- Legal Costs - Documentation such as E&O Insurance and commercial contracts
- Indiegogo Fees
In the spirit of ensuring we can offer you maximum value for money, we have some incredible perks on offer.
There are film related perks, such as stickers, T-Shirts, signed posters and custom artwork, to more personal stuff like an hour long skype call with myself where you can ask me about absolutely anything you like, maybe you need advice on making your own film, you want to know the inside story on the film's production or you just want to have a general chat, it's totally up to you!
We are also offering perks for all you divers out there in the form of top of the range wetsuits, regulators, computers, masks, fins etc from Fourth Element, Apeks, Suunto and Aqualung so if you need new dive gear, instead of getting it from a retailer, get it here, get loads of extra stuff on top and help out a film which supports marine conservation!
Everyone who donates from the minimum level perk (£20) and upwards, will
receive a limited availability, HD stream of the full film so you can
see what it is you're involved in.
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T-Shirt sizes as follows:
Men's - S, M, L, XL, XXL
Women's - UK8, UK10, UK12, UK14, UK16
Kid's - 3-4, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, 8-9, 9-10, 10-11, 11-12
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Why Donate?
I'd like this campaign to appeal to two different groups of people, first of all, to everyone out there stuck in a life they didn't choose wishing they could follow their dreams and find happiness. I was that person and this film vindicates the message to go for it, follow your dreams and you just might make them happen. I would love for people to see this film and see the value in putting a value in yourself. The more successful this campaign, the bigger the audience we can get that message out to!
Secondly, shark lovers, if you like sharks, you will love this film. many of you will feel the kind of content you get about sharks is overly sensationalised and perpetuates a negative image of sharks in the media. I know you want something different, by donating to our campaign, you can actually be a part of finally getting what you want!
"Of Shark and Man," delivers a positive message about sharks and about people, all wrapped up in a 98 minute adventure which tells a very honest, raw and human story. We're not here to preach, we're not here to sell an agenda and we're certainly not here to bore you, our mission is to educate, thrill and inspire you.
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Risks & Challenges
Rising up to challenges, overcoming obstacles and beating the odds are what this film is about, since day one, we have been the underdog but we have risen to every challenge and beaten each one. A challenge is not something we fear, but something we embrace.
We have preempted many of the challenges faced by Film-Makers when it comes to releasing a film. We already have media support, we already have a steadily growing fanbase and we have spent the last few years developing contacts that will be able to help us at the point of the film's release. Our biggest challenge is raising the funds to put us in the position to exploit the opportunities we have available and that is where your help is invaluable.
When we raise the finances we need, we can immediately kickstart the release schedule.
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Other Ways You Can Help
We understand that you may not be able to contribute financially but you can still help us! We have a website with tonnes of media content and information which gets weekly updates and where you will find the official trailer for the film, along with a Facebook group and Twitter account. Please share this crowdfund page with family and friends and also guide them towards our website and social media pages. The more people who know about this campaign means more chance of success!
www.ofsharkandman.com
www.facebook.com/ofsharkandman
www.twitter.com/ofsharkandman
