The Life Aquatic Of Perrin James

I am so excited to share this interview with underwater cinematographer Perrin James who i’ve admired ever since I began watching his productions Last Breath, obsessively. Nothing can put me in a more relaxed trance -like form, than watching life underwater, and nothing comes closer to reality than his work.

"I started this underwater journey somewhere in the summer of 2012. In the beginning, it was all about the art of free diving and spearfishing. Since then, Last Breath Film has evolved into so much more. We are now a well know underwater production company specializing in freedive cinema. From the crocodile infested waters of the Amazon, to the underwater ice currents in the Arctic circle, we not only survived the elements but thrive in these less than desirable filming conditions."

Perrin James lives a life of underwater exploration, off-the-grid adventuring, whilst authentically capturing sea scapes and water people from each of his expeditions. Founder and Director of  Last Breath Film, living around the tides and yearly migration patterns is the only schedule he knows. 

Thank you Perrin, tell us a bit about yourself and career highlights?

I'm originally from Pompano beach Florida a little city on the east coast. I lifeguarded and taught swimming lessons before buying my first underwater camera housing. Career highlights for me are all about the wildlife I get too see/film. Filming the first ever freediver interaction with Narwals has to be at the top of my list alongside with numerous Orca encounters. I've been published by all sorts of magazines from one of my favorite Patagonia covers to mens health and Playboy. For my film work I've shot underwater for few different feature films and successful documentaries. while also working for Natgeo explorer and natgeo wild channels. Its been one crazy ride of underwater experiences.

Your greatest inspirations and influences?

• My Dad has to be one of my greatest inspirations. He really pushed me to do what makes me happy regardless of what people think. I never thought I'd be able to make a career out of underwater films. I just loved showing people what I see underwater.

• Kimi Werner, Has been one of my biggest mentors and friends. She has taught me so much about the world of sustainability and the importance of working with not only people but companies, that have responsible ethics and values. while also teaching me many other lives lessons about friendship and family.

Can you tell us about one of the most challenging underwater shoots you've had?

Anything cold water is to me difficult and I mean freezing temperatures. Just keeping the camera running is a huge obstacle. When filming wild life under the ice in the Arctic circle I slept with all my batteries so that they wouldn't freeze overnight.

We love project HIU, I’d love to hear about an experience that really moved you working on this film?

Project Hiu was an idea that Madison and I had spoken about for a long time before actually attempting to pull off. I put every dollar and ounce of energy I had into producing/creating the films for this project and since then the project has grown into the sustainable ecotourism model we were hoping for.

Let’s talk about climate change and what people can really do to from their part.

Our environment is very grim and sadly much of the change needs to happen on a government/ corporate level. Being a conscious consumer is the number one thing you can do. Using your money to support or not support corporations is stronger than any vote in my opinion. Spreading awareness with out policy change is the same as pissing into the wind.

We want to inspire our audience by sharing stories like yours, people who do what they love and are making a difference.

My work is my passion and aside from sharing my underwater experiences with people I'd hope to inspire anyone that wants to become a diver or photographer or anything they want to do in the ocean, The more people that care about our environment the more people that will be willing to protect and preserve it.

Favorite websites, film projects, or social media handles you follow.?

The Last honey hunter is my favorite film right now. Made by the boys over at Felt share media.

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