The Genesis of a Vision: Beyond the Barrel

Gershkow and Wegrich share more than just a love for the challenging breaks of Northern California – Ocean Beach included – and a well-deserved pint of Guinness. They are both deeply invested in the art of surf filmmaking, consuming and creating with a discerning eye. This shared passion fueled a project that deliberately eschewed the pressures of deadlines, sponsorship demands, and instant gratification. “It’s a surf film where we can relish the fact that there’s no timeline, no sponsors, no one telling us to finish the film,” explains Gershkow. “You can get overwhelmed with chasing immediate satisfaction, and for me, Noah, and the other guys in the film, it was about enjoying being present and taking time away from the madness.”

A Truly Independent Undertaking

What sets Keeping in the Shadows apart is its complete independence. Funded entirely by Gershkow and Wegrich themselves, the film represents a remarkable commitment to artistic vision. Without a corporate budget or external oversight, the project unfolded organically, dictated by the alignment of time, finances, and, of course, swell conditions. This freedom allowed for a level of creative control rarely seen in modern surf filmmaking.

While Gershkow supports his creative pursuits through commercial directing and audiovisual masterclasses, his dedication to cinematography shines through in Keeping in the Shadows. Wegrich echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the value of earned experiences. “We work so hard to have the time and money to go on these trips, so when we do get to go, we appreciate it that much more, even when you’re sitting in the airport or skulling beers when the waves are bad.”

A Friendship Forged in Waves and Time

The roots of this collaboration stretch back 14 years, to when Wegrich was a young surfer and Gershkow was beginning his career. Their bond has deepened over time, evolving alongside their professional skills. “I feel like over the last 10 years, Perry’s grown and become a more well-rounded cinematographer and storyteller,” Wegrich observes. “It’s cool to think back to where we started.”

The film’s title itself, Keeping in the Shadows, reflects a deliberate choice to prioritize curation and patience. Inspired by a quote often attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci – “Art is never finished, only abandoned” – Gershkow and Wegrich embraced a process of continuous refinement, refusing to compromise their vision.

Global Sessions and a Stellar Cast

At 80 minutes in length, Keeping in the Shadows showcases a wealth of footage meticulously compiled from nearly 15 terabytes of material. The film features breathtaking surf sessions from diverse locations including Ireland, Scotland, Chile, South Africa, and, of course, the iconic waves of California. The lineup of surfers is equally impressive, featuring Torren Martyn, Ian Crane, Nat Young, the Gudauskas brothers, and Cliff Kapono, among others.

Beyond the surfing, Gershkow emphasizes the importance of the human connections forged during their travels. Engaging with local communities, sharing meals, and simply connecting with people enriched the storytelling and added a layer of nuance often missing in surf films. “I’ve always been one to be all about the visuals, but I think with this one, it felt like a time to give people a nod to how the travel goes and you meet along the way,” he said.

The dedication extends to the film’s soundtrack, carefully curated by Gershkow to complement the visuals. “You can’t have a surf movie without the right music,” he explains. “You can have the coolest surfing in the world, but if the song doesn’t work, it’s such a letdown.”

And then there’s Noah Wegrich’s trusty yellow Channel Islands Twin Pin, a board that has accompanied him on countless adventures, enduring years of repairs and countless sessions. “It’s been through the absolute ringer, but it’s also gotten me through some of the best sessions of my life,” Wegrich says. “I can’t believe it’s still intact. The board deserves a movie for itself.”

What does it take to create a surf film that truly resonates? What role does patience and artistic freedom play in capturing the essence of the surfing experience?

Frequently Asked Questions About “Keeping in the Shadows”

• What is “Keeping in the Shadows” about? Keeping in the Shadows is a surf film that showcases incredible surfing from around the globe, but more importantly, it’s a testament to the power of independent filmmaking and the value of prioritizing artistic vision over commercial pressures.
• Where can I find tickets to see “Keeping in the Shadows”? Tickets and a list of venues showing Keeping in the Shadows are available at http://www.keepingintheshadows.com/.
• Who are the surfers featured in “Keeping in the Shadows”? The film features a diverse cast of professional surfers, including Torren Martyn, Ian Crane, Nat Young, the Gudauskas brothers, and Cliff Kapono.
• How long is the runtime of “Keeping in the Shadows”? The film has a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• What makes “Keeping in the Shadows” different from other surf films? Its complete independence, the filmmakers’ dedication to a non-commercial approach, and the emphasis on storytelling beyond just the surfing itself set Keeping in the Shadows apart.