About the Project

I have known Eryk since I was three years old. Always very careful and cautious, he was not an adventurous guy. When I had an application to become the director of my Broadcast Journalism program, I knew I could make an interesting segment on his newfound courageous pastime. I think not only being able to spotlight my super talented friend, but also getting to tag along with him for every part of his process was amazing. I even filmed him with a GoPro in the ocean while he fished. This story got me hooked on spearfishing as well, and I frequently went out with him, encouraging my other friends to meet my childhood best friend and try this sport.

The Journey

Eryk went on to earn a sustainable life by spearfishing in the summer and working as a lift operator in the mountains during winter—showing how far from his protected home environment he came. Documenting this transformation taught me how to capture character growth through action rather than just interviews. The underwater footage was a technical challenge I'd never attempted before, and it pushed me to think creatively about how to follow a subject in an environment I couldn't fully control. This project solidified my belief that the best documentaries come from genuine relationships and long-term observation.

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Roles:

Director, DP, Editor

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Andre Lendi www.growingproductions.com