This Is Will Hunt
Filmmaker William Hunt Playlist and Interview 5 Videos ･ Last Updated: Sep 27 2024
Hey, my name is Will Hunt. I'm 22 years old and a photographer/filmmaker based in Byron Bay. Having grown up in both Sydney and Florence, Italy, I was very lucky to be exposed to a lot of rich culture and beautiful people at a young age which taught me a lot. My love and appreciation for the ocean went hand in hand with capturing it, which most of my work revolves around today.
Nickname: Willy
Born and raised: Sydney, Australia and Florence, Italy
Based now: Byron Bay, Australia
Stance: Regular
When and how did you start surfing?
I started surfing about 7 years ago with some friends from school because my parents had a Bear surfboard on display around the house and I somehow convinced them for me to ride it. A couple months later I snapped it and bought my first longboard and the rest is history.
Which type of surfboards and fin setups are you into?
My go-to boards are my 9'4 Gato Heroi Smooth Operator and my 6'9 Asym McTavish Surfboards Poached.
Who are the surfers that inspire you?
Kai Ellice-Flint, Josie Prendergast, Dan Johnson, and Craig Anderson
Which one video would you highlight in this playlist and why?
My latest surf film titled '1-10ft'. It's a film I shot over the COVID pandemic and took four years to finally release. I'd say it's one of my most proud works, given the length of the film and the effort that was put into it.
When and how did you start filming?
I started filming when I was about 7 years old and would shoot my brother and me playing football (soccer) and messing around in the shorebreak on bodyboards. Then, when I finished high school and started traveling more, I knew that it's what I wanted to do because the thought of a 9-5 or going to university didn't excite me, but I didn't know how to make a living from it. So I just took my camera with me everywhere and started shooting moments that I loved, meeting new people, and eventually, it led me to become a full-time freelance filmmaker today.
Who are the creators that inspire you?
Kai Neville, Julian Klincewicz, Olav Stubberud
What are the surf films/videos that inspire you?
THE QUIETER YOU ARE THE MORE YOU CAN HEAR., and Sonic Souvenirs
Other than surf films?
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood and The Matrix
What cameras and lenses do you use?
I shoot on the Sony FX3, Sony α7R III, and Canon Auto Zoom 814 Super 8mm, with the SIGMA 24-70mm F2.8, Sony 200-600mm, and SAMYANG 8mm.
What's your favorite focal length?
70mm
What editing tool do you use?
DaVinci Resolve
Where are your favorite surf spots that you've been to?
Imsouane, Morroco and Biarritz, France
Where are the surf spots you want to visit in the future that you've never been to?
J-Bay, South Africa, Barra De La Cruz, Oaxaca, Mexico, and Malibu, California
Tracks you love?
- "Desert Raven" by Julian Wilson
- “Before Lotus” by Wilson Tanner
- "Sur la planche 2013" by La Femme
- “FMG” by Mall Grab & Effy
- "Safety" by Fred again.. & Brian Eno
- "Congratulations (feat. Bilal)" by Mac Miller
- "Too Much Money" by Automatic
- "Cadet Limbo" by King Krule
- "100 Miles and Runnin'" by N.W.A.
- "Gospel Groove" by Shuggie Otis