KIMBERLEY, AUSTRALIA DAY 13: Sea Legs
9 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 13 of 14)
© SEABOURN
Mixed Emotions and Majestic Moments
Day 13…emotions mixed between joy and sadness. As we celebrate the success of our marine expedition, the tension of our ambitious project begins to ease. Nearly all the crucial footage needed for our upcoming commercial is secure. Yet, amidst our success, the day is bittersweet. Today is our farewells to our beloved Akiko crew and our expedition leader, Robin.
THE AKIKO CREW + PRODUCTION TEAM CELEBRATE CONCLUSION OF THE MARINE EXPEDITION
Before we parted ways, we gathered to review the photographs and video screengrabs. It was an exciting moment, one where everyone could visibly appreciate the fruits of their labor—evidence of what our teamwork had achieved in the wild expanses of the Kimberley. The shared experiences bonded us in ways that only intense projects can produce.
AKIKO CREW GATHERED TO SEE PHOTOGRAPHS AND VIDEO CAPTURED ON THE EXPEDITION
Farewell Akiko
Bidding farewell was emotional. The nature of our work means that goodbyes are frequent, but they never get easier. The connections made during these expeditions are deep—fueled by the shared highs and lows, the laughter, and the tears. It’s a unique aspect of location filmmaking; the intensity accelerates relationships, echoing a sentiment I once heard: "A six-month relationship at sea is akin to six years on land."
Disembarking Akiko, I was overwhelmed by a surge of emotion. The vessel and her crew will forever hold a special place in my heart. Akiko is a symbol of safety, resilience, and unforgettable adventures.
SAYING GOODBYE TO AKIKO
The Akiko Team: Unsung Heroes of Our Journey
Captain Ben kept us safe, guiding the ship with expertise and calm through all conditions. His leadership was the backbone of our expedition.
Josh, our guide and Nyaid captain, impressed daily with his skills and readiness from dawn till dusk. His positive attitude was infectious.
Chef Seb won our hearts with his culinary magic. His meals were not just food; they fueled our spirits, crafted with passion and artistry.
Bronte, the crew coordinator, was our on-board problem solver, always ready with solutions and support, similar to a producer on set.
Briar, the cabin steward, brought warmth and kindness to every interaction, truly a heart and soul of our team.
Engineer Ben ensured our voyage was smooth, his technical skills matched only by his ever-present smile.
Alex, the deckhand, worked tirelessly, his dedication a cornerstone of our successful expedition.
On part 14, I’ll share the names of additional team members whose monumental efforts made this entire expedition possible.
JOURNEY FROM WUNDAM TO Kununurra
WRITER ANDREW REFLECTING ON THE EXPEDITION
From the Deck to the Dust: Kununurra and Beyond
As we waved goodbye to Akiko, our focus shifted to the next leg of our adventure…transferring our crew, talent, and gear from Wydnam to Kununurra, a gateway to some of Western Australia’s most stunning natural attractions.
In Kununurra, the spirit of adventure fills the air. Access to vast lakes, ancient ranges, and iconic road trips serve as a beacon for explorers. Kununurra, meaning "Big Water," provides the opportunity to delve into a rich tapestry of landscapes and cultural heritage.
Our team split into two units: team one focus on establishing our new headquarters in Kununurra. Team two ventures to the remote King River by 4X4—essential Australian gear for outback travel.
An Unsettling Encounter in the Outback
Our journey into the outback marked a dramatic transition from the sea to the raw, earthy expanse of the Australian wilderness. Here, the dangers shifted from aquatic predators to land hazards. Crocs were no longer the challenge. Now, the venomous bite of snakes and the silent creep of spiders lurked below. Fun!
I’m terrified of snakes! And spiders.
WELCOME TO THE OUTBACK
The ride was calm. Nearing the end of the day, the bus was a peaceful sanctuary. During a brief stop at a viewpoint, chaos ensued.
"Spider!"
In an instant, the bus was overtaken by a wave of panic as a monstrous spider, immense and daunting, crawled across the seats. The immediate reaction was clear: grab a shoe and crush the threat. Yet, amidst the mounting panic, our Australian bus driver intervened with unexpected calmness.
4X4 ADVENTURE BEGINS
"Don’t kill it!" he commanded. His voice cut through the chaos, and miraculously, amid the uproar, the spider found its own escape, crawling out the window. We were stunned. The crisis dissolved as quickly as it had erupted.
After the drama, the drone team with Chris, Andrew, and I split off to capture the majestic King River.
Exploring Australia’s Heartland with an Expert
King River is a marine marvel shaping the landscape as if crafted by the Dreamtime serpents of lore. The image is powerful. To pursue the wonder, we climbed aboard Shane Ross's robust 4X4, a vehicle as seasoned as its driver. Shane, armed with a degree in Environmental Management and a wealth of local knowledge, served as our gateway to the rugged trails of the outback.
From the moment we set off, it was clear we were in capable hands—a true local who not only knew the terrain but also revered it.
Shane had deep understanding and respect for the land. He was a guide but also guardian of the land’s stories. Traveling with Shane became an adventure in itself. As the outback unfolded around us, he shared tales that were as captivating as the landscape.
DRONE TAKE OFF
Serpent Spreading Branches of Life
The King River in Western Australia's Kimberley region is more than just a waterway; it is a lifeline that carves through the rugged landscape, originating between the Durack and Saw Ranges. Vital to our visual narrative, the river twists through the landscape like a serpent, weaving a path of vitality through the stark outback. The aerial view reveals this river's true splendor, as it slithers across the earth, spreading branches of life in its wake.
The serpent holds deep significance in Australian Indigenous cultures, revered as a powerful Dreamtime figure that molded the land's very fabric. This mythical creature is believed to have surfaced from underground, awakening diverse fauna and crafting the land's diverse features—hills, gorges, creeks, and rivers—into the vibrant scenery that characterizes the Australian wilderness today.
DRONE LANDING UNDER ATTACK FROM Mosquitos
Twilight Descent and Unexpected Encounters
Our flight back as dusk settled was spectacular, yet the moment we landed, we were attacked by an army of mosquitoes. The air was thick with them. We jumped around, battling the biting herd as we scrambled to pack up. As we packed under pressure, we were unaware that the day's adventures were far from over.
On our journey back, the headlights caught a chilling sight: a 10-foot snake, recently struck by a vehicle, lay beside the road, its body still warm. We pulled over immediately. Shane, in true Australian spirit, casually remarked, "He is still warm, I’ve got a buddy that will eat him," before he stowed the deceased creature in his truck.
It was a raw Australian moment, underscoring the untamed nature of our surroundings.
Within a few hours, we experienced both Australian icons of danger up close. Wow! Shane transformed our journey into a magical exploration of Australia, where each mile revealed more than just scenery—it unveiled the soul of the land.
Snake, check.
Spider, check.
Just another day in Australia.
ADD THE KIMBERLEY TO YOUR BUCKET LIST!
Up next on The Dash: the final day of the expedition at the mystical Bungle Bungles.