Beneath The Surface

A short documentary featuring Nate Wells of Wells Spearguns. The film explores the craft of building spearguns, the discipline of spearfishing and the deeper connection between the ocean, food and the people gathered around the table.

CLIENT

Wells Spearguns

CORE SERVICES

Creative Direction, Interview & Story Development, Video Production, Post-Production

CREDITS

Director: Adam McCain

Director of Photography & Editor: Jason Herrera + FilmDoc

Underwater Cinematography: Nathan Minatta

THE STORY

For Nate, spearfishing is about more than the catch. It is a practice built on patience, respect and a close relationship with the ocean. The film follows that connection from the workshop to the water and ultimately to the table, where something caught with one of his handmade spearguns becomes a meal shared with others.

THE APPROACH

We approached the film as an observational portrait, allowing Nate’s voice and process to lead the story. Detailed workshop imagery, archival underwater footage and quieter lifestyle moments were woven together to connect the craftsmanship of building each speargun with the experience of using it in the ocean and the community that comes afterward.

A diver exploring underwater with kelp and a large fish visible nearby.
A man standing outdoors in front of a building, holding a pair of skis, with other ski poles and equipment nearby.
A group of six people sitting at a rustic wooden outdoor dining table under a large beige umbrella in a backyard garden with a brick oven and greenery, having a meal together.
Two young women sitting at an outdoor table, preparing food together, with various bowls and utensils in front of them.
People gathered in a backyard patio with a large umbrella, preparing and socializing for a barbecue.
Man in gray t-shirt preparing fish on a wooden cutting board outside with kitchen supplies and a green house siding in the background.
Close-up of a blue boat's hull with a fender hanging over the side, reflected in calm marina waters, with white sailboats, palm trees, and a clear blue sky in the background.
Person in wetsuit holding a large fish underwater with a speargun.
A person on a boat holding a large fish they caught, with water and sky in the background.
A diver swimming in the water next to a boat, holding onto the boat's side with one hand, wearing a diving mask and wetsuit, with the sky and ocean in the background.
A person in camouflage clothing holding a large fish underwater.
A person in scuba gear underwater holding a large fish with a dark body, pointed fins, and sharp features.
Person wearing a wetsuit and gloves holding a wooden paddle underwater.
A man wearing a gray t-shirt, khaki pants, and a dark apron is working outside a house, organizing tools on a wooden workbench under a covered porch. The house has green siding, white trim, and a large window. The scene is bright and sunny.
Man organizing plywood sheets in a warehouse.
Person shopping for wood planks in a hardware store aisle with high shelves filled with various types of lumber.
A person in a wetsuit and diving mask snorkeling among kelp plants underwater.
A person in a wetsuit snorkeling underwater with a diving mask and snorkel, looking towards the camera.