HBO Max

Jul 2026

The HBO Max promotional campaign for 100 Foot Wave plunges audiences deep into the high-stakes world of professional big-wave surfing, capturing the raw, untamed power of the ocean with breathtaking intensity. As a standout entry in the outdoor and adventure sports industry, this documentary series project leans into a cinematic visual language that emphasizes the staggering scale of the environment against the vulnerable persistence of the human spirit. Through a masterful use of drone and aerial photography, the footage transitions seamlessly from sweeping, tranquil shots of the coastline to the visceral, chaotic energy of massive swells breaking in slow motion. The live-action technique employed here highlights the technical grit behind the sport, showcasing everything from the precise coordination of support crews on coastal cliffs to the specialized safety gear required for athletes to tackle these mountainous waters. With meticulous post-production and visual effects work by William McVay, the narrative feels both expansive and intimately perilous, grounding the viewer in the adrenaline-fueled lifestyle of those who chase the impossible. By balancing quiet tension with explosive kinetic action, the campaign serves as a testament to the collaborative, highly technical nature of modern extreme sports storytelling, successfully translating the awe-inspiring reality of the sport into a compelling, polished, and thoroughly immersive documentary viewing experience for the global HBO Max audience.

Documentary, Lifestyle, Cinematic

Drone / aerial, Live-action Technique, Slow motion

Outdoor & Adventure Sports, Sports & Gaming