Purpose was inspired by the fact that I am routinely asked, “How are you still alive? How do you have all your limbs?” Prior to showing my footage I am even TOLD as a matter of fact that it’s not possible to dive with the sharks I have dove with without being killed. The actual answer to these questions provides a great opportunity to look closer at the roles of sharks on this planet.
For me, after 20 years and 17 species of shark diving later, the fact that sharks won’t hurt me is no longer an amazing reality, but an expected one. However, for those that don’t spend time with sharks it is a reasonable question to ponder why earth’s oldest predator, possibly the most feared animal on the planet, isn’t killing me. The answer is both simple and complex. The simple answer is that the sharks aren’t interested in me. The complex answer is explaining why they aren’t interested in me. And this answer centers around the concept of 'Purpose'.
'Purpose' uses my personal shark footage to turn an educational presentation about sharks into a highly entertaining and engaging experience. With a mixture of humor and science, the audience learns about the different roles of different species of sharks and how these specific roles define their niche in ecosystems. It is this niche, this purpose, that ultimately explains how it’s possible for man and shark to share water without conflict.
'Purpose' uses my personal shark footage to turn an educational presentation about sharks into a highly entertaining and engaging experience. With a mixture of humor and science, the audience learns about the different roles of different species of sharks and how these specific roles define their niche in ecosystems. It is this niche, this purpose, that ultimately explains how it’s possible for man and shark to share water without conflict.
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More details:
Purpose includes stunning footage of sharks from across the globe, including footage of me interacting with these sharks ( yes, even with great whites ). While exploring the topic of sharks and humans coexisting, the audience also receives a mini-lesson on shark anatomy, ecosystems, and food chains, and how recognizing certain physical features of the sharks helps us gather clues about that specific shark’s role within ecosystems. Switching back and forth form short video clips to interactively speaking with the audience, Purpose has been described by past clients as “Surprisingly entertaining while providing an exceptional amount of information.” The presentation comes in two options, a 20 minute version with 10 minutes of Q&A, and a 40 minute version with 10 minutes of Q&A. The Q&A portion is always rewarding so it’s highly recommended to allow time for this. The Q&A segment can be extended if this works within the client’s time constraints. |
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Review from a past client of Purpose: "Skyler Thomas’s White Shark Video school presentation on sharks and ocean ecology is terrific. From the dramatic opening video sequence of sharks in their natural habitat to the easy to grasp explanation on the science of the food web, the presentation flowed nicely in an accessible combination of science and storytelling. The talk was well organized and well-structured and Skyler’s engaging speaking style and humor worked seamlessly with his incredible slides, video, and first person stories. Overall, this presentation would be a worthwhile supplement any marine biology type curriculum. "
William Ashley Gray - sequoia High School
William Ashley Gray - sequoia High School
Other Presentations
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Skyler Thomas provides shark education through multimedia presentations featuring his own footage and experience with multiple species of sharks. By working with top shark experts in his documentaries, Skyler passes on their shark knowledge combined with his own. Multiple presentations are available for different groups, although most are are suitable for all age groups. Examples of recent organizations at which WSV has presented include elementary schools, SCUBA Clubs, universities, The Academy of Sciences, and more.
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Past clients include the California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival, Monterey Cetacean Society, high schools, colleges, elementary schools, private clubs, and more.
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"We would like to express our gratitude and delight at having Skyler Thomas on stage at our Education Program. We have screened three of his films over the past several years and he has kept our young audience spellbound answering their questions about shark ecosystems and what it’s like to film sharks in their underwater habitat. We recommend him highly, and look forward to having him speak to thousands more middle and high school students at our program in the years to come!"
Diane and Bob Brockob, Education Outreach Volunteers, San Francisco International Ocean Film Festival |
Skyler Thomas’s White Shark Video school presentation on sharks and ocean ecology is terrific. From the dramatic opening video sequence of sharks in their natural habitat to the easy to grasp explanation on the science of the food web, the presentation flowed nicely in an accessible combination of science and storytelling. The talk was well organized and well-structured and Skyler’s engaging speaking style and humor worked seamlessly with his incredible slides, video, and first person stories. Overall, this presentation would be a worthwhile supplement any marine biology type curriculum.
William Ashley Gray - sequoia High School |
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"Skyler Thomas has presented to youth groups (including at risk youth) on several occasions for the The Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association. His dedication to sharks and ocean conservation, his enthusiasm and personal style with students, has made him a great choice when we need a speaker about shark conservation - I would recommend him highly." - Peter Winch, Farallones Marine Sanctuary Association
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"Skyler has kept our audience spellbound over the years answering questions about shark ecosystems and filming them in their underwater habitat..." - SFIOFF Education Program
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CONTACT |
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In addition to presentations, the self-contained exhibit "Killer Personalities" can be booked for display at locations across the United States. This gallery consists of high def photo prints of sharks who have been identified as having very special personalities. A video presentation consisting of interviews with each of the divers who encountered these sharks as well as stunning underwater footage followed by a Q&A session completes each gallery evening.
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WSV Gallery presentation at The California Academy of Sciences
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Skyler Thomas answers questions at the education
program of the San Francisco Ocean Film Festival |
Skyler Thomas as guest speaker at the Monterey Cetacean Society. Whales and sharks interact in the food chain more often than many people realize
WSV is a nonprofit corporation that survives on public donations. Please discuss your organization's budget in determining your donation amount for these presentations.
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