If you live anywhere near the ocean you’ve probably had the pleasure of enjoying Kai Neville’s surf films; Modern Collective and Lost Atlas. Kai’s films mix the most progressive surfers on the globe with a mind blowing visual experience. He is truly an innovator and a leader in the future of surf films. We are honored to be able to feature Kai Neville on WLC. Enjoy.

Photo: Kai Neville taken from the ‘Lost Atlas’ zine.

What city do you call home?

Currumbin in Australia, waves are fun! But I’m on the road for most of the year.

How many years behind the lens?

10.

How did you originally get started filming/editing surf films?

I was a frothing grommet…I would watch surf videos all day long, get psyched and go a try airs with my mates. It just so happened that my mates were way better than me and they started pulling airs. Around that time I was studying film in high school, I loved it! I wanted some sort of future in the film industry. After a few sessions filming my friends and editing some shorts I was hooked.

Photo: Kai Neville taken from the ‘Lost Atlas’ zine.

Where do you find inspiration for your films?

A stockpile of magazines! Purple fashion, Dazed and Confused, and Port. These pop culture related mags have introduced me to so many good films and design techniques.

Can you walk us through your creative process from the conception to completion of a film?

It starts with a simple reference folder, jam packed with photos, fonts and video references. I’ll then dabble in InDesign working a certain mood and the tone of the project gradually develops. The simple idea of what the film is about will eventually grow into a PDF that sets the direction of the project. Then it’s a matter of funding, scheduling, and getting on the road. Working in the surf genre you can only really script so much and conditions will change the direction you may have. After around 8 months filming I will spend a month in postproduction. Eventually it’s ready for a nerve racking first screening.

What video equipment is a must?

My canon 7D is a worthy companion, but I would love to get my hands on the new RED epic.

Photo: Kai Neville taken from the ‘Lost Atlas’ zine.

Favorite place to travel/shoot?

Japan.

How did you first get involved/start working with brands like Red Bull, Hurley, Nike, and Monster?

It took a while for me to build my name and portfolio up, releasing Modern Collective helped. That was my first shot at working on a larger scale project, I’m stoked how its been received. Then I pitched my next project Lost Atlas and the brands were really receptive. I’m in a really lucky place right now where brands ask me to come and work on projects for them. Red Bull asked me to work on the Minor Threat shoot and we made the boat trip and project really fun.

Photo: Kai Neville taken from the ‘Lost Atlas’ zine.

Advice for future videographers?

Its all about learning your trade and building your portfolio of work online with sites like Vimeo. If your producing awesome content eventually someone will offer you a job. Assisting is a great way to learn. Try something new, I think that’s the job of the young creative. I’m excited to see what future videographers produce.

Greatest accomplishment to date?

Releasing Lost Atlas.

Projects in the works for 2012?

I’m working on another personal release set for August 2012 that I’m really excited about.

Any last words?

Passion – Watch “Man on Wire”…just finished it. That wild man walked a tight rope between the twin towers. Crazy.

We hope you enjoyed our interview. Make sure to stop by kaineville.com and check out Kai Neville’s latest work and future projects.