So a little bit about this rig that is currently up for auction on behalf of the NGO Waves for Hope. It includes a Canon 5Dmkii, a 16-35mm lens, a GoPro… and a bright yellow water-housing from Essex.

Since producing the documentary Between Worlds, this rig has gone on to have an illustrious role in the studio.

It’s told stories in the most gruelling environments including leatherback turtle conservation with Atlantic and the Turtle Village Trust in Tobago, It’s been embedded with Olympic medalists like Richard Thompson, Njisane Phillips and George Bovell training in Miami, California and Michigan. It’s also told countless stories of young aspiring athletes who’ve personally thanked me for my commitment to putting this where it belongs – as close possible.

The 5D Mkii water-housing is the second ever made by Essex. The first was in production for the “Deadliest Catch” which gave me confidence to shoot with manual focus in the water.

It features a sweet pistol grip and zoom ring in a new port. The original port cracked during a shoot for Red Bull when it hit the water from 20ft.

The GoPro mount kicks ass – we’d sometimes shoot 21mp raw photography while simultaneously running video at 120fps on the GoPro.

But you know the physical rig – and it’s history – is one thing. There’s a much deeper proposition here. We want to “retire” this camera into the hands of someone who understands the impact it’s had; more importantly – who wants to be part of the impact it’s still having.

So for the winning bid – you get the whole thing beautifully presented in a glass case, engraved to you with our thanks…

Then, for you to share first, “Immersion” is a short film about the life of this rig that’s intense and beautiful. It includes never before seen footage of this camera in action and shots it’s taken on assignment. As the new owner of this rig, you’ll be the executive producer of this film and it can premiere on your social media channel.

We’re loading all this onto a memory card in the camera, along with:

  • Signed hi-res printable images featuring the work this camera has produced…
  • Screensavers for all your devices…
  • Your own copy of the Between Worlds documentary and behind the scenes…
  • Special video thanks from our team in the social media channels of AOS and Waves for Hope…
  • An open invitation to talk on the AOS podcast about your passion for philanthropy and the power of content to change society…

But most of all by owning this rig and all the supporting material you become part of its story. And if you follow AOS or Waves for Hope you’ll know that this story is one that’s continuously evolving today as we continue to inspire young athletes who live in risky environments that challenge their development.

Which is where your bid will go if you’re successful – to the programme at Waves for Hope so that they can continue to impact lives, reach more kids and tell their story. So please be generous. We have been – so that this rig and these beautiful materials represent real value – functional because it all works… and frankly as a work of art in its own right.

If you’re interested in the rig or you want more details please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at james@theartofstorytelling.com. The work we do everyday underscores the need for supporting NGOs that are laser focused on holistic youth development through sport. That’s definitely in our future. I hope it’s in yours.

AOS. Your story. Our mission.