WILD SEA - Short Documentary

"WILD SEA" is an exploration of the transformative power of the ocean, centering around the life of Jeff Allen, a pioneering expedition sea kayaker, guide and coach.
The film offers a deeply personal journey as Jeff navigates his past, including his military experiences and profound traumas, ultimately finding healing and purpose through his connection with the ocean.
Protagonist: Jeff Allen (www.expedition...)
SyncID: MB01QTLRUYEOQKM

[@joshbox8903]

Dear Tom and Jeff, thank you so much for sharing this film with us all. I for one Jeff have been deeply touched by your story. i'm just 34 years old, recently moved back in with my parents after splitting up with my partner and suffer from depression and PTSD from my 2 deployments out in afghan when I was serving in the military for 11 years. i'm lost, empty and directionless, and there has been alot of things that resonated with me through this short film, and I have to admit, made me cry on a few occasions as it reminded me of my own story in a sense. i'm a big traveller, been around the world a few times with just my backback and experienced many cultures and beautiful people. I used to live on a boat myself in the uk, on the inland waterways. anyway all this to say, i'm getting myself the help I need now and getting myself back on my feet slowly but surly. thank you for sharing your story. i've just finished watching it 3 times in a row. much love to you Jeff and all the best. Josh

[@TomVetterl]

Hey Josh, thank you so much for your feedback! I showed your comment to Jeff, he wrote the following and asked me to post it here for you (see below). Hope you’re feeling better soon! Tom „Hey Josh, thank you for your kind comments regarding the film and for your humility and your honesty. I’m really happy that you’re finding support, it took me years before I recognised that I had stuff to deal with. Trauma affects everyone at sometime or other, it will be a lot more prevalent in the services and I know many more ex servicemen who have suffered in one way or another, so we certainly aren’t alone. I’ve lost quite a few friends and colleagues to depression and one of our aims for the film was to try and remove the barriers that many men, especially former servicemen have in being able to talk about these issues openly. If you ever needed someone to chat to, I’m always happy to talk and you could find my number through my website or social media pages. Jeff“

[@mezanian]

Josh I found your comment and wanted to say 👋. I hear you, I care and I say this because I've been in a hard spot many times over 50 years. Multiple incidents of trauma, ongoing interpersonal issues and anger, with a side of CPTSD. I wish you peace, find hope and joy in living. My go too now is bike packing and camping..at 65yrs. Exercise, in any form, sunshine and writing has always given me release from the load I carry. Be well, M

[@Adonis.underwater]

What a beautiful film.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate! Glad you like it :)

[@blakely555]

I can’t express enough how beautiful and motivational “Wild Sea” is. Thank you Tom and bless you Jeff.

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you! So happy that you liked it!

[@KingD9289]

Great video guys!!! I too share the same passion for the ocean and kayak offshore. Seeing the shots of you playing in the waves gave me goosebumps nice work keep living the dream 🤙

[@TomVetterl]

Hey thank you so much, glad you liked it :)

[@alecharper515]

Thank you YT Algorithm for placing this on the top of my feed - a fine video, indeed. And it is is interesting the rare perspective we enjoy when we dare to press hard into the wind. Sadly, most people will never step out to the edge of their comfort zones. I have a similar story and it was mountaineering that did it for me. Now, at 64, I reflect and write about these escapades... grateful that I am still alive. As is written on the cover of one of my journals, "Life begins at the end of one's comfort zone." Cheers.

[@TomVetterl]

Hey thanks mate, glad the algorithm washed us into your feed :)

[@expeditionpaddler360]

Thank you, I would be interested in your books, can you share a title you’d most recommend

[@seakayakbajamexico49]

Deeply inspiring. Thank you Tom for your fine work. Thank you Jeff for being you.

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@expeditionpaddler360]

Thank you Ginni 🙏

[@Matt-cc2wq]

Inspirational stuff👍

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you Matt! Glad you liked it!

[@elkayakfish]

Great video guys. A touching story. Looking forward to seeing Jeff next month ❤

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you so much for your feedback :) Where are you going to see Jeff?

