Key Takeaways
- Evoke Entertainment and To the Stars Media are teaming up to develop and produce a surf drama 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, including Matt George, Stan Spry, and Tom DeLonge
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 called Bali Hai. The film will be written and co-produced by Matt George, a former pro surfer who has been a major voice in surf journalism for over three decades. George’s work has had a significant impact on the surfing world, and his writing and photography have been widely published in top surf magazines. The movie is set to shoot in Bali in Q4 2026 and will follow the story 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
The project brings together a team of experienced professionals in the film and surf industries. 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 George’s past film project, 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 In God’s Hands, and to do it in Bali, which he considers a dream come true. George’s feature articles and photographs have stood among the most influential works in the surfing world for over 35 years, and he has written and co-produced several films and TV series, including the TriStar surfing thriller In God’s Hands and the NBC series Wind on Water.
The Producer’s Background
Stan Spry has produced over 200 films and television series, and is currently producing several projects, including the adult animated series Breaking Bear for Tubi and Forever Young with Dr. Pablo Prichard for NBC and Peacock. His previous credits include Creepshow (AMC), Day of the Dead (Syfy), Safehaven (Tubi), Twelve Forever (Netflix), and features such as Monsters of California, Christmas with the Campbells, Looking Through Water, and Jeepers Creepers 3. 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 Surf Culture Connection
The film’s connection to surf culture is deep and authentic, thanks to the involvement of Matt George and Tom DeLonge. George’s book, In Deep: The Surf Writings of Matt George, is currently a bestseller, and he is the Editor-in-Chief of Surftime Magazine, southeast Asia’s leading surf culture magazine. He is also a longtime contributor to both Surfer and Surfing Magazines. DeLonge, as the co-founder of blink-182, has a strong connection to the surf and skate culture of Southern California, and has developed and produced several film and TV projects through his company To the Stars. The company focuses on bold, creator-driven storytelling, and has a passion for projects that explore the intersection of music, art, and culture.
The Film’s Storyline
The film, Bali Hai, will follow the story of two estranged brothers who travel to Bali for an international surf competition. As they immerse themselves in the beautiful and iconic surf destination, they will be forced to confront their long-buried wounds and reconnect with each other. The film will explore themes of family, redemption, and the healing power of nature and sport. With its stunning locations, authentic surf culture, and compelling storyline, Bali Hai is sure to be a must-see film for fans of surf movies and drama enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
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 cinema. With the involvement of Matt George, Stan Spry, and Tom DeLonge, the film is sure to be a high-quality production that explores the intersection of surf culture, family, and redemption. The film’s stunning locations, authentic surf culture, and compelling storyline make it a must-see for fans of surf movies and drama enthusiasts alike. As the project moves forward, fans can expect to see a film that is both a love letter to surf culture and a powerful exploration of the human experience.