Michael Atkinson
Michael Atkinson is an award-winning adventure filmmaker who captures his extreme solo expeditions with the latest drones and robotic cameras. His cinematic production values, genuine story lines and keen eye for the natural world create an authentic viewer experience.
Before filmmaking, Michael backpacked and hitchhiked around the world, studied science at university, then spent 21 years as an army helicopter pilot, air force airplane pilot and flying instructor. When not flying, Michael moonlighted as a survival instructor, where he was privileged to learn a great deal from the Aboriginal people.
Michael’s skills and experience have always been motivated by the childhood idea that he would one day create adventure films that would capture the true essence of the extreme outdoors, with the goal of celebrating and preserving it.
Set amidst the extraordinary beauty of the Australian Outback, Michael Atkinson used handheld cameras and drones to entirely self-film his quest to recreate the harrowing journey two German aviators faced after crash-landing their plane in the unforgiving Australian Outback. With no backup crew or two-way communication with the outside world, Michael uses only the materials available to the original pilots and his skills as a survival instructor to live off the land as he retraces their original route through rough seas, forbidding terrain and crocodile-infested waters.
Ultimately, the film becomes not only a test of the filmmaker’s survival skills, but a plea for the very protection of the resplendent beauty of the Outback.
Welcome to the Scientology Network Documentary Showcase
Fundamental to Scientology is a humanitarian mission of extraordinary scope, now extending to some 200 nations. Included therein are programs for human rights, human decency, literacy, morality, drug prevention and disaster relief.
For this reason, the Scientology Network provides a platform for Independent filmmakers who embrace a vision of building a better world.
