(L-R) Blind Surfer Matt Formston, Director Daniel Fenech, DOP Chris Bland, Surf Safety Kyle Richardson, Water Camera Ben Bagley and Big Wave Legend Dylan Longbottom

Filmmaking mission

Matt Formston’s message is that with persistence, training and managing risk, people with disabilities can achieve their goals. Matt’s aim is to teach other vision impaired Australians that the water does not discriminate. It is here that he feels inspired, not judged and most free. The Blind Sea will follow Matt’s journey as he sets his goal to be one of the first blind people to surf Big Waves.

This will be Brick Studios first feature film. Brick Studios mission and reason for being is to produce stories that inspire, excite and engage our audiences and our community.

Community and school cinema sessions

Jessica Harper (Production Assistant) & Brad Harper

Impact Achievements

ENGAGE LOCAL TALENT

Brick Studios engaged a disability employment recruitment service to fulfil a 12week contract role, for a production assistant (The Amazing Jessica Harper) to assist Brick Studios behind the scenes and on set .
During post, production was able to source independent Australian musicians and license original tracks to be included in the documentary.
BUILD UP LOCAL INDUSTRY

Production employed experienced and talented production crew from South West Sydney and surrounds.
By keeping production crew local and sourcing resources from local small business, investment returns to the community, predominantly arts, tourism, hospitality and sports sectors.
PROFILE DISABILITY PROFESSIONALS

Added additional scenes to interview medical specialists across the disability sector, specifically vision and health.
CREATE ACCESSIBLITY ASSETS

Working alongside Vision Australia, the completed film project offers addition accessibility assets for an inclusive audience.

The Blind Sea Australian Cinema release successfully included an audio description track and closed caption where requested.
GENERATE AN AUDIO EXPERIENCE

Alongside composer Hadyn Walker and Sound Designers Abby Sie & Myles Lowe (MassiveMusic) enhance the music and sound design to ensure a detailed sensory experience for those who rely on audio cues for best communication.
ENGAGE AUDIENCES

Bring the film to a larger audience throughout Australia. Travel interstate with Blind Surfer Matt Formston and Director Daniel Fenech and facilitate Q&A sessions with schools, groups, filmmakers and audience members.

Support Network

GOOD.FILM

Find movies and TV shows to help you understand yourself, and the world, a little better.
https://good.film/
SHARK ISLAND FOUNDATION

A philanthropic foundation dedicated to funding and supporting documentary filmmaking in Australia.
https://sharkisland.com.au/foundation/
DOCUMENTARY AUSTRALIA

Documentary Australia is a unique not-for-profit that supports powerful stories for social change.
https://documentaryaustralia.com.au/