Press Release:
explore.org LAUNCHES REEL LIFE with MIKE PRICKETT
Web Video Series & Community Blog
Documenting the Incredible Work & Uncertain Road for Acclaimed Underwater Cinematographer Partially Paralyzed in Diving Accident
May 23, 2010, Los Angeles, CA – explore.org, the philanthropic media organization and multi-media arm of the Annenberg Foundation, has launched a special web video series, photo gallery and community web site today that chronicles the extraordinary life, work, and current struggle with paraplegia of world renowned ocean cinematographer, Mike Prickett (Hawaii).
On March 14, 2012, while filming underwater on location off the coast of an atoll in French Polynesia, Mike saw a diver below him in distress. Acting instinctively, Mike helped the diver make an emergency ascent but in the process was partially paralyzed from a severe case of the bends.
While the man he saved was ultimately able to walk away from the incident, Mike was told he may never walk again. His doctors say it will take six months to find out how well he will recover.
Struck by his incredible work and inspired by his resilient, can-do attitude, explore.org founder, philanthropist, and friend of Mike, Charlie Annenberg Weingarten challenged the cinematographer to turn his journey of recovery into a source of inspiration and education.
The result is a new web video series that will chronicle Mike’s journey as he attempts to walk again. explore.org is also teaming up with Mike for an ongoing blog to showcase his amazing body of work-and the work of his colleagues who have collectively revolutionized video standards in the underwater and surf industries.
The new web video series premieres today. New webisodes will be released every Wednesday throughout the summer.
“Aside from the fact that Mike is considered one of the best underwater cinematographers in the world, he is surely an incredible human being who, even through this tragically challenging time, is showing immense selflessness,” said Charlie Annenberg.
“Courage has always been in his DNA and we are all inspired by his willingness to share this experience with people everywhere.”
View the trailer and episode 1 here: www.explore.org/prickett
Reel Life with Mike Prickett can be found here: https://prickett.explore.org/
About Explore.org
explore.org is a multimedia organization that documents visionary leaders from around the world who have devoted their lives to extraordinary causes. Both educational and inspirational, explore.org creates a portal into the soul of humanity by championing the selfless acts of others.
explore.org‘s growing library consists of more than 250 original films and 30,000 photographs from around the world. explore.org showcases its work at film festivals, on over 100 public broadcast and cable channels and on numerous online destinations including explore.org, Snag Films, Hulu and TakePart, featuring a wide range of topics-from animal rights, health and human services and poverty to the environment, education and spirituality.
Delivered in short, digestible bites, explore.org films appeal to viewers of all ages, from children learning about other cultures for the first time to adults looking for a fresh perspective on the world around them.
