When the desire to make a living from the sea intersects with politics and corruption, commercial fishermen are driven to their limits, and beyond. Salt of the Sea is the story of commercial groundfishing in New England; its history, regulation, and colorful characters who refuse to give up on their dreams. Long independent, fishermen have been plying the Atlantic coastal waters for centuries. Poor scientific research leading to unfair catch limits, overzealous law enforcement practices, and a federal agency that is missing millions of dollars in fishermen’s fines, are the backdrop for understanding the frustrations of these fishermen. Indyfest Award Winner, Offical Selection at the Hamptons Take 2 Film Festival and the Long Island Film Festival. 55 minutes. Theatrical release, 2013.

Rarely does the metaphor of an underdog, like a tugboat pushing a ship ten times its size, actually represent reality like it does in this program. The story of New York Harbor tugboats, and the immigrant families who found a toehold on the American Dream by owning and working on them, mirrors the image of the tireless tugboat achieving its goals against all odds. Tugging Through Time is a classic rags to riches tale told by the multi generational families that founded the industry and operate tugboats today in New York Harbor. From the first steam powered tugs to today’s modern Z Drives and ATB’s, Tugging Through Time tells a fascinating story of determination, drive, and courage on New York City’s Waterfront. Bronze Telly Award. 55 minutes. 2009, PBS, Plum TV

The first lighthouse commissioned by the newly elected United States President George Washington, and the first lighthouse built in New York State, Montauk Point Lighthouse has stood as a beacon for hope and determination for over 200 years. This film shows not only the lighthouse’s importance as a waypoint for mariners, but poignantly illustrates the reoccurring acts of courage and compassion performed by the light’s Keepers and local residents. From today’s role as a symbol of historic significance, to its early function as the first sight of a new world by thousands of immigrants, this edifice has bound the souls of humanity through time. New York Emmy Nomination, Platinum REMY at WorldFest Film Festival. 55 minutes, 2007 PBS, Plum TV

This experimental film illustrates in time lapse and slow motion photography, the impact of full scale tourism on the natural resources of the famed Hamptons. By juxtaposing off season natural beauty with in-season traffic jams, the viewer is given thought provoking questions on the balance of risk and reward.

Before airplanes and trains, when the sea was the conduit to move people and cargo, shipwrecks took a devastating toll. The United States Life-Saving Service was formed by the Unites States government in 1878 to hire local men to patrol America’s beaches and rescue shipwreck survivors. Storm Warriors tells the story of these men and women who continually risked their lives to save complete strangers, often in the teeth of raging storms. Their legacy remains one of the great unsung chapters in humanitarian aid. Storm Warriors tells their story through a dramatic recreation of a shipwreck rescue, interviews with historians, and archival material. 55 minutes. 2000 PBS, Plum TV

This 55 minute film explores the working and personal relationship between the world’s most successful 18th century yacht builders, John and Nathanael Herreshoff. The brothers’ ability to construct the fastest sail and steam powered boats in their day, was forged when John went blind at age 15 while building his first boat. Nat became John’s eyes helping him finish the boat, and together they changed the world of yachting. Herreshoff yachts won more America’s Cup races than any other designer, and continue to be actively sailed and raced today. Gold Award at the Charleston International Film Festival. 55 minutes 1997, PBS, Plum TV

The Edison Manufacturing company produced some of America’s earliest movies. Shown in theaters around the country, the films often consisted of simple everyday scenes. Because shipping and boats played such a role large with in society then, many of Edison’s movies offer rare glimpses into maritime history. Used in recreation, politics, and commerce from simple barges on canals to massive trans-oceanic steamships, this film includes a great cross section of early marine subjects. 43 minutes. 1999

This program takes the viewer onboard the rarely seen, but exciting world of container ships, aircraft carriers, and tugboats as they transit New York Harbor. The equipment, skills, and personnel required to safely move a massive ship, in extremely tight waterways, is a fascinating story of international teamwork. From ship captains to harbor pilots, to tugboat captains, and deckhands, a symphony of precision must be played in easing massive ships in and out of their dockage. This film includes a rare glimpse into the U.S. Coast Guards Vessel Traffic center in New York Harbor. 30 minutes. 2009, PBS, Plum TV

While renovating ZEPHYR, a John Alden Malabar Jr., built in 1938, filmmaker Tom Garber explores the motivations and values that drive wooden boat enthusiasts. The viewer learns of the design work of John G. Alden, sees classic Herreshoff yachts racing, and observes the trials and tribulations involved in the renovation of a classic wooden yacht. 2004, Plum TV

Filmed during the vintage heyday of windsurfing, North Shore Maui explores the culture, locations, and individuals in Maui’s windsurfing scene. Included is competition coverage of the Aloha Classic with windsurfing legend Robby Naish. Infamous surf spots Hookipa and Brecks are profiled along with the lifestyles of professional and amateur windsurfers. Spectacular slow motion photography captures the grace and beauty of surf sailing, and the natural beauty of Maui. Official Selection at the Suffolk County Film and Video Festival, Silver Award Houston International Film Festival. 30 minutes. 1989, The Discovery Channel, Plum TV

The first film to tell the real story of the shipping industry. How 90% of everything we consume crosses a body of water.

The real life "Quint" from Jaws, Frank Mundus pioneered shark fishing, then became a shark conservationist.