Independent filmmakers, if you haven’t seen the trailer for Open Water 3: Cage Dive yet, then pay attention because you need to watch this film!
The third movie in the Open Water franchise was filmed in Australia, but the reason we – at The Independent Initiative – are so excited about it, is because it’s an indie film, which got picked up by a huge distribution company!
Come on, that’s reason enough to celebrate, and support our fellow indie community by going to see it.
But, there’s also another reason this film is special to us.
One of the leads – Josh Potthoff – is a good friend of ours. (He’s basically my big brother). Potthoff is the kind of guy you want to see go far. He’s not only a talented actor, but he’s also a great screenwriter and filmmaker. We’re so thrilled to see this creative dude making a splash onto the big screen.
Originally titled Cage Dive, the story follows three friends who are filming an audition for an extreme reality show, when a freak wave crashes into the dive boat they’re on, capsizing it and leaving them stranded in the middle of the ocean. It’s a found-footage film full of thrills and shocks. The trailer made me jump several times, even when I could tell something scary was about to happen.
Director Jason Solari, of The Umbrella (which also stars Josh Potthoff), had the privilege of seeing the film at a local festival and said, “I was tense the entire time. It’s so good! It’s like Shark Week, but scarier.”
Potthoff has told me several spine tingling stories from set, including a time when they had to vacate the water immediately because there were sharks in the area. Another time when they were about to shoot a scene, they had to move to another spot in the ocean, because the area where they’d planned on filming was alive with tiger sharks enjoying a feast of whale!
I asked Potthoff what he enjoyed most about working on this film, “My favourite part about the film, was working on a project in a different country. I didn’t have to act, because I was in a different world. The best part though, was working with like-minded people all trying their hardest to make one dream come true.”
Independent filmmakers are not in it for the glory or fame, or even the money, because there’s rarely any involved. Instead we do it for the pure passion of it. Which just makes it even more awesome to see one become such a huge success.
First you find the sharks. Then they find you.
Celebrate with us by checking out the trailer below and head over to Open Water 3: Cage Dive – Movie Facebook Page to find out where it’s playing near you on August 11 in the US!
This weekend it will also be available on VOD, Vudu, iTunes, and Amazon video.
It’s so encouraging to see an indie film find a place amongst popular movies – I encourage all the independent filmmakers out there to go see this now, let’s celebrate the accomplishments of our fellow indie film community!
