Private Project

Ghosts of the Pacific, A White Sea Bass Story

Ghosts of the Pacific, a captivating and visually stunning documentary that delves into the mysterious world of the white sea bass, a prized and elusive species that has captured the imagination of spearfishermen along the Pacific coast. Through breathtaking underwater cinematography and intimate storytelling, the film explores the challenges and rewards of pursuing these “ghosts” of the deep.

  • Michael Raabe
    Director
  • Michael K Raabe
    Producer
  • Dlyan Bruno
    Key Cast
    "Voice Over"
    Chevrolet Voice in commercials (15 years)
  • Michael K Raabe
    Writer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Genres:
    Documentary, Science, Ocean, Conservation
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 3 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    September 1, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    100,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States, United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    4k uhd
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Ghosts of the Pacific, Premiere at Ocean Institute in Dana Point
    Dana Point
    United States
    October 4, 2024
    North American Premier
  • Environmental Film & Screenplay Festival

    United States
    November 10, 2024
    Best Feature and Best Director
  • Los Angeles Movie & Music Video Awards
    LOS ANGELES
    United States
    November 11, 2024
    Best First Time Director
Director Biography - Michael Raabe

Michael Raabe is an accomplished cinematographer, photographer, and underwater specialist with over 15 years of experience capturing compelling visual stories both on land and beneath the waves. Based in Los Angeles, Michael's work is defined by his dedication to creating stunning imagery that brings the raw beauty of nature and human experience to life.

Michael's expertise in underwater videography sets him apart, with a remarkable ability to operate on breath-hold to capture rare and intimate moments in challenging marine environments. His unique skills have earned him the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of productions, from nature documentaries to commercial projects. His portfolio includes collaborations with leading brands and networks such as Fox NFL Pregame, MeatEater, WWE, A&E, Therabody, NFL Network, Perry Ellis, Always Pads, ESPN the Magazine, and Nike.

In addition to his expertise behind the camera, Michael is a licensed FAA Part 107 drone pilot, allowing him to incorporate dynamic aerial perspectives into his work, further enhancing his storytelling capabilities. Whether he's filming deep underwater, on remote mountain peaks, or in studio settings, Michael is committed to producing content that captivates audiences and exceeds the expectations of his clients.

Michael's passion for the natural world and adventure is also evident in his recent documentary work, including his latest project, Ghosts of the Pacific, which explores the elusive white sea bass off the California coast. His meticulous attention to detail and collaborative spirit ensure each project is both visually stunning and deeply resonant.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Ghosts of the Pacific represents a pivotal moment in my career as both a filmmaker and a spearfisherman. After years of working on exciting projects for others—ranging from ESPN and Outdoor Life to MeatEater—I felt it was time to take a leap of faith and create something that was entirely my own. This documentary is the culmination of that risk, a project where I could step into the role of director, producer, and cinematographer, with the hope that it will lead me to future opportunities to work on films in a new capacity.

I chose to focus on the white sea bass because of my deep passion for diving for this elusive species. They are notoriously hard to find, often elusive and frustrating, but through countless hours in the water and years of experience, I've managed to gain insights and capture footage that is both visually stunning and revealing. My journey as a spearfisherman has always been secondary to my identity as a photographer, but over time, I've become deeply connected to both crafts. As an accomplished and recognized member of the spearfishing community, I wanted to bring the thrill, the challenge, and the beauty of the white sea bass hunt to the screen in a way that honors both the fish and the sport.

Filming Ghosts of the Pacific was a three-and-a-half-year endeavor, and the stars seemed to align in unexpected ways. From the willingness of my dive partners and interviewees to the incredible footage I was able to capture, it felt like the universe was telling me to press forward. This film became more than just a documentary about a fish—it became a story of dedication, perseverance, and passion.

At its core, Ghosts of the Pacific touches on the crucial theme of ocean stewardship. As spearfishermen, we are not just hunters; we are caretakers of the ocean. We see firsthand the health of marine ecosystems and are often at the forefront of ocean conservation efforts. My hope is that audiences will come away from this film with a newfound respect for the ocean and its inhabitants, an excitement for the hunt, and a deeper understanding of the delicate balance between conservation and responsible harvesting.

Ultimately, I want this film to inspire a sense of ownership and responsibility for the ocean, encouraging viewers to see it not as an abstract environment, but as a living, breathing world that we must protect and respect.