Marine Life & Conservation
Great White Shark Legend: The Interview, Part 3
Jeff Goodman interviews Ricardo and Rachel Lacombe about their film, Great White Shark Legend
Great White Shark Legend is a well thought out and developed film. It is sensitively filmed and directed as well as being very informative and revelatory in both hard facts as well as emotional content. I talked with Ricardo and Rachel Lacombe about its making.
Read Part 1 here.
Read Part 2 here.
Part 3
Jeff: I was very happy to see that you had stayed away from the sensationalist blood and guts shots that often go with Great White Shark films. What was your reasoning?
Rachel: Well firstly….we didn’t have many! You don’t really see the blood and guts. If a seal is being eaten you do get some of that, but not much and it’s not regular. You know some TV crews will have to charter a boat for several months to get those shots! You do see some of the aftermath but genuinely being in False Bay, the prime hunting ground in the entire world for observing great whites you see a lot of chasing and splashing but it’s not a gore fest out there. It’s another one of those huge media misconceptions and sensationalist lies about Great Whites. We could make a film about dogs eating bones and portray them as rabid killers if so desired. That’s what many of your newspapers and shark shows have done for far too long now and that’s why what we are telling here is a story that some just don’t want to hear.
Jeff: Did you have to fight any prejudices against sharks while shooting as well as editing the film?
Rachel: Absolutely! That started while Ricardo was looking for backers. We had a lot of interest just from the title and pitch poster from several surfing and diving companies, as in surf equipment, scuba equipment. Many got really excited and were all over it until they realised that the objection to cage diving in the area from surfers in particular would cause them backlash. Lots offered equipment and finance and lots then retracted when they realised we were making a pro cage diving film.
Ricardo: This is why we really wanted people like Brandon Kilbride in the film because he was a surfer, diver and life saver but also worked on shark boats and was pro cage diving. He and Gary Carstens were a bridge between the two worlds which can often be poles apart. I was asked by one of the scuba gear companies who pulled out why we were not featuring a more balanced view of cage diving with arguments from both sides. I told them that the anti-cage diving voice had been heard for so long that I wanted to portray a positive side to it. If anyone wants to make an anti-cage diving film, go ahead!
Jeff: Now the film is completed, where are you trying to get it shown?
Ricardo: We’ve already had it shown internationally. We premiered at the 40 Fathoms Film Festival in South Africa, which felt like a great home for a launch, and since then we have done the festival circuits and been in several festivals in US, Japan, UK and France. We made the decision at a point to bring it to Video On Demand and get it out there online rather than more traditional sales routes.
Rachel: We were honoured to get some coverage on BBC (you can find the clip on YouTube or Vimeo) where we were interviewed about the film and we got such an amazing response to that. There was a real pride knowing you are live to a few million on prime time BBC TV talking about how the media has portrayed sharks so badly. To get that message out to that broad an audience was extremely satisfying and was a great step in the message we were shouting about in the film. You couldn’t buy that kind of publicity to be honest.
Jeff: Have you got another film project up your sleeves or was this the one and only?
Ricardo: Oh it never stops! Since this film we’ve worked on pieces of a vastly different nature, including more recently a piece about baby wearing and baby carrying. When this film was finished I had a lot of interest in what we were making next…would it be more sharks, more wildlife, dinosaurs! I think becoming parents for the second time meant we had to plan passion projects more local as making a film can take years. I’ve done more corporate commissions of course but that’s not sharks right? I have a plan in motion to look at a documentary about farming next and then maybe after that a return to our Great White Sharks. I would love to follow up on the story of children and underprivileged communities in South Africa who live on the doorstep of the ocean and yet have never even been out to sea. ASEC and Shark Spotters do some great work in taking people form the poorer communities out there onto the boat to show them the wildlife and sharks that they share the ocean with. That’s a story I’m itching to tell and we could also incorporate taking our two sons out for the first time too!
