(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.

Impact & Outreach targets

EDUCATION
Research, create and produce an educational and teaching resource to be available in Australian schools and vocational avenue. We wish to bring Australian stories of accessibility, inspiration and inclusion to a younger audience through education.

TOUR
Facilitate further private, public screenings with cast and crew hosting engaging Q&A sessions. Opening conversations and creating an active dialogue of disability in Australian mainstream stories.

ACCESSIBILITY
Host screenings for low vision audiences, utilising the productions high end audio description and closed caption assets available.

PARTICIPATE
Align with like-minded organisations and collaborate on events, panels and discussions promoting accessibility and inclusion.

MARKET
Build community, screen the documentary overseas and connect with an international market to proudly showcase Australian stories, creating pathways for industry and share the conversation around diversity and inclusion worldwide.

Community and school cinema sessions
Jessica Harper (Production Assistant) & Brad Harper

Jessica Harper (Production Assistant) & Brad Harper

Maccabi NSW All Abilities Fundraiser

Maccabi NSW All Abilities Fundraiser

Maccabi NSW All Abilities Fundraiser

Maccabi NSW All Abilities Fundraiser

Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce

Campbelltown Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Narellan Business Chamber

The Greater Narellan Business Chamber

Cocky Guides at SFF Premiere

Cocky Guides at SFF Premiere

Previous 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/