The Surfer's Journal Season 3 Episode 1 Filmmakers - Bud Browne

The Surfer's Journal season 3 episode 1, titled "Filmmakers - Bud Browne," explores the life and work of Bud Browne, one of the pioneers of surf filmmaking. Browne started filming surfers in the 1950s, traveling up and down the coast of California with his camera to capture the beauty and power of the waves and the skill of the surfers who rode them. He was one of the first to film surfers from the water, using a camera mounted on a surfboard, giving viewers a unique and intimate view of the action.

The episode begins with a brief history of surfing, tracing its origins in Polynesia and its introduction to the western world in the early 20th century. It then focuses on Browne and his contributions to the sport. Through interviews with friends, family, and fellow surfers, we learn about his passion for surfing and filmmaking and the challenges he faced in bringing his vision to fruition.

Browne's films were groundbreaking in their use of close-up shots of surfers, slow-motion footage, and underwater shots of waves breaking. He also pioneered the use of music in surf films, adding a rock and roll soundtrack to his movies. His films were hugely popular with surfers and helped to popularize the sport around the world.

The episode features interviews with some of the surfers featured in Browne's films, including Greg Noll and Mickey Dora. They discuss the impact Browne's films had on their own surfing and on the sport as a whole. They also reflect on Browne's personality and his influence on the surfing community.

We also hear from Browne's family members, who share insights into his personal life and his dedication to his craft. His daughter, Anna Trent Moore, talks about his passion for surfing and filmmaking and how it shaped his life. She also mentions the obstacles he faced, such as financial struggles and technical difficulties, in making his films.

The episode includes plenty of footage from Browne's films, showcasing his unique style and his ability to capture the essence of surfing. We see surfers riding massive waves at places like Waimea Bay in Hawaii and Maverick's in Northern California. We also see the lighter side of surfing, with shots of surfers goofing around on the beach and riding waves on unconventional equipment like air mattresses and boogie boards.

Overall, "Filmmakers - Bud Browne" is a fascinating look at one of the legends of surf filmmaking. It celebrates Browne's contributions to both surfing and cinema and offers a glimpse into the world of surfing in the 1950s and 60s. Whether you're a surfing enthusiast or just a fan of documentary filmmaking, this episode is sure to entertain and enlighten.