Emmy Award-Winning Taublieb Films Captures Spectacular Big Wave
Surfing on Oahu’s North Shore
CORONA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–lt;a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/bigwavesurfers?src=hash” target=”_blank”gt;#bigwavesurferslt;/agt;–Prepare for some of the biggest waves and highest-performance surfing
ever captured on film. Monster Energy invites TV audiences to experience
the state of the art in progressive Big Wave Surfing in a new 60-minute
feature showcasing the talents of the world’s best riders. Produced and
directed by Paul Taublieb of Taublieb Films, a multi Emmy award-winning
studio, The Monster Energy Big Wave Tow-in Invitational captures
the action of an expression session on above 40-foot waves on the
legendary North Shore of Oahu.
The Monster Energy Big Wave Tow-in Invitational will air on ABC
television as part of World of X Games this Saturday, May 18,
2019 at 2:00 PM Eastern, 1:00 PM Pacific and 10:00 AM Hawaiian time. The
spectacular feature covers all angles of the action on Hawaii’s
North Shore via advanced RED high-definition cameras, including
helicopter shots in partnership with cutting-edge surf forecaster
Surfline, and Hawaii-based Paradise Helicopters. Ready for a sneak peek
of the action before the world premiere this weekend? Catch the cinematic
trailer here.
Known for progression and supporting its athletes, Monster Energy hosted
the invite-only Big Wave Surfing session at a rarely surfed spot in
Hawaii on March 18, 2019. The list of invited surfers included Monster
Energy’s Shane
Dorian and Makua
Rothman, joined by their big wave surfing peers Kai Lenny,
Nathan Florence and Billy Kemper. They were given the rare chance to
catch 40-foot waves at an insider spot known as Puena Point.
With the goal of taking surfing to the next level, riders were “towing
in” behind jet skis – as opposed to relying solely on paddling – for
access to some of the most progressive and innovative big wave riding
the world has seen to date. The extra boost from jet skis allows riders
to catch waves otherwise not surfable with just surfboards. Highlights
included a wave never surfed in a tow-in session before, known as the
“toilet bowl” at Ali’i Beach Park that provided the backdrop for
aerials, hacks, turns, and tube rides on an entirely new level.
“Tow-in starts when it’s not right to paddle in. The Monster
Invitational is an experiment in some solid, big surf to explore the
limits of performance – and having fun!” said Monster Energy’s Rothman,
a two-time Big Wave World Champion and North Shore native. His Monster
Energy teammate and Big Wave legend Dorian is on the same page: “I
haven’t towed-in to waves in a decade, but this was an experiment in
progression. Super fun, creative and experimental,” said the multiple
XXL Big Wave Winner.
With The Monster Energy Big Wave Tow-in Invitational, director
Taublieb wants to provide a platform for the sport’s next evolution. “We
are not trying to replace paddle-in surfing but push the boundaries of
big wave progression in a way that hasn’t been explored,” said Taublieb.
Having already captured some of the most iconic big wave surfers on
film, Taublieb’s documentary credits include the Emmy Award-winning ESPN
30 for 30 film Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau (2013), the Big
Wave Hellmen series for ABC and ESPN (2014), and a number of
critically acclaimed action sports television features.
As the official partner for wave forecasting, Surfline provided riders
with constant updates on current wave conditions during the
boundary-pushing shoot. But as Rothman pointed out after the session:
“The ocean always has the last word! I got in some great turns, not to
mention a wipeout and a nasty two-wave beatdown.”
Nevertheless, all surfers are stoked on the results and the opportunity
to take Big Wave Surfing to the limit. “On certain days, when it’s too
big or too rough to paddle, tow-in definitely has its place in our
world. It’s not exactly surfing – it’s almost a different sport, but it
was a blast! Thanks to everyone for making it happen and let’s do it
again!” said Dorian. After seeing a screener of the finished show,
Rothman said: “Every surfer is going to love this show, it’s all about
progression and performance!”
Make sure to tune in to ABC television this Saturday, May 18, 2019 when The
Monster Energy Big Wave Tow-in Invitational airs as part of World
of X Games at 2:00 PM Eastern, 1:00 PM Pacific and 10:00 AM Hawaiian
time.
For more on Dorian, Rothman and the rest of the Monster Energy surf team
visit www.monsterenergy.com,
and follow Monster Energy on Facebook, Instagram,
Twitter
for exclusive updates from the action on Oahu’s North Shore.
For interview or photo requests contact Kim
Dresser.
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Cinematic Trailer for a Sneak Peak
About Monster Energy
Based in Corona, California, Monster Energy is the leading marketer
and distributor of energy drinks and alternative beverages. Refusing to
acknowledge the traditional, Monster Energy supports the scene and
sport. Whether motocross, off-road, NASCAR, MMA, BMX, surf, snowboard,
ski, skateboard, or the rock and roll lifestyle, Monster Energy is a
brand that believes in authenticity and the core of what its sports,
athletes and musicians represent. More than a drink, it’s the way of
life lived by athletes, sports, bands, believers and fans. See more
about Monster Energy including all of its drinks at www.monsterenergy.com.
TAUBLIEB Films is a
two-time Emmy-winning production company led by director/producer Paul
Taublieb. His work includes long-form feature documentaries such as the
award-winning ESPN 30 for 30 film, “Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie
Aikau,” narrated by Academy Award-nominated actor Josh Brolin. Also the
theatrically-released “FASTEST” about MotoGP racing and the
award-winning Netflix documentary, “UNCHAINED: The Untold Story of
Freestyle Motocross,” named the best long-form documentary of the year,
also narrated by Brolin. The Malibu, California-based company also
produces a variety of long and short-form content for brands such as
Monster Energy, ESPN, X Games, Showtime, NBC, ABC, Paramount Pictures
and Ferrari, including viral videos with literally hundreds of millions
of views. Taublieb also produced “The Vow,” starring Channing Tatum and
Rachel McAdams (which grossed $200 million worldwide). Upcoming, and
backed by Monster Energy, is the feature documentary “Blink of an Eye”
about the fateful relationship between Dale Earnhardt and Michael
Waltrip. Considered “the greatest moto sports story never told,” it has
also been optioned for a dramatic feature film, which Taublieb will be
producing along with legendary Hollywood icon, Roger Birnbaum.
Contacts
Kim Dresser C: (949) 300-5546 E: [email protected]
Stacy
Transou C: (323) 363-2699 E: [email protected]
