For the 2024 Chêne Film Festival, we sat down with the filmmakers to bring you an exclusive Behind the Lens look at each film. The next film in this series is the Apex film “The Archipelago.” We sat down with Apex’s own Jared Lewis, the mastermind behind the lens. Following along with Jared’s passion for waterfowl hunting and unique locations, this film explores the wild and untouched waters of the Alexander Archipelago in Southeast Alaska.
Split Reed: Congratulations on an excellent film. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your waterfowling journey?
Jared: “I’ve been duck hunting hard since 2009. I was introduced to duck hunting while at Delta State University by a friend named Cole Yarborough. I remember our first hunt as if it were yesterday. We hunted an old slough right off a gravel road. We were close enough that if a car drove by, we could shake hands. I didn’t know what to expect but didn’t really believe the setup would work. When day broke it was unreal. The shooting began and we were knocking ducks down as ducks were still landing in the decoys. Towards the end, the boat came untied, and we were floating out in the decoys, and ducks were still dropping into our gun barrels.
It’s hard to describe, but you can’t replicate that feeling I had that day. I am also an owner, founder, and COO at Apex Ammunition. Shortly after founding the company, I deployed to the Middle East and found myself in Syria. Upon coming back, things came back to me. I’ve always had a desire for photography and videography, so my business partner and best friend Jason Lonsberry made sure to save up enough money from the business to get me my first camera. I am forever grateful for that. Photography helped me cope with some of the battles I was fighting and continues to keep me grounded.”
Split Reed: What was the inspiration behind making this film a reality?
Jared: “The inspiration behind this film was to show that there is a vast world of waterfowl hunting to experience. Some, but not all, waterfowlers seem to be homebodies when it comes to duck hunting. I wanted to highlight Alaska and its sheer beauty in hopes of inspiring others to step out and do something different. I got to take three good friends on a hunt of a lifetime and make one hell of a memory. Life is short; don’t let it get by.”
Split Reed: What was your favorite part about the filming process?
Jared: “My favorite part of the process was being able to be present with friends and hear their stories about Alaska. They flew in at night, so they didn’t see anything from the air when arriving. When the sun started cresting that first morning, the look on their faces I will never forget. Right there in that moment, they understood what I had been telling them without even saying a word. Still, to this day, we talk about that trip.”
Split Reed: What challenges did you face making this film come together?
Jared: “Well, so I arrived one day earlier than everyone in Ketchikan, Alaska. That night, I decided to eat something quick and get some rest. The food did me well for the first three hours, and then the food poisoning set in. I lay in a bed projectile vomiting into a trash can for 12 hours as I put together the storyboard for what I wanted to capture. I did not think I would make it on the first day, but I found enough energy to make it happen.”
Split Reed: It’s refreshing to see a film highlighting a unique type of waterfowl hunting. Did this factor into your decision to make this film?
Jared: “Yes, it most certainly did. I love mallards falling into the timber like anyone else, but there is so much more out there to experience. I feel as if I did not tell this story I would be doing the waterfowl community a disservice.”
Split Reed: Describe the draw of hunting the various island chains in The Archipelago.
Jared: “First off, I want to say that Jeremiah Brooks is one hell of a guide. He kept our safety a top priority. When hunting the Archipelago, the water is extremely dangerous. Fifteen mph winds can generate 6-foot or more swells. The tide, going in and out, flows as fast or faster than the Mississippi River. We did not get a chance to go to all the famed places that I had marked for the film, but I will describe it to you like this. The opening scene of Jurassic Park when you see the water dodging in between the mountains. Imagine you are in a boat floating by the base of one, and 100 yards to your right is a large mountain, and then to your left is another. It’s just jaw-dropping. There is no one close to you. You are 15 miles out with no cell service. The first shot cracks and the echo never ends, causing the golden eye to RISE up off the water. Then, the shooting begins. I’m here to tell you this place is a must for any waterfowler.”
Split Reed: Can you tell us about the film’s characters?
Jared: “So the characters are Craig Rozier, Mike Rozier (Craig’s dad), and Rob Kinney. Craig and Mike are the most salt-of-the-earth people you will ever meet. Both are avid waterfowl hunters and own a place called Mallard Rest, which has appeared in a DU film once. Craig came by Apex one day to buy some shells and offered me to come hunt with them at Mallard Rest. The first morning with them, I immediately knew that these people were family. Forever thankful for those two guys. I needed a second camera for the project, which wasn’t going to be a film at first. I knew Rob and had been following his work for a while. With his personality and work ethic, I knew once the sun cracked that morning, he would lay down his best work, and he did not disappoint. That man did not let the shutter breathe! His excitement for location and view is what drove the film even further into what it is. I also must give him credit for all the drone shots. The man absolutely killed it.”
Split Reed: How do you hope The Archipelago inspires your audience/are there any key messages you hope they take home?
Jared: “I hope people take away this. Take the trip, spend the money, see the WORLD. Don’t let life get by you. Duck hunters share a common bond. Some of the strongest friendships are forged in the duck woods. One minute you are strangers, and the next, you are instant old friends.”
Split Reed: Is there anything else that you would like to add or anyone you want to thank for helping make this film possible?
Jared: “I cannot thank Mossy Oak, Chêne, Jeremiah Brooks of Ocean State Outfitters, and Apex enough. Logistically, the spend to get to Alaska and hunt is not a very cheap one. They believed in our work and skills enough to help us make it happen and bring this film to life. Secondly, I want to thank Rob. He is an extremely talented individual with a camera, and I am grateful to be able to call him a friend. This film would not be what it is without him.”