[@elkayakfish]

@@TomVetterl He is leading a ISKG course in Dunbar at start of next month. I cant make the course but I will do some photography with them.

[@TomVetterl]

Nice, sounds awesome nonetheless…!

[@maminals2137]

Y’all are seasoned Vets in the Sailing world and do an absolutely magnificent job at make wonderful videos. Enjoy every minute of u and the boy’s!

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you!

[@dawnross2514]

Fascinating and beautiful - the film and the humans. Thank you X

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate!

[@RahimLadhajuma]

I absolutely love this. It resonates with me in so many ways. Amazing film! 🎥🌊

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you mate!

[@RahimLadhajuma]

@@TomVetterl My pleasure!

[@BushKayakersCampingAustralia]

Nice one ! . Nothing like kayaking to bring on the chill vibes

[@TomVetterl]

Absolutely :) thanks mate!

[@roaldarts7641]

Beautiful work

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you!

[@keeganbenn]

Excellent story, bro! From the AOD community here. Was roped in and captivated the whole time! Makes me wanna get in the water with a camera now ;)

[@TomVetterl]

Hey Keegan, thanks so much for your feedback! The AOD community is simply the best :)

[@moocorp]

Was looking for inspiration, but got caught up watching. The sound design and score choice is amazing. And the story... I wanna go kayaking now!

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate! Haha, check out expeditionpaddler.com, if you wanna go in a trip with Jeff! Highly recommended!

[@Ilsabb331]

Amazing video and such a vital, necessary story. What a gift!!!

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@jasoncollins9640]

I lived 3 doors up from Geoff for years in Bissom in Penryn, good to see him doing well :-) I've not seen him for years, this is one of the best things I've watched for years :-) .

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate!

[@gorillafilmmakernow]

Exceptional film, inspiring story, stunning photography, eloquent conscious interviews and responses. Great work.

[@TomVetterl]

Hey thanks so much!

[@Hellhamster]

Kayaking helped me with all the trauma since early childhood, I am 51 now, and animals and my kayak is my refuge. I wouldn't alive anymore if I didn't have this ❤

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks for the feedback mate! Glad you're doing ok!

[@Hellhamster]

@@TomVetterl this means the world to me, to see that I am not the only one struggling and getting joy out of the simple but significant things in life. Tha is for sharing your story and your rockpool!

[@TomVetterl]

@@Hellhamster No you're definitely not alone with this... I personally have very similar struggles in my life, which is why I was so drawn to Jeffs story. I think everyone has these kind of challenges to a certain degree!

[@ChristopherBurch-mh8vg]

Great film, loved it maybe more to come hopefully. I have met Jeff a couple of time through his brother, a gent of a guy.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks Christopher! Yes, there is always something in the pipeline :)

[@neils8443]

I have a similar experience with the ocean. I love being in the water. It's such a beautiful, calm place of solitude.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate!

[@bjornjansen5266]

Wow, incredible Tom! I'm kinda speechless.

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you Björn, glad you liked it!

[@woodnugget1301]

Absolutely awesome this filled me with emotion.

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you so much, we're really glad you liked it!

[@legolaslego3952]

Awesome cinematography and storytelling

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate :)

[@gregwdennis]

Beautiful film Tom, I've made many films with Jeff over the years - he's an inspirational guy and incredible subject. Enjoyed this a lot

[@TomVetterl]

Hey Greg, thank you so much, I'm really glad you like it!

[@chaliceb5]

Deeply inspiring. This film and your words resonated strongly inside. I discovered kayaking a year ago during a holiday visit to my nephew living in the Netherlands. Never really been in a kayak before until 53 yrs of age, but somehow it sparked into a passion and a desire to learn and be on the water as often as possible. Especially paddling through the winter, when nature seemed to sleep and rest and hardly anyone else was boating had me feel a deep spiritual connection with life and Mother. Thanx for sharing your story. Greetings from an East German NAVY vet. 👊

[@TomVetterl]

Hey! Danke dir für dein Feedback, freut mich sehr, dass der dir Film gefallen hat 🤗

[@California__Sun]

Wow...wow...wow ..wow...wow...I love this doc❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️😊

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you :)

[@MRose-nt9ks]

I remember this well! Great to see this, congratulations to everyone involved in this production. Thank you

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate!

