Meet Fin Patalano, a good mate of Stone&Wood and a filmmaker whose work blends captivating visuals with the vibrant energy of surf culture.
Hailing from Cairns but now based in Newcastle, Fin’s unique approach to storytelling captures the raw beauty and in-between moments of the ocean, along with the laid-back lifestyle that surrounds it. His latest project, Solly—a short film about surfing, board design, and doing things differently—has been making waves.
After its recent premiere, we linked up with Fin to explore his filmmaking journey, his deep connection to the ocean, and, of course, his go-to knock-off beer—a cold Pacific Ale. Read on...
Q: Hey Fin, thanks for connecting! Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and where you're from?
A: Hey legends, I’m Fin, a filmmaker who grew up in Cairns, North QLD.
Q: What did you love about growing up in Cairns, and what do you dig about where you live now (Newcastle)?
A: I loved the adventurous lifestyle we lived! When the weather was good, we’d be out on the reef spearfishing, and when it wasn’t so good, we’d be hiking up secluded rainforest streams looking for waterfalls. There was always something to do!
Q: How did you get into cinematography/content creation? What made you first pick up a camera?
A: I always seemed to have a camera on me from a pretty young age. There was something about capturing moments and how I saw them that just fascinated me. I spent the last couple of years of high school working on a charter fishing vessel out of Cairns, then kept working at sea during my gap year because we couldn’t go too far due to Covid. I always had my camera with me while at work and soon saw an opportunity to pursue filmmaking at sea full-time.
Q: You shoot a lot on Super 8. Do you prefer shooting film or digital, and what film stock do you like to run?
A: I only recently got into shooting Super 8 but I am definitely obsessed already! There’s just something so special about it. No matter how hard you try, you can’t fake the look of Super 8 with other cameras. I like the entire process and the patience required to even see the footage you’ve shot. It’s very gratifying.
Q: A lot of your work revolves around the ocean. What draws you to the water, and what elements do you seek within a frame when shooting surfing and the energy of the ocean?
A: I guess it’s in my blood. Growing up around the ocean in a seafaring family makes it a part of who I am. I love how much the ocean is able to calm me and how quickly it can humble you. My favourite elements to capture when shooting aren’t even the hero shots or surfing but the in-between moments. The offshore winds blowing spray off the top of a wave, which, when shot from under the surface, looks like it’s raining. The bubbles that catch the morning sun. The smiles between sets. Anything that helps create a feeling and tell a story.
Q: Your short film Solly has been generating a bit of buzz—what inspired you to create it, and how did the project come together?
A: I’ve always wanted to piece a short surf film together but was either strapped for time or misaligned with the story I wanted to capture. I love surf films—the idea of bringing two art forms together (film and surfing) has always fascinated me. When I got introduced to the Sollys through a close friend, I knew almost straight away that they were who I wanted to film! I also fell in love with the coastline we shot at.
Q: Is there a moment or frame from Solly that stands out as particularly noteworthy for you?
A: I think probably the segment where the song Highway Child by a local band and good friends, Lily Anna & the Maverick Queen, is playing. It’s cool to collaborate with such talented artists and use music produced in the same place where the film was shot. It was one of those meant-to-be moments.
Q: You screened Solly for the first time at your friend Matthew’s photo show. What was it like collaborating with friends on an event like The Island Lives?
A: There’s a quote by Rick Rubin that goes, “Competition serves the ego, collaboration serves the highest outcome,” and that’s exactly what it was like. Bringing like-minded artists together to create something bigger than themselves. Without collaboration, an event like this would never have happened.
Q: Can you give us a quick rundown of The Island Lives? Did you have a hand in the project or the rollout of the event?
A: The Island Lives was a collection of prints that Matt took while over in Tahiti. This was Matt’s event, and we were just lucky enough to be invited along to screen some films on the night! I remember him and me jamming out on the idea of “art in person” vs. “art online,” and we both loved the idea of bringing an online audience into a physical space together—using art as the excuse to bring real people together. With the whole online world today being so driven by views, likes, and validation, it’s easy to forget why we even do this in the first place. So, through this event, we were able to celebrate the grassroots of art and creativity. It was pretty cool to see an idea come to life, and I can’t thank everyone involved in bringing the night together enough!
Q: Tell us more about the evening. How was the turnout... Any highlights?
A: It was definitely one for the books! To see around 200 people come through the doors that night was incredible. A highlight for me was just seeing everyone mingle. I don’t remember seeing anyone sitting there on their phone scrolling Instagram—just genuine, real human connection. You could walk up to anyone, whether you knew them or not, and just have a chat. That’s what these events are all about for me!
Q: After a big day on the tools, where do you go to unwind and enjoy a sunset brew?
A: The front deck of my house in Newy!
Q: Favourite knock-off beer?
A: Stone & Wood Pacific Ale—always has been, always will be!
Q: Dream shoot—pick a subject, a location, and a camera setup. Who, where, and what are you shooting?
A: Torren Martyn or Mikey February, an empty right-hand point break somewhere in a tropical climate. My Sony FX3 with underwater housing.
Q: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received when it comes to shooting outdoor content?
A: Shoot the things you want to see in the world, not what you think someone else wants to see.
Q: What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you can share with us?
A: A couple of short films lined up for next year! Can’t say too much yet, but I’m very excited for these ones!
Check out Fin's work on his website https://finlaypatalano.com.au/ and give him a follow here. We're stoked to get to work with Fin as part of our ‘& Friends’ program, make sure to check out his film, Solly, above.
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