Jeff: Is there any advice you would give to anyone thinking of creating their own film adventure?
Rachel: Preparation is everything. You need to tell a story, not just go and make something. What’s the story? What’s the angle? What’s the heart of it? If you don’t have that then go and lock yourself in a room and do that first. Then come back out all cameras blazing. No matter how dazzling whatever you are pointing those cameras at, there needs to be something behind it because that’s where the emotional connection comes in. We didn’t make a film about sharks. We made a film about sharks and people.
Ricardo: There’s a line in an Indiana Jones movie as Harrsion Ford is telling the students how 90% of archaeology is done in the classroom and library. Same thing. For this film, three weeks of incredible shooting on location in South Africa meant two years of preparation and planning, and another year of editing and post production. Be prepared for a long haul but that said… go for it! Do it! Grab any camera you have and go make that film. Don’t be intimated by camera snobs, film school graduates talking tech and film makers’ egos. Just plan it, write it, and shoot it. If the story is there in the first place it will shine through once you laid the foundations.
Jeff: How can people get to see your film?
Ricardo: We’ve had the film online now for download or streaming and had some amazing feedback from it since we did so. You can visit the website at www.greatwhitesharklegend.com or our Facebook page (just search Great White Shark Legend on FB), where you will find a Buy / Rent tab which will link you to the Vimeo On Demand page.
(Direct link to the Vimeo On Demand page is here.)
Since trying to embrace the new world of digital distribution however we have still been bombarded with comments and requests for a physical hard copy version! People still want that format so we decided to start work on a Special Edition for DVD and Blu Ray. We always said this had to offer more than what was already available because that would not be fair to those who have already paid to see it. So we are in the process of putting that together. Wanted it out last year but babies take priority! So definitely this year. We have just recorded a couple of audio commentary tracks for it and are in the process of putting some of those weeks of shark footage that got cut into some bonus features. We also have a whole section of life on a shark boat from the head mounted camera one of the crew had on. Seeing people working on the ocean is really fascinating! So keep your eyes on the website and Facebook page for news on that physical release and the hours of ocean loving extras!
Jeff: Ricardo, Rachel, it has been a pleasure talking with you. I loved the film and I wish you great success with it. One last question. Did you have fun?
Rachel: Absolutely! It was an amazing experience. But the whole thing was not fun. It was work. It was definitely very hard work. Having to film for a day out at sea from before sunrise, and by midnight you are still cleaning camera equipment, checking footage back, charging batteries, eating if you have time and trying to sleep but still buzzing from the sights you have seen that day, and then repeating that again every day for several weeks. So in the moment you are so focused on making this thing the best it can be it’s not like being on a diving holiday. I’m so proud that we got to spread a new message for Great Whites though. The aftermath of the film so far has been beyond fun!
Ricardo: Especially as an indie crew where you are on tight time and tight budgets, you have to put twice as much graft in. Taking stock of it in the moment was challenging, so looking back on the production we did get to see things that some people never get to see in their lives… and we got to see it every single day. Think about it for a second: a couple of shark enthusiasts who went on holiday and several years later ended up spending a close relationship with Rob Lawrence, one of the greatest and most experienced Great White experts out there. What a privilege for us personally and also to know we have made something that many have seen and many have yet to discover that shows a side to Great Whites they have probably not seen before. An honour, a privilege, and yes….immense fun!
Haven’t seen Great White Shark Legend yet? You can buy or rent it at www.greatwhitesharklegend.com.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
Marine Life & Conservation
12 Days of Zero-Waste Fish-mas
This holiday period, the Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s leading ocean membership charity, invites you to make some simple changes to eating fish this Christmas to help our seas.
Dr Kenneth Bodles, Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “During the festive season, our consumption increases, but so does waste. Sustainability isn’t just about where food comes from – it’s also about how you use it. By reducing waste and making the most out of your seafood, you’re not only taking steps to be more ocean-friendly, but can also help to cut costs during what is often one of the most expensive times of the year”.
