The Price of Existence examines the complex relationship between money and the survival of sharks. Is science really the answer? Can anything stop industrial level fishing? Why do governments that have already passed laws of protection not only fail to enforce these laws, but directly counteract them? Is eco-tourism good or bad? Is the world of "shark television" so competitive that science is now for sale? Would some animals already be extinct if people hadn't discovered we could make more money off them alive than dead? Will our love of the almighty dollar be our undoing or will our approach to the planet change before it's too late? In each question a common theme follows; money.
Follow film-maker Skyler Thomas around the globe as he interviews shark researchers, tour operators, surfers, poachers and more to find answers to these questions.
Follow film-maker Skyler Thomas around the globe as he interviews shark researchers, tour operators, surfers, poachers and more to find answers to these questions.
"Why don't you take on a real problem, like shark finning?" I faced this question several times from people wondering why I made such an effort to expose the lies behind the Western Australia Shark Cull. The answer is actually simple. Who do we need to create laws? The government. Who do we expect to enforce those laws? The government. Great White Lies takes a look at why we might be looking in the wrong place for help. Part 2 looks even closer.
The Price of Existence examines the complex relationship between money and the survival of sharks. Is science really the answer? Can anything stop industrial level fishing? Why do governments that have already passed laws of protection not only fail to enforce these laws, but directly counteract them? Is eco-tourism good or bad? Is the world of "shark television" so competitive that science is now for sale? Would some animals already be extinct if people hadn't discovered we could make more money off them alive than dead? Will our love of the almighty dollar be our undoing or will our approach to the planet change before it's too late? In each question a common theme follows; money.
Follow film-maker Skyler Thomas around the globe as he interviews shark researchers, tour operators, surfers, poachers and more to find answers to these questions.
Full details of the project can been found further down on the page as well as video segments of what WSV has documented thus far.
Other ways to get involved without spending money
Follow film-maker Skyler Thomas around the globe as he interviews shark researchers, tour operators, surfers, poachers and more to find answers to these questions.
Full details of the project can been found further down on the page as well as video segments of what WSV has documented thus far.
Other ways to get involved without spending money
Money Talks. An Interview Regarding the State of the Gallapagos
Great White Lies is now making its way into film festivals.
Watch more...
About the Film Creator
This project really began in 2004 when WSV Founder Skyler Thomas saw his first white shark in the wild. While attempting to hold down a full time job Skyler made a few short films over the years in an attempt to share the untold story story of the white shark. Progress was too slow and in 2013 Skyler left the world of tech to start his own nonprofit corporation and pursue shark education and filmmaking full time. While this is good news it does come with the burden of losing the source of income for these projects since Skyler self-funded all previous work through his day job. Thus, it is it is time to ask for help.
A message from the film director:
"I spent the last few years lamenting the state of affairs with other shark advocates who also knew the truth of what has been taking place. We often asked aloud why no one was doing anything about it. Well, there's a lesson there. We often think that it's always going to be someone else who writes the book, makes the film, or breaks the story...but at some point you have to decide you're gonna be that person. It's a scary notion because it carries the weight of failure as well as pissing off a lot of people that won't like what you have to say. Well, successful or not, I'm here to try. I'm going to complete this work one way or another, but with your help the project can be much more successful. Please spread the word and give what you can. You won't be disappointed in the result. " - Skyler Thomas
More information on the filmmaker:
Taking a summer month off during graduate school in 2004, Skyler volunteered on an ecotourism boat in South Africa in an effort to finally become involved with white sharks first hand. It’s been a love affair ever since, with Skyler writing, filming, narrating, and editing several short, independent films in an effort to bring awareness to anyone who will stop and listen.
Since that time Skyler has made several short films, been an active advocate in California to protect sharks, and returned to South Africa, Guadalupe Island, and the Farallon Islands to film the white shark in its natural habitat. All projects have been independent and self-funded thus far.
Recent Notables:
1. Organizing a massive white shark educational gallery in the African Hall at the California Academy of Sciences during the push to pass AB 376, the ban on shark fin trade in California.
2. Award for Best Concept film from the LA Movie Awards for “White Shark Behavior”.
3. Award for Excellence in film from LA Movie Awards for “Purpose.”
4. Screening of “Swimming in Shark Alley”, “Purpose”, “Connection”, and White Shark Behavior” at:
- Blue; Monterey Ocean Film Festival
- San Francisco Ocean Film Festival
- Alaskan Ocean Film Festival
- Ft. Meyers International Film Festival
MFA, Digitial Media, San Jose State University
California Teaching Credential
We all need to make a living right? Who can judge you for that?