|
About the FilmmakerSkyler Thomas is an independent filmmaker focusing on issues of coexistence and an overall goal of slowing down the growing disconnection of humans from the natural world. Starting with perhaps the most polarized animal on the planet Skyler spent 20 years diving with and filming various species of sharks before broadening the film themes to more animals. During post production of the sequel to Great White Lies an unexpected discovery of threats facing a national park near his home inspired the production of The Shame of Point Reyes.”
“Accolades and credentials: A number of Skyler’s films have received screening honors and awards, but Great White Lies continues to be screened at festivals around the world and has received over 30 awards. Skyler holds an MFA in Digital Media, a California teaching credential, and is currently studying ecology to enhance his environmentally themed films. All films are self-produced, written, filmed, and edited. Support for these projects is greatly appreciated. |
|
Turning Research Into Film... White Shark Video believes the wrong message reaches a larger audience than the right message. We are striving to change this. All too often the knowledge attained by scientists and field researchers goes unread, unnoticed, or ignored by the powers that be. Unfortunately, this leaves “education” on such matters being delivered to the masses in the form of inaccurate, sensationalist journalism and politicians. Using what is currently the fastest growing form of social media, video, White Shark Video strives to deliver knowledge straight from the source. Through a combination of in-person interviews with the researchers and stunning wildlife footage, WSV transforms otherwise hard to digest research papers into entertaining films and presentations. |
Diving with an oceanic white tip
Speaking with youth at Sharktoberfest
|
|
Accolades:
The short films 'Balance', 'Purpose', 'Connection', and 'Swimming in Shark Alley', all produced by White Shark Video, have been accepted and screened at numerous film festivals such as the Blue Ocean Film Festival. In 2014, White Shark Video embarked upon the self-funded feature film project, Great White Lies, exposing the sad truth of shark culling. This film has won over 20 awards, limited only by a budget that couldn’t afford to continue film submissions. Download the full film description. |
|
San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival
|
Speaking engagments
Besides ongoing presentations at public schools, founder, Skyler Thomas, has presented his message of coexistence at venues such as the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco Ocean Film Festival, and Monterey Cetacean Society. History
In 2009 Skyler Thomas founded White Shark Video as a nonprofit association and began making short, educational films based on his experiences diving with sharks. In 2013, White Shark Video switched from an association to an incorporated nonprofit in California with a 501(c)3 sponsor. Following the success of a few short films, Skyler embarked upon his first feature-length film, Great White Lies, which exposed the truth of shark mitigation programs across the globe. The film has received over 20 awards in various film-festivals with a follow-up film on its way in 2016.
The knowledge learned while interviewing shark experts during the film-making process is also converted to educational presentations. These presentations can be booked here |
Skyler Thomas at the Catalina Film Festival
On scene at the Farallon Islands
|
White Shark Video survives on public support, donations, speaking event bookings, and purchases of merchandise ( films, prints, shirts.) We're always looking for motivated individuals to add their talents to the team. If you have a specific skill set you'd like to offer, please don't hesitate to reach out.
|
SkylerSharkPromo from White Shark Video on Vimeo.