The Marine Conservation Society has compiled twelve tips on how to consume seafood sustainably with zero-waste this Christmas:
Buy whole fish instead of fillets
Instead of fillets, consider buying whole fish such as salmon, hake, or lemon sole. By adopting a “nose to tail” approach with cooking, whole-baked fish not only feeds a crowd, but also helps to minimise waste and maximise sustainability by using up every part of the animal, including bones, skin, and fat.
Make fish stock
Leftover fish bones or shells can be put to good use by boiling them to make a nourishing fish stock or bisque. This can be frozen and preserved for later use and makes for a flavourful base in a soup.
Make your own fish pâté
Avoid waste by turning leftover fish, such as smoked mackerel or salmon, into a delicious pâté by blending with cream cheese and lemon. Perfect when paired with crackers.
The sustainability of salmon and mackerel varies depending on where and how it is caught or farmed. For more information on green-rated options, check the charity’s Good Fish Guide.
Buy frozen
By purchasing seafood that is frozen or vacuum-packed, this helps to reduce waste by extending the shelf life of your food.
Fish pie
If you’re wondering what to do with leftover cooked fish, why not opt for a classic fish pie with mashed potatoes, leeks, and a cheesy sauce? A sure crowd pleaser on Boxing Day.
Use the head
Don’t forget the fish head! The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. The charity recommends a cod’s head curry or recreating Fallow’s renowned cod’s head in siracha butter.
By stretching your ingredients further, not only is this a more sustainable way to enjoy seafood, but also cost-effective by repurposing leftovers and cooking creatively.
Boxing Day brunch
Mix leftover kippers or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs for a tasty, zero-waste, Boxing Day brunch.
For best choice, make sure you buy kippers, or herring, from the North Sea and the North Irish Sea.
Zero-waste storage
A top tip from the Marine Conservation Society to avoid waste is freezing fish offcuts to save for future use.
Crisp up the skin
Even leftover fish skin can be turned into a quick savoury snack by crisping it up in an air fryer with a little olive oil and salt.
Anchovies two ways
Leftover anchovies can either be blended with butter to make a delicious anchovy butter or tossed into pasta for a hit of umami flavour.
The charity recommends opting for anchovies caught in the Bay of Biscay for best choice.
Fishcakes
For an easy, zero-waste meal, leftover seafood trimmings can be mixed with mash and fried in breadcrumbs to make fishcakes.
Pickled mussels
Try pickling mussels in 1:1 vinegar and water, with a dash of sugar for a sustainable, zero-waste snack that can be enjoyed well beyond the festive season.
Mussels farmed in the UK are a seafood superhero. Grown using low-impact methods and harvested by hand, they get all the food they need from the sea around them. This makes them one of the most sustainable, ocean-friendly, and cost-effective seafood options.
Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised £6.6M towards the Marine Conservation Society’s vital work in making seafood more sustainable.
Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Fish is a festive favourite for many, but making sustainable choices when it comes to how we buy and eat seafood makes all the difference for our ocean. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has helped the Marine Conservation Society further its sustainable seafood work, so that we can all enjoy healthier, better protected seas.”
The Marine Conservation Society encourages you to make sustainable seafood choices a year-round habit, not just for Christmas. To check how sustainable the seafood on your plate is, you can visit the charity’s Good Fish Guide. The Guide helps consumers and businesses identify the most sustainable seafood using a simple traffic light system, based on where and how species are caught or farmed. Green is the best choice, amber means improvements are needed, and red indicates fish to avoid buying.
Zero-waste gift idea
Why not embrace a zero-waste Christmas by gifting a membership to support marine conservation? It’s a meaningful, low-waste gift that helps protect our ocean for generations to come. Memberships start from as little as £5 a month – the price of a sandwich and drink from your local coffee shop.
Find the latest sustainable seafood advice for wild-caught and farmed seafood on the Good Fish Guide, downloadable to your phone from www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide.
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