[@rasmus_mattsson]

This was simply amazing, the story, the man, the filmmaking. Lovely narration!

[@TomVetterl]

Thank so much, highly appreciated!

[@SandyToesAustralia]

Beautiful. How very inspiring & offers moment of reflection.

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you :)

[@finalthirdstudios]

Incredibly shot. Lovely colour. Amazing sound!

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate!

[@9murlon]

A great film - very inspiring.

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you, glad you liked it!

[@sammiejessie7777]

Thank you for this video pure magic.

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you :)

[@TaylorProperties]

Beautiful story and well shot. Thanks for sharing

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you!

[@BelindaFarage]

What a great story - and beautifully shot. So much of it filmed in my fav blue hour. Aaaahhhh those vibes helped tell this story. Thank you everyone!

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you Belinda, glad you liked it!

[@christaylorphoto]

An absolutely beautiful piece of work, bravo to all involved.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks Chris!

[@mizraimcarbajaltrejo656]

Beautiful film. So inspiring! This is a fantastic documentary!

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you :)

[@sailorjmp1]

Simply outstanding! Insightful and poignant.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate!

[@alib2801]

Just outstanding in all aspects. The most beautifully put together deep storytelling in under 15 minutes. Big respect to both Jeff and Tom.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate!

[@Hix-Design]

Brilliant Tom, loved all of it. Really showed Jeff's story in the most engaging and positive way. More of this sort of thing mein freund, bitte?

[@TomVetterl]

Im REALLY glad you like it!

[@Hix-Design]

@@TomVetterl it's brilliant! You're a gifted talent. Long may it continue!

[@TomVetterl]

Don’t make me blush 😛

[@surfkayakcoaching1215]

Hey Jeff - glad to have been part of your journey in the past- and maybe be part of it in the future too :-) I'll look after you older man. J-P

[@expeditionpaddler360]

Cheers JP, not too old yet to set up my tarp or haul up the main

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate!

[@lemonmeringuepie3000]

Yep, i think all passionate sea kayakers feel like they're coming home, or at home, within their boats ❤ lovely story, well told

[@TomVetterl]

Hey thank you for your feedback! Yeah I guess everyone drawn to the ocean is kind of familiar with that feeling.

[@stevecopenhaver6152]

Superb…well done!

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you!

[@justalexhimself]

This is very well made! A massive congratulations to the filmmaker - the story, the visuals, the photography - all great and super captivating. A very wholesome story as well && super inspirational!

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you so much for your comment!

[@timirvin1777]

Thank you Jeff and thank you Tom for this beautiful and moving film.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks for watching!

[@paulreynolds2898]

Cornwall is not a bad place to be, the water is cold but there is no doubting you will feel better after. Good luck.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate

[@CharlesWatson-s5o]

At 64 I hit the wall. Abuse for years as a young boy, broken family, "stiff upper lip" upbringing. Years of being a lone wolf personality, watching an assassination right next to me, held at gunpoint 3 x , and so much more. The sea will be my savior soon. I understand the healing of the sea.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks for sharing your story with us 🙏🏻

[@suzibillball]

Nike. Just do it . . .

[@TomVetterl]

Absolutely

[@richardpollington597]

Another Great Film Tom !

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you Richard, really glad you like it!

[@davejane100]

Great film Tom.

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you 🙃, highly appreciated 🙏🏻

[@tiagocaldeira4020]

Really good!

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you :)

[@suzibillball]

I tell people to be sure to have a life while they're alive. You succeeded.

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate!

[@wirebiner]

Wonderful..

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate :)

[@ForwardLooking832]

Loved this story

[@TomVetterl]

Cool, thanks mate!

[@ronactive]

Schöne Aufnahmen und interessanter Fluss. Grüße ronactive

[@TomVetterl]

Hey danke dir!

