Key Takeaways:
- Evoke Entertainment and To the Stars Media are teaming up to develop and produce a surf drama film called Bali Hai.
- The film will be written and co-produced by Matt George, a former pro surfer and influential voice in surf journalism.
- The movie will follow two estranged brothers who travel to Bali for an international surf competition and confront their past wounds.
- The film is set to shoot in Bali in Q4 2026 and will be produced by Stan Spry and Tom DeLonge.
- The project brings together a team of experienced professionals in the film and surf industries.
Introduction to the Project
Evoke Entertainment and To the Stars Media, the production company founded by blink-182 frontman Tom DeLonge, are joining forces to develop and produce a new surf drama film called Bali Hai. The movie will be written and co-produced by Matt George, a former professional surfer who has been a prominent voice in surf journalism for over three decades. With a rich background in surf culture, George is the perfect candidate to bring this story to life. The film is set to shoot in Bali in Q4 2026 and will follow the journey of two estranged brothers who travel to the island for an international surf competition, where they will be forced to confront their long-buried wounds.
The Creative Team Behind the Project
Stan Spry, Co-Founder and CEO of Evoke Entertainment, will produce the film alongside DeLonge through his company To the Stars. Spry has high praise for George, calling him "one of the definitive storytellers of surf culture." He also references one of George’s past film projects, In God’s Hands, which was an iconic film for his generation. Spry is excited to collaborate with George on a surf film that returns to the raw, soulful spirit of his earlier work. George’s feature articles and photographs have been highly influential in the surfing world for over 35 years, and he has also written and co-produced several films and television series, including the TriStar surfing thriller In God’s Hands and the NBC series Wind on Water.
The Experience and Credentials of the Team
Matt George is a highly respected figure in the surf industry, with a career spanning over three decades. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Surftime Magazine, southeast Asia’s leading surf culture magazine, and has contributed to several other prominent surf publications, including Surfer and Surfing Magazines. His book, In Deep: The Surf Writings of Matt George, is currently a bestseller. DeLonge, on the other hand, is a musician, filmmaker, and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of the Grammy-nominated rock band blink-182. Through To the Stars, he develops and produces film, television, animation, and publishing projects with a focus on bold, creator-driven storytelling. Spry has produced over 200 films and television series, including Creepshow, Day of the Dead, and Twelve Forever, and has a wealth of experience in the industry.
The Production Company and Its History
Evoke Entertainment, formerly known as Cartel Entertainment, was founded in 2011 and represents top-tier showrunners, show creators, writers, directors, producers, animators, and production companies in film, TV, and new media. The company has a strong track record of producing high-quality content, and its team is excited to bring Bali Hai to life. With the combined experience and expertise of George, DeLonge, and Spry, this project is sure to be a success. The film’s setting in Bali, one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations, will provide a stunning backdrop for the story, and the themes of brotherhood, competition, and redemption will resonate with audiences worldwide.
Conclusion and Future Plans
In conclusion, the partnership between Evoke Entertainment and To the Stars Media to develop and produce Bali Hai is an exciting development in the world of surf drama films. With a talented creative team, a compelling story, and a stunning setting, this project has all the ingredients for success. The film is set to shoot in Q4 2026, and audiences can look forward to a thrilling and emotional ride. As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how the team brings the story to life and how the film is received by audiences. With the combined expertise of George, DeLonge, and Spry, Bali Hai is sure to be a must-see film for fans of surf culture and drama alike.
