Commencing the 2024 F3T Behind Lens series, we dedicated a moment to converse with Helmut Zaderer and his team regarding their cinematic creation, MARIE. Hailing from Austria, filmmaker Zaderer guides us through his remarkable expedition into the jungle in pursuit of the elusive peacock bass. Flylords had the privilege of connecting with Helmut to delve deeper into the film, its awe-inspiring moments, and the collaborative process that brought it to life. Explore the comprehensive interview below for insights into the making of this captivating production.
Flylords: Helmut, tell us a little about yourself.
Helmut: I am an enthusiastic fly fisherman and photographer with a deep love for nature and travel. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to explore the finest fishing destinations around the world.
I vividly recall my first time fishing, guided by my father to a mountain stream when I was 5-6 years old. Everything seemed fascinating and thrilling to me at that time. Since then, I’ve been an angler, and this interest and passion have remained with me throughout my life. I’ve engaged in various forms of fishing, spending a considerable amount of time in the carp fishing scene, achieving notable success. Additionally, I participated in fishing competitions, acquiring valuable techniques. Fifteen years ago, I underwent a significant transformation and ventured into fly fishing. Since that pivotal moment, I exclusively use the fly fishing method.
Flylords: How did this film turn into a reality?
Helmut: Peacock bass unquestionably stand out as one of the most intriguing catches on a fly in the Amazon, and Rio Marie is an exceptional location. While I had previously targeted various peacock bass species, landing a trophy fish exceeding 20 pounds was an uncharted territory for me.
The decision-making process for the film’s storyline was a lengthy and thoughtful one. The Marie River emerged as the prime destination for those seeking to reel in a trophy peacock bass, particularly the formidable Cichla Temensis, known to reach weights of up to 30 pounds. With only a week at our disposal, it became crucial to capture both the thrilling action of landing a trophy fish on camera and the breathtaking landscape through striking photographs.
After extensive effort and countless casts, our persistence paid off, and we were fortunate enough to encounter and film some trophy-sized fish, securing valuable footage for the project.
Flylords: What is your inspiration, and the most memorable point from this film?
Helmut: I initiated the documentation of my fly fishing journey twelve years ago, creating a travel report and photo album for each subsequent trip. In recent years, I expanded my endeavors to include filming and hosting trips. A significant development in this venture was forming a friendship with Vaidas Uselis during our experiences in the Seychelles. Vaidas frequently accompanies me on trips, and our shared adventures have given rise to collaborative filmmaking.
Among the many memorable moments, one that stands out vividly is when Vaidas skillfully operated the drone, providing me with the opportunity to spot a genuine trophy fish in the clear and shallow waters. Regrettably, I was the sole angler to hook a small butterfly fish, which I used as bait to entice the true trophy peacock towards the boat. Rodrigo, then, successfully hooked and landed the impressive 20-pound fish. The unique combination of the moment and the captured shots evoked strong emotions. It remains a remarkable and cherished memory that I consider truly special.
Flylords: What was the biggest challenge you faced in producing this film? Was it targeting, slow days, conditions, or getting the shot?
Helmut: Like almost every film project, accumulating a plethora of compelling moments within a week poses a constant challenge. In today’s filmmaking landscape, it’s crucial to incorporate diverse situations and perspectives into a compelling narrative. Simultaneously fishing and filming is a formidable task, but my friend Vaidas is an absolute professional, maintaining unwavering activity on set. Very few situations result in ultimately unusable material due to his dedication. While occasionally assisted by guides, our films are produced without additional personnel or resources; we simply fish and film.
During this particular venture, we encountered a few quiet days and faced challenges in landing a trophy fish. However, the final days proved to be exceptional, and we successfully captured everything essential for a compelling film.
Flylords: What message are you hoping viewers take away with?
Helmut: I aspire for our films to be a source of inspiration, showcasing the finest fishing destinations worldwide. We aim to kindle an appreciation for nature and ignite the passion for fly fishing. Our shared love for this incredible hobby has not only connected us with like-minded individuals but also fostered friendships across the globe. There’s a unique bond within the fly fishing community, and I believe that everyone who engages in this pursuit shares a love, appreciation, and commitment to protecting nature. Perhaps our films will motivate some viewers to embark on their own fishing adventures.
Flylords: Do you happen to have any more exciting films in the works?
Helmut: We have two film projects lined up for the next year. In February, we will be fishing and filming in the Seychelles for four weeks, covering Providence, Cosmoledo, and Alphonse. Following that, in September, we plan to travel to Tanzania to produce a film focused on tiger fish.
If you'd like to catch F3T in your town, head over to the F3T UK schedule and book your ticket now!