KIMBERLEY, AUSTRALIA DAY 5: FULL STEAM
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 5 of 14)
are we near tatooine? First sunrise onboard the Akiko ☀️ © SEABOURN
Uncharted Waters: Day 5 of the Kimberley Expedition
Daybreak painted the sky in hues of orange as we sailed towards our next destination: Talbot Bay, home to the legendary "Horizontal Waterfalls." My heart was pumping.
Our strategy was clear: deploy a small scout team to board the Nyaid, a nimble vessel that would help us navigate the tides of Talbot Bay. In The Kimberley, where the ebb and flow of the tides dictated our every move, timing was everything. One misstep could mean missing out on capturing the essence of this mystical landscape.
our first view of the akiko in daylight…she’s a beaut, clark!
From the outset, our journey had been guided by the rhythm of the tides. Every decision, every maneuver, was orchestrated to maximize our time in the untamed beauty of Kimberley. As we charted our course, I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate dance between nature and human ingenuity.
Behind the scenes lay months of meticulous planning and preparation. From assembling the perfect crew to securing the right vessels, every detail had been scrutinized and fine-tuned to excellence. And as we set sail with Team Akiko at our side, I felt a profound sense of gratitude.
DECK SPACE ONBOARD AKIKO TO STORE ZODIAC & NYAID
THE AKIKO BRIDGE
Crafting our Kimberley Route
Our Kimberley pre-production journey began with a precise examination of assumptions, constraints, and requirements. Research quickly revealed that most marine expeditions in Kimberley commence or culminate in Broome or Kunnarua. Armed with this knowledge, we knew our resources—would need to be judiciously allocated over a span of 10 to 14 days, with a lofty goal of visiting 14 distinct locations.
expedition leader ROBIN describing the geology heading to talbot bay ONBOARD THE NYAID
The task at hand was daunting, but we approached it with methodical precision. We compiled a comprehensive list of necessities for our onboard vessel, recognizing that every detail mattered in the unforgiving wilderness of Kimberley. From ensuring an ample supply of food, water, and shelter to prioritizing safety and security, no aspect of our journey was left to chance. And as a pro tip born from experience, we understood the importance of keeping our crew well-fed and content—a small gesture with profound implications for morale and productivity.
Our Kimberley Vessel & Crew
With our requirements firmly established, the search for the perfect vessel commenced. After extensive research, we were fortunate to secure the Akiko—a vessel that not only met but exceeded our expectations in every regard. Now, let’s introduce you to the remarkable individuals from Akiko who would form the backbone of our expedition:
Ben - Captain, Akkiko
Peter - Kimberley Expert & Guide
Josh - Guide & Nyaid Captain
Seb - Chef
Bronte - Crew Coordinator
Briar - Cabin Steward
Ben - Engineer
Alex - Deckhand
Each member of Team Akiko brought a unique set of skills and expertise to the table, ensuring that our voyage into the unknown would be guided by experience and wisdom. I’m so grateful for Team Akiko…more on these folks later.
Collaborative Teams
As our team grew to 17 individuals, I couldn't help but reflect on the paramount importance of team chemistry. In the high-stakes world of location productions, fostering a sense of trust is not just a luxury but a necessity. Drawing inspiration from the Navy Seals Performance vs. Trust model, we understood that true cohesion extends beyond mere performance on the field. Great video to watch here. Trust and mutual respect transcend the confines of the production set. Teamwork is the foundation.
HORIZONTAL FALLS © SEABOURN
Speed is the Key
In expedition filmmaking, speed is not just an option—it's often a necessity. And as we embarked on our pre-production discussions with local contacts, the mantra of efficiency echoed through every conversation. How could we traverse the Kimberley's rugged terrain with precision and agility? How could we outmaneuver the relentless tides to reach every location on our list?
These were the questions that consumed us as we dove into our production strategy. And at the helm of this endeavor was Expedition Leader Robin—a seasoned veteran of the Kimberley with a wealth of experience garnered from his role as VP & General Manager for Seabourn Expeditions. With Robin and local guidance, we charted a course that would lead us not just to our destinations but to the very heart of Kimberley's untamed beauty.
the naiad full tilt with captain josh at the helm
The Nyaid & Captain Josh
Every marine expedition voyage requires the right picture vessel, and in the Nyaid, we found our chariot of choice. A marvel of maritime engineering, the Nyaid promised unparalleled speed and maneuverability, allowing us to navigate even the most treacherous waters with ease. And with Kimberley veteran Captain Josh at the helm—a true master of his craft—we knew that our journey was in capable hands. Embarking the Nyaid was the culmination of six months of planning, the moment we had been waiting for. And yet, amidst the flurry of activity, we encountered a major setback: the forgotten snacks! “Turn around immediately!”
who forgot the snacks?
With provisions secured and our spirits soaring, our eyes fixed on the horizon. For in Kimberley, as in life, every moment is an opportunity for discovery and wonder. As we traveled aboard the Nyaid, vibes were at an all time high. We love to say to our crew… “It’s time to turn your epic meters up.”
DRONE SCOUT of talbot bay complete ✅ ©SEABOURN
Talbot Bay
Josh went light-speed to Talbot Bay. Named the 8th wonder of the world by David Attenborough, the aboriginal people hold this passageway sacred. As we entered, we could feel the ancient beauty wrap around us. Green water, red rocks…truly a visual heaven in the far northwest corner of Australia. From the aerial vantage point, we were able to capture sweeping vistas and breathtaking panoramas, each frame a testament to the beauty and grandeur of Kimberley.
Scouting mission accomplished! But our journey in Talbot Bay was far from over.
Would we succeed in capturing the elusive Horizontal Waterfalls in perfect conditions, or would our ambitions be stopped by mother nature?
our first KIMBERLEY SUNSET ☀️ ©SEABOURN
We rejoined Akiko prior to sunset full of optimism. After we set sail, a sense of calm flowed through my veins. Beyond the horizon lay uncharted waters and untold stories . As the stars emerged to dance in the night sky, I felt peace as my eyes shut.
“Shark!” is the next thing I heard.
Day 5 Lessons
✅ Grateful for nature’s wonders
✅ Collaboration with Expedition Leader, Akiko Captain, & Nyaid Captain critical to success
✅ Scouting critical to seamless execution
To be continued on The Dash.