KIMBERLEY, AUSTRALIA DAY 12: The King of Kimberley
11 Minute Read: Go behind the scenes of a filmmaking expedition in the remote Northwest region of Australia, The Kimberley. In this 14-part series, we’ll share the highs and lows, from marathon shoots aboard luxurious yachts to heart-stopping encounters with nature's fiercest creatures. Welcome to the wild side of cinema. (Part 12 of 14)
welcome to country ceremony
The Final Push: Triumph Amid the Trials of Kimberley
As dawn broke on the twelfth day of our expedition, an electric current of excitement ran through the air. It was the final day on the water, the concluding chapter of a marine journey that had blended the raw beauty of Kimberley with the relentless pursuit of cinematic excellence. The promise of completion awaited us on the horizon.
After today, only two days on land. We made it…this is the final stretch.
The previous day had been spent meticulously scouting locations to ensure that our last day was as flawless as the serene waters we navigated. Our agenda was ambitious—starting at dawn and stretching till dusk. The sunrise time slot focused on the skies, capturing additional aerial perspectives with the drone.
The morning was reserved for boat-to-boat filming, capturing the ballet of our vessels on the open water, while the afternoon promised King George Falls under optimal lighting conditions. This was the master aerial shot of our commercial.
setting up the drone at dawn in king george falls
First Light
The first light of dawn painted the ancient canyons with strokes of gold and crimson. As we embarked the Nyaid at 4:45 AM, our veins pulsed with adrenaline. The Kimberley dawn is mesmerizing—a deep blue sky tentatively touched by the morning glow, the rugged cliffs casting long shadows, hinting at the untold stories etched into their surfaces.
As the sun rose, the landscape came alive. The rocks around us danced vividly under the sun’s embrace. It was time to capture this transformation—an ancient land woken by the euphoric beauty of the sunrise.
“Ready for first light” echoes over the radio comms. “Copy that.” Time to fly.
Woooohoooo!
This day stood out as my absolute favorite of our entire expedition. With three-quarters of the commercial securely filmed and our photographic objectives near completion, my excitement could barely be contained.
As the first light caressed the horizon, I captured the moment with a jubilant shout, "Woooooooooohoooo!" that echoed across the canyon. Producer Marc, with a smile, gently reminded me, "Calm down, man, it's 5 in the morning and other boats are asleep!" I quickly apologized. The thrill of the journey had completely overtaken me; it was a moment of pure, unbridled joy.
My enthusiasm grew with every video and photo checked off our list. "Keep firing," I urged, riding the high of our success.
.Croc Watch
For our sunrise drone operations, the stakes were high as we prepared for a land-based takeoff in the heart of crocodile territory. These ancient predators reigned supreme here, lurking unseen but always present. Every moment on the ground was a gamble when these prehistoric beasts roamed freely,
To combat this threat, we implemented a critical role within our drone team: the "Croc Watch."
This vigilant observer, designated as the Direct Responsible Individual (DRI), had one sole focus—ensuring that none of these formidable creatures came too close as we carried out our drone operations.
Aerial Cinematography
Today was set to be a spectacle of aerial cinematography, with three meticulously planned drone scenes unfolding under optimal light. First on our list was a dramatic zodiac journey through the canyon, bathed in the soft glow of sunrise. Following that, we would switch perspectives, capturing the thrilling approach of a zodiac towards the imposing twin waterfalls—each moment planned for excellence.
Lastly, we would return to the canyon, harnessing the sunset golden hour. Each scene offered a unique narrative opportunity, and our confidence was high as we prepared to bring these creative visions to life.
king george falls ©SEABOURN
britt at KING GEORGE FALLS ©SEABOURN
The Climax of the Commercial
The climax of our venture was set against the majestic backdrop of the King George Falls. As we prepared for the vital drone shot that our entire project hinged on, an unexpected challenge arose—helicopter blades thundered overhead, halting our operations. The tension was intense; our perfectly lit window of opportunity was closing rapidly as radio communications revealed that the helicopters would occupy the airspace for hours.
Our spirits, which had briefly lowered, were rekindled by a sudden opportunity—a short, fifteen-minute window granted by the helicopter pilots.
We seized it, executing our storyboard with precision. The drone soared, the falls roared, and the shot was captured—perfectly aligned with months of planning.
zodiac approaching king george falls ©SEABOURN
Back to the Falls!
Next, we faced the daunting challenge of a second venture beneath the waterfall. A glance at Andrew, and his deep sigh spoke volumes—no words needed. As we prepared to delve deeper into the cascade, the thrill of adventure mingled with the risk to our equipment.
This was more than just a mission; it was a spiritual encounter, each pass under the cascading waters washing away the weight of our endeavors. The water's impact was profound, leaving us with a sense of renewal and accomplishment.
For the next few hours, the sheer joy of exploration took over. Amid the rugged beauty of northwest Australia, we rediscovered the wonder of youth, as if we were children splashing through puddles without a care in the world. We dove under the waterfall multiple times, each descent washing away the pressure of the project, leaving us rejuvenated and ready for more.
As we returned to the Akiko, the lowering tide revealed a pristine sandy beach, teasing us with visions of paradise. The scene before us was breathtakingly tranquil. Red rocks rose starkly against pristine white sands, bordered by waters of the deepest emerald. “Can we jump on the beach and get some shots,” comes over the radio.
“Negative, too dangerous.”
The ever-present danger of crocodiles kept us at bay, a poignant reminder of the kings of this country.
Final Objective on the Water
Our last marine objective was a sunset shoot on a nearby beach—a final drone operation amid the breathtaking palette of Kimberley’s landscape.
Over millennia, Mother Nature had wielded her brush with masterful strokes to sculpt this Kimberley landscape into a masterpiece. Here, surrounded by such untouched beauty, one can get lost in a profound sense of peace. However, Despite the serene setting, a string of tension ran through us as we set noise traps and vigilantly watched for any signs of the lurking predators.
final drone shot of king George river ©SEABOURN
Undisputed Rulers of the Land
Every member of the team was intensely focused, acutely aware of the dangers we faced. Our mission was to not only capture stunning aerial footage but to do so without compromising our safety in these wild and unpredictable conditions. The session was fraught with an undercurrent of fear, yet when we captured the needed scene, the relief was overwhelming.
As night fell and visibility decreased, we packed up, the fear of reptilian kings motivating our movements. Safely aboard the Zodiac, everyone sighed.
Our Last Night Onboard Akiko
We returned to Akiko in the glow of dusk. As we savored one last meal prepared by Seb, the chef who had nourished our bodies and spirits throughout this journey, we reflected on the adventure.
This was more than just a commercial shoot; it was a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and the profound beauty of the natural world. Every frame captured was a narrative of challenge and triumph. This was not just an expedition; it was an epic etched in the heart of Kimberley and within each of us.
Up next on the Dash: “That’s a six-foot snake!”