Venturing Into the Unknown: Announcing "King of the Everglades"
My First Documentary Project
I'm thrilled to finally share a project that's been consuming my thoughts and fueling my passion for months. Today marks the official announcement of my first documentary film, "King of the Everglades" – and I'm inviting you to be part of this wild journey from the very beginning.
Chasing a Legend
In the shadowy waters of Florida's Everglades lurks a creature of near-mythical status. "Croczilla," rumored to be the largest American crocodile in the state, has evaded researchers, photographers, and adventurers for years. This elusive apex predator has become something of a local legend – whispered about by rangers and biologists but rarely, if ever, captured on film.
"King of the Everglades" follows my journey deep into remote waterways in search of this magnificent creature. But this isn't just a quest to find a single beast. Through this adventure, I aim to reveal the surprising truth about these misunderstood predators and their critical role in one of America's most unique and misunderstood ecosystems.
An American crocodile basks in the sun at Flamingo Marina, Everglades National Park.
A Layered Approach to Storytelling
An American alligator basks in the sun in the forest floor of a cypress dome.
This documentary embraces a quest narrative structure, using the search for Croczilla as the central thread that connects broader ecological and conservation themes. The story unfolds across seasonal chapters, reflecting the natural rhythm of the Everglades and the changing behavior patterns of its remarkable inhabitants.
The film weaves together three distinct yet complementary storytelling approaches:
Immersive Expedition Footage: My first-person, kayak-based exploration captures the immediate challenges and raw beauty of tracking Croczilla through remote waterways. This vérité-style footage places you directly in the environment, experiencing each moment of discovery, frustration, and wonder alongside me.
Expert Conversations: On-location interviews with biologists, park rangers, and local experts provide scientific context and indigenous knowledge. Often conducted at sunrise or sunset, these conversations not only inform but capture the atmospheric magic of the Everglades.
Contemplative Observation: Patient, fixed-position sequences document natural crocodile behavior and broader ecosystem interactions, allowing drama to unfold without narration. These meditative moments emphasize the patience required to truly understand wildlife on its own terms.
Join the Expedition: Our Seed&Spark Campaign
Earlier this week, I launched a crowdfunding campaign on Seed&Spark to bring this vision to life. To make this documentary possible, I need specialized equipment that can withstand the challenging conditions of the Everglades – from professional-grade waterproof housing for cameras to a modular kayak system equipped with maritime LED lighting for nocturnal observation.
Your support isn't just funding equipment; it's enabling a new perspective on these misunderstood creatures and the fragile ecosystem they inhabit.
Visit our Seed&Spark campaign page to learn more and become part of this journey.
Watch the official campaign announcement here:
Why This Story Matters
The sun sets over a wild Florida Bay at the edge of the Everglades.
American crocodiles are a keystone species in the Everglades but remain widely misunderstood and often feared. By documenting these remarkable animals in their natural habitat—including potentially the largest specimen in Florida—we can shift public perception and highlight the importance of conservation efforts in this unique wilderness.
The Everglades face unprecedented threats from aggressive coastal development, water mismanagement, and invasive species. Through the lens of Croczilla's story, we can bring these broader environmental challenges to light in a way that resonates beyond traditional nature documentaries.
A Personal Note
This project represents the culmination of my lifelong fascination with wildlife and storytelling. As a first-time documentary filmmaker, I'm pouring everything into this production—my savings, my skills, and my absolute dedication to these animals and this ecosystem.
I'm not backed by a major production company or network. This is a grassroots, independent project fueled by passion and determination. With your support, we can create something truly special that challenges perceptions and inspires action.
Join me on this journey into the heart of the Everglades in search of its elusive king.
