Fielder Films, a small studio based in Oceanside, California, is making waves in the world of surf filmmaking. Founded by Ben Weiland and Brian Davis, the duo has crafted independent surf films that not only capture the spirit of adventure inherent in surfing but also delve into the human stories that make it meaningful. Their journey began with Weiland's passion for surfing and his fascination with the sport in wild, beautiful places. After studying abroad in New Zealand, he discovered a new dimension to surfing, one that involved hiking to remote spots and rappelling down cliffs. This led him to start the Arctic Search Blog, where he researched waves in cold places like Alaska and the Arctic. Eventually, he met Davis, who shared his love for film and adventure, and together they formed Fielder Films.
Weiland's personal history with surfing and his family's background in mountaineering and alpine climbing fueled his desire to explore surfing in remote, cold locations. He found that the feeling of being in these wild places resonated with him deeply. When searching for waves on Google Earth, he discovered that world-class surf in these remote, cold locations was not well-documented, which only fueled his curiosity. Despite the challenges of researching and navigating uncharted waters, Weiland and Davis are determined to find these hidden gems.
One of their most notable projects, Island X, took them to the Bering Sea in search of an undiscovered wave on a remote island. The Search for Volcano Island, another of their films, took them to the frigid waters of Alaska. However, their work doesn't end in the water; they have also launched a YouTube channel where they continue their search for adventure and exploration. In an interview, Weiland and Davis discussed their personal histories with surfing, their approach to finding human stories, and their upcoming projects.
Weiland explained that he started surfing in high school and fell in love with the sport. His travels to New Zealand and his research on waves in cold places led him to start the Arctic Search Blog and collaborate with SURFER magazine. Eventually, he quit his day job and fully immersed himself in video production. Davis, on the other hand, was initially into coffee and running a local cafe but shared Weiland's passion for film. Together, they formed Fielder Films and have been collaborating on projects ever since.
When asked about their approach to finding human stories, Weiland and Davis emphasized the importance of characters. They seek out themes and stories that resonate with people, but it's the characters that truly draw them in. In Volcano Island, for example, they focused on the brothers' quest to find a wave, which added a layer of personal investment to the film. Weiland and Davis are constantly asking themselves, 'What's the story about here? Who are the characters, and how can we make people think about that?'
Looking ahead, Weiland and Davis have several new projects in the works. They are currently working with Dane Gadauskas and Ellie Thor in Iceland on a new project and are planning to return to the Arctic this winter. They also have a list of other semi-developed projects that they are excited to explore. Despite the challenges of researching and navigating uncharted waters, Weiland and Davis remain committed to their passion for surf filmmaking and the pursuit of adventure.
In conclusion, Fielder Films is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. Weiland and Davis have created a unique and captivating body of work that not only showcases the beauty of surfing in wild places but also explores the human stories that make it meaningful. As they continue to push the boundaries of surf filmmaking, they inspire us to seek out new adventures and explore the world in a whole new light.
