An email came through. That’s how it works here at CG (Common Ground). You meet the person via email first, a bit of back and forth flirting, maybe even hook up for a date. Funny how the world has changed, 2D e-meetings leading into a 3D face-to-face coffee. Reading through his email, I clicked through to watch the video link of local filmmaker Kaius Potter, I was whisked away for in a minute, surfing waves far away from this computer screen, in a tightly created, pornography of surfing. I returned and wrote Kaius a reply. Impressed I was. Then I found out he was 18… Incredibly talented.A filmmaker to watch this young man. I thought I’d throw a few questions at him. 2D of course…
So why do you want to send yourself broke in the world of surf filmmaking?
As a waterman, I’ve never strayed too far away from the ocean, and an office job was never going to suit. Surf filmmaking has provided me with so many opportunities that an 18 year old doesn’t really get unless they are a professional surfer. It’s taken me to Indonesia and on little adventures that I have the pleasure of documenting, which is really awesome. With a love for surf culture it is definitely somewhere I want to be.
How did you start making films?Â
I started making films 3 years ago, when I was 15. I always had a love for editing so it just seemed natural to pick up the camera considering I live in a hub of very talented people, in and out of the water.
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Is it something you want to make a career out of? Or keep it as a solely creative outlet?
It will definitely be a big part of my career but I’d love to branch out into a whole range of creative outlets such as design and photography, maybe even a surf inspired brand down the track.
Where do you want to take your filmmaking?
I think there is so many stories hiding away from popular culture so I would love to show some insight into these peoples lives, whether they are a world tour surfer, a 7 year old grommet from the depths of Indonesia and everyone in between.
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Any projects we had better keep an eye out for?
Im currently one half of a Byron Bay based project, ANGST which I share with 18 year old professional surfer Soli Bailey. ANGST is the home of all things radical, raw and free. Documenting not only high-performance surfing, but realistic views in the lives of modern innovative youth. Our first feature film, ‘Squiz Luv’ which follows Soli’s surfing and progression over the past 2 years will be premiering in Byron somewhere in December and will be available from all good newsagencies with the December Waves Magazine.
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What’s Byron Bay like as subject matter for your films, and as a source of inspiration?
Byron Bay is the best source of inspiration as you are surrounded by so much talent and so many individual creatives. As a subject in my films it’s pretty perfect, breathtaking landscape, amazing waves and such a mix of culture!Keep an eye on Kaius and his latest and greatest here – kaiuspotter.com