Private Project

Truluck

Follow the life changing events that led window cleaner Steve Truluck to discover his passion - helping others fulfil their dreams of connecting with orcas.

Steve was trapped in a mundane life, but a job relocation to Scotland unexpectedly ignited what quickly became an obsession for marine wildlife. After a risky decision to drop his career and become a window cleaner to stay in Scotland, a surprise encounter with a humpback whale leads him to discover his purpose; helping others connect with whales and dolphins. Steve is now one of the UK’s leading whale watching guides; known predominantly for his ability to find Killer Whales in UK waters. We share the highs and lows of Steve’s favourite event in Scotland, Orca Watch, and discover how first encounters with these incredible animals can happen when they matter most.

  • Matt Cannon
    Director
  • Jake Smallwood
    Director
  • Matt Cannon
    Writer
  • Jake Smallwood
    Writer
  • Matt Cannon
    Producer
  • Jake Smallwood
    Producer
  • Steve Truluck
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary
  • Runtime:
    20 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    May 25, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    0 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • International Ocean Film Festival
    San Francisco
    United States
    April 13, 2023
    North American Premiere
  • Kendal Mountain Film Festival
    Kendal
    United Kingdom
    November 18, 2022
    UK Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Wildlife Conservation Film Festival
    New York
    United States
    November 20, 2022
    Online Premiere
    Official Selection
  • Cotswold International Film Festival
    Cotswolds
    United Kingdom
    January 10, 2023
    Best Documentary
  • London Mountain Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    February 20, 2023
    Official Selection
  • Adventure Uncovered Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    Official Selection
  • Mountainfilm
    Telluride, Colorado
    United States
    May 25, 2023
    Official Selection
  • World Whale Film Festival
    Maui, Hawaii
    United States
    June 8, 2023
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Matt Cannon, Jake Smallwood

Matt & Jake are freelance photographers & videographers based in Cornwall, specialising in the outdoors and adventure sector.

We are driven to connect people with visual narratives that inspire others to appreciate the natural world around us by bringing stories to life that are honest and authentic.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

There's several reasons why we decided to make the film Truluck. The first was simply to find a compelling story to make a documentary about. We wanted to start making documentary films and for us we felt Steve's inspiring story was the perfect opportunity. As it's our first film of this kind we self funded it and it will act as a portfolio piece that showcases our storytelling, cinematography and editing capabilities. We hope that it opens the door to making more films of this nature. Secondly, it was important to us that we create something with a positive message. We are both lovers of the ocean and we wanted to shed some light on how powerful a connection to marine life can be, as well as the threats that killer whales face and ways you can help protect them.