KIMBERLEY, AUSTRALIA DAY 8: Pearl Country

8 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 8 of 14)

flying boats at kuri bay ©SEABOURN

The Kuri Bay Investment

Full disclosure: I was initially skeptical about including Kuri Bay in our itinerary. Our pre-production discussions focused on where to allocate our time and resources. In filmmaking, balancing creativity with economics is crucial. We obsessed over the nuances of each location, weighing the costs and benefits meticulously. As the clock ticked, the pressure mounted to make the right call.

AKIKO basecamp + dit station

the bridge at dawn onboard akiko

Navigating Filmmaking Economics

Filmmaking isn't just about artistry; it's a delicate dance with economics. Michael Cioni, an industry leader, taught me about the concept of CPF (cost per frame). CPF is a metric that encapsulates the comprehensive expenses incurred in crafting an image, from capture to exhibition. Cioni’s insights resonated deeply, emphasizing the need for financial accountability in creative environments. 

With CPF at the forefront of our minds, I initially leaned towards bypassing Kuri Bay. Yet, as events unfolded, I realized I couldn't have been more mistaken.

Unveiling the Bay's Secrets

My understanding of Kuri Bay was limited until we delved into research. While pearls are its claim to fame, Kuri Bay revealed itself as a haven teeming with life, particularly its abundant shark population. The bay's diverse marine life truly stole the show.

sunrise sanctuary on the akiko bow

Kimberley Sunrise 

Kuri Bay set the stage for our latest call time of the expedition at 8:30 AM. Despite the late start, the Kimberley sunrise never failed to cast its spell upon me. Each day, I found solace and inspiration at the bow of the Akiko during nautical twilight, eagerly awaiting the sunrise.

GRUMMAN MALLARD AT SUNRISE IN KURI BAY ©SEABOURN

Flying Boats

Grumman Mallards represent the epitome of my fascination with both aviation and maritime exploration. As a young impressionable filmmaker in Alaska, where planes and boats were essential modes of transportation, I was captivated by flying boats.

Alaskan bush pilots served as aerial mentors, teaching me the intricacies of aircraft like the Piper Super Cups, Cessnas, Otters, and Beavers. Their lessons extended beyond flying—they instilled in me the value of ingenuity and the notion that one tool could serve multiple purposes. These pilots lived the spirit of innovation and adaptability.

Mallard TAKE OFF at kuri bay ©SEABOURN

So, when we stumbled upon the Mallard opportunity at Kuri Bay, it was like discovering a hidden treasure. Hours were spent immersed in research, envisioning how these magnificent machines could elevate our storytelling.

PEARLING PROCESS AT PASPALEY PEArLS ©SEABOURN

NURSE SHARKS AT KURI BAY ©SEABOURN

A Symphony of Sharks & Pearls of Wisdom 

Kuri Bay welcomed us into its aquatic realm with open fins. From the moment we ventured into the water, sharks guided us through the day's adventures. We were surrounded from dusk till dawn by these ancient predators.

While sharks dominated the spotlight, pearls remained the silent guardians of Kuri Bay's legacy. Our journey took us into the heart of the pearling industry, where we witnessed the meticulous process of pearl cultivation at Paspaley Pearls. Paspaley Pearls are the rarest and most valuable pearls in the world. It was a lesson in patience and perseverance.

PEARLING AT KURI BAY

Rarity is the story here. The Australian South Sea pearl oyster (Pinctada maxima) is the largest and rarest of all pearl oysters and produces the largest and most valuable of all pearls. Australian production accounts for a mere 0.1% of global pearl production by weight but over 20% by value. Wow!

A Meeting of Minds: Peter Tucker's Tale

No expedition is complete without the stories of those who call the land home. In Kuri Bay, we had the privilege of interviewing Peter Tucker, a local guide whose connection to the Kimberley ran deep. As he shared his tales of the land, we were transported into a world where time stood still, and nature reigned supreme. Our team shared Peter’s passion for the wild.  

kimberley legend peter tucker

As we journeyed back to Akiko on the zodiac, we unexpectedly crossed paths with some of Tuck's friends returning from a fishing excursion. What started as a casual ‘how ya going’ soon evolved into a captivating scene as they proudly showcased a massive tuna they had reeled in. “Here ya go, Tuck,” said one of the wranglers as they handed the fresh catch over.

We immediately handed this ocean bounty to our food maestro, Chef Seb, a culinary wizard. With a creative spirit, he transformed the tuna into a masterpiece, a testament to Seb's culinary genius that left us yearning for more.

STEP ONE

STEP TWO

STEP THREE

tuna scraps for the nurse sharks

Looking back, I regret not capturing more snapshots of Seb's culinary creations. Every meal he crafted was nothing short of extraordinary. Massive shout out to Seb for taking great care of our crew. Seb’s dinner setup below.

Challenges and Triumphs: The Shark Encounter

We methodically ticked off each item on our cinematic agenda: Mallards, check. Pearls, check. Interviews, check. Yet, an unexpected thrill awaited us on the horizon. 

SURROUNDED BY NURSE SHARKS in KURI BAY ©SEABOURN

As we shifted focus to marine life, we encountered challenges. Capturing the essence of Kuri Bay's marine life, particularly its sharks, presented a unique set of obstacles. Yet, with perseverance, we navigated through murky waters, quite literally, to immortalize these majestic creatures on film.

While our team focused on the interview, our Top Gun drone pilot, Chris, took flight with the Zodiac and our talent, seeking out an exhilarating interaction with the ocean's apex predators. With the drone hovering above, Chris skillfully navigated the aerial ballet, capturing every exhilarating moment of our encounter with the magnificent sharks.

apex predators in the waters of kuri bay ©SEABOURN

But as the day unfolded, our appetite for adventure only grew. With the sharks circling the Zodiac in a mesmerizing display of natural grace, a daring idea took root: could we venture beneath the surface to capture an intimate glimpse of their world?

As we contemplated the risks involved, the allure of the underwater world captivated us. Armed with GoPros, we were eager to capture the raw beauty of the sharks that inhabited these waters. Despite the inherent dangers and the unexpected mishap of a shark mistaking our GoPro for a tasty treat, our determination never wavered. From dusk till dawn, we were spellbound by the mesmerizing dance of these majestic creatures.

MOON RISE DEPARTING KURI BAY ©SEABOURN

Lunar Reflections: A Day Well Spent

As the moon rose, we couldn't help but reflect on the day's adventures. What began as a skeptic's journey had evolved into an odyssey of discovery and wonder. Kuri Bay had surpassed our expectations, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds.

Up next on the Dash. Our zodiac breaks down in croc country.