Nick Colbey was always the ideal guy to direct this project because no one embraces the spirit of Wanderlust quite like ‘Cheese’. He has been known to hitch a hundred miles for a surf, drive borrowed cars interstate to play gigs for his band, Borneo, and catch planes across continents to go on a date. Fortunately, whilst pursuing his bohemian, rock-star existence, Nick still finds the headspace to be a curious and creative filmmaker. In the following interview, he discusses his philosophies on modern surf films and the spookiest moments from the making of Wanderlust. Why did you let go of pro surfing and go to film school? Did you feel like there was more scope or creative reward associated with pursuing a career in film production/directing? I don’t know if I was ever a “professional” or even close. I love getting tubed but my chodey legs never did too well above the water and in the air. I had a few comps that if I wasn’t such a nervous wreck I think I would’ve maybe done better. Surfing as a sport is pretty selfish. It’s all in your brain. I always thrived more at team sport I think. So I think a collaborative thing like making films was definitely more alluring than having a nervous meltdown in the round of 128 at a pro junior. I went travelling for a few years and ended up in Sydney between post pro junior pubescent years and adult, WQS-life-on-the-cards stage. I chose to go to film school instead of hitting the ’QS grind. Obviously a lot of kids dream of making surf films but do you think it’s important to have a broader understanding of the art form and the capacity to work in other areas? Definitely. I think you’ll make a better film the more you draw comparisons to the other films out there that make you tick. Even anything that’s inspiring in your ever day could help you create something you love and make it better. But I think it’s just getting out there with a camera and your mates and seeing through your concepts and ideas for surf movies. Every edit helps you broaden your final product. The director and his tools Wanderlust strives to be more than just a point and shoot, high-performance surf film. Why did you want to capture much more than just the surfing action? … Read more