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R. Tucker Thompson: Journey

“R. Tucker Thompson: Journey” features exceptional clarity and beauty in conveying not only the ship, but also hints at the purpose of the ships operators who’s main mission is to provide “Learning for Life through the Sea” for New Zealand youth. In an artistic and thoughtful way, the short film highlights the experience of being on a tall ship, the silence and introspective nature of being at sea, as well as some of the beauty that New Zealand is known for. The operators make these voyages available to the public to help fund sailing camps for New Zealand youth. New Zealand, as an island and sea faring nation, has a rich maritime history that is easily overlooked in the modern age and the impact their voyages has on youth is profound. The film, created pro bono as a gift to the charitable trust, is intended to be used as a tool to inspire young sailors, their parents, the general public, as well as raise awareness of the ship and her mission to the general public who have the opportunity to sail on her in the summer.

  • Michael Austin
    Director
    Allegories in the Garage, Relevance & Obsolesence
  • Michael Austin
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Inspirational; motivational, travel
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 7 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 16, 2016
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    New Zealand
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital; Canon70D & GoPro Hero 3
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • The Accolade Global Film Competition
    La Jolla, California
    United States
    March 21, 2016
    First competition
    Award of Recognition
  • Waitangi
    New Zealand
    April 24, 2016
    Public Screening; Visitor Centre Theatre, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Shown accompanying lecture.
Director Biography - Michael Austin

Born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula in California, Michael Austin has had a rich and varied career. Working as a professional race car driver, business owner, engineer, and most recently as a healthcare administrator. Film making has always been a passion, but one that wasn’t pursued until 2013 when “Penguin Video Productions” was started by him. Video creations include the award winning “Allegories in the Garage” series (https://vimeo.com/channels/791457); music videos for the internationally famous New Zealand acoustic musician Oliver Jay Heperi (http://www.oliverjay.nz); and unique travel inspired short films and documentaries. All of these works to date are not commissioned; rather, they are works “from the heart” depicting subjects that perhaps would never have their stories told on film. Michael Austin currently resides in Odessa, TX and is working towards making Penguin Video Productions known for artistic quality and unique subject matter.

Photo taken near Fox Glacier Township, New Zealand, while shooting on location.

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Director Statement

"I'm a lot of things; a mechanic, designer, administrator, race car driver, artist, pilot, and now film maker. In my films I try to connect some of my outlook on life with the mechanical and tangible. A bit of an odd mix, but so am I! I've often said that the things we surround ourselves with in life become a reflection of that life. Here is my chance to explore that perspective a bit more in some of the short films I've created."