[@DaniGorgon]

This is a great documentary. Congratulations Jeff and James for telling us the story.

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you Dani, hope you enjoyed it!

[@nathanconstable]

True essence of adventure

[@TomVetterl]

Aw thank you for watching!

[@DanielSchifferli_DP]

Beautiful cinematography, pacing and storytelling. A true piece of Art Tom. I am full with motivation and hope after watching this - and whenever a film is moving somebody, it worked, right? I am interested in your gear. On the Interview with jeff you are using something anamorphic or even a helios right? How did you coach him to stay in focus? And in the water you where using spherical lenses I think. What camera and housing did you use on these shots? Did you just put down autofocus sensitivity and speed to 1 or did you actually rock manual focus while beeing in freezing cold water? Congratulations once again. Just beautiful. Oh and cheers from a Swiss AOD friend

[@TomVetterl]

Hey there! Thank you so much! Glad you liked it! I used the Sony FX3 and mostly the Sony 24-70 GM. In the water I used my FX3 in a Salty Surf Housing, combined with an external battery and also the 24-70. For 90% of the water shots in autofocus, with adjusted sensitivity and speed. That was simply try and error, to find settings that worked for me. The focal lenghts was variable, so I could zoom in and out whilst swimming. For the under water flare shots in the beginning I used manual focus and just kept it constant whilst moving the camera. For the Interview I'll have to look up which lens it was, but either the Sony 24-70 or a fixed focal length like the Sony 35 mm, shot with open aperture and manual focus, I asked Jeff to not move too much, which worked quite well. I got a few questions if I have used an anamorphic lens, but actually I just added some blur and directional blur in post. Please don't tell anyone :D

[@gopackandpaddle]

Love it!

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you :)

[@MarkBenge]

inspiring

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks Mark!

[@bigpondkayaks]

Great film

[@TomVetterl]

Thanks mate :)

[@JesseMatias]

Great 😊💪

[@TomVetterl]

Cool, glad you like it :)

[@amilton2128]

Astonishing camera

[@TomVetterl]

It did the job :)

[@adventureplustv]

That was beautiful on so many levels! Can i ask if you feel like a longer version when you put a story like this together? I have nine hours of footage filmed over fifteen years in a nepali village and I thought I would aim for N hour, but seeing your film, I wonder? How tight should I make the story? It is a slow environment, so I think it might have to be bit longer.. thanks so much for sharing!

[@TomVetterl]

Hello there! That's a tough one, because there is probably not right or wrong answer. I guess it always depends on the story arch and the kind of footage you have. If it is a slow environment, it might make sense to tell the story in a slower pace. I personally love that. The first drafts of Wild Sea were about 30 minutes long, and I'm always having a hard time cutting material down. Especially when there is an emotional attachment to the footage. But looking backwards it was always beneficial to cut them down. Try to use only the best material you have and the minimum that is necessary to tell the story. And consider the audience your film will be for, especially their attention span :D Hope that helps :)

[@adventureplustv]

@@TomVetterl makes a lot of sense, thank you! 🙏🙂

[@TJayIS]

how did you do the first 30 seconds with the beautiful orange flickers under the water?

[@TomVetterl]

Hey there! A little bit of planning and a lot of luck, probably :) Can you recall the swimming scene in the end of the film, with the orange sunrise in the background? The flicker was shot at the same morning, with the camera submersed just below the water surface, with the sun still coming through the water. We tried it and weren't sure if it worked until we de-mounted the water housing an hour later.

[@sebastianpinkham6955]

Unreal

[@TomVetterl]

Glad you liked it!

[@qaannat]

And now we know why This is the Sea.

[@qaannat]

Very well done film, it's great to learn more about Jeff's story. Paddling is awesome!

[@TomVetterl]

Hey thanks mate, we're really glad you liked it!

[@raymondbarton8580]

Namaste

[@TomVetterl]

likewise :)

[@eduardherak8599]

Beautiful video super 💪🏽🚣🏻‍♀️🛶🌊💪🏽❤️👍👍👍

[@TomVetterl]

Thank you :)