Beaks & Geeks - Q+A with filmmaker and Photographer Kurt Wilson
Tell us a bit about your work as a videographer; when did you first start making fishing films?
I probably started making my videography journey like many others, 10 years ago I grabbed a GoPro and started making edits of my fishing and snowboarding holidays. The heavily dubstep inspired 'edits' weren't going to win any awards but kicked off my passion and learning from it. Three years ago, I transitioned to full time freelancing, shooting primarily fishing branded content.
What are some of the biggest hurdles when filming in such remote locations?
For me personally, it's power and weight. We don't have access to mains power on a trip like this and very limited 12v charging. which is always a challenge given the amount of camera equipment I like to bring. The other downside to all that equipment is weight. We spent most of our time fishing out of the cars and walking the flats, so you have to carry everything.
How hard is it having to watch everything unfold through a camera and not be able to pick up a rod?
Haha, it can be a challenge when the fishing’s hot. Ultimately these days I’ll fully invested in my role as the cameraman. What I can capture through the lens means more to me than what I can capture on the rod.
That said, I’ve been known to scoff my lunch and have a couple of casts while everyone else is eating.
What are some of your essential bits of kit on these trips?
For me (outside of the actual cameras) there are 2x things which are paramount to my filming.
Hooded fishing shirt – During the trip, I ran Simms UPF50 Solarflex Hoodies. The hood profile gives me almost complete sun protection with a hat and doesn’t blow off in the wind.
Waterproof bags - We’re in a harsh environment and we know electronics and salt don’t mix. If I’m not using it, it’s protected in a bag. This trip I really utilised the Simms Dry Creek Z hip pack, for easy access while wading.
Do you have any other exciting projects on the way, that you can talk about?
It’s going to be a big year of chasing billfish. Currently travelling to Cape Verde shooting blue marlin for BadCo, black marlin on fly with Peak Sportfishing in Exmouth and giant blacks in Cairns. Somewhere in there might be a fly trip for the next film festival.
About Kurt Wilson
Kurt Wilson is the filmmaker, photographer, and ocean obsessed guy behind the camera at Kurt Wilson Films. To see more of Kurt’s work or to reach out, visit kurtwilsonfilms.com