SPEAKERS

VALE

Andrew Wight

Andrew Wight, who was to have been a presenter and speaker at OZTeK2013, died in a helicopter crash near the New South Wales town of Nowra on Saturday 4th February 2012.

A gifted and talented film-maker and early pioneer of technical diving in Australia, Andrew came to prominence in December 1988 when news that a group of cave divers were trapped beneath the Nullabor Plain after exploring one of the world's deepest and longest underwater systems. The subsequent documentary, Nullabor Dreaming - tracking the expedition's journey through the subterranean river systems of Pannikin Plain Cave - won international acclaim and paved the way for other equally successful productions of underwater adventure and exploration that ultimately led to a partnership with explorer-filmmaker, James Cameron.

After leading six deep ocean expeditions together, from which the films Ghosts of the Abyss, Aliens of the Deep, Expedition: Bismarck, and Last Mysteries of Titanic were made, the two recently co-produced Andrew's first feature film, Sanctum 3D, inspired by the 1988 expedition and released in 2011, shortly before Andrew became a father.

A recipient of the OZTeK4 (2005) ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’, Andrew was more than just an enormously capable and knowledgeable diver. Always remaining a modest and caring person who valued his friendships more than his success, he was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a colleague and a friend, in short, he was a man who was revered and respected by everyone privileged to have known him. He will be sorely missed.

Andrew Wight

Since 2001 Andrew Wight has worked as producer for James Cameron's Earthship Productions. In that time Andrew has produced all of Cameron's 3D IMAX and television specials, which include Ghosts of the Deep 3D IMAX (Walden Disney 2002), Expedition: Bismark Discovery television special (Discovery 2003), Aliens of the Deep 3D IMAX Walden Disney 2004, Last Mysteries of the Titanic Discovery television special and live event (Discovery US / Channel 4 UK 2005).

He also worked with James Cameron and Vince Pace to develop the production techniques utilising the Cameron / Pace 3D camera system used in the filming of Avatar, and has been forefront in developing the post-production pathway for large format 3D and feature films.

Before teaming up with Jim, Andrew was making an impact as an Australian underwater explorer and documentary film maker with his television series The Deep Probe Expeditions and The Adventures of the Quest. Andrew is no stranger to tough filming environments, having led filming expeditions to dive and explore some of the most remote and bizarre regions of the world including Australia, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Florida, Cuba, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, New Zealand, Guadeloupe Islands, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Belize, Dry Tortugas, Navassa Island, Costa Rica, Cocos Island, Galapagos Islands, Lord Howe Island, the Titanic, the Bismark, hydrothermal vents in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Andrew's journey to becoming a filmmaker began in agricultural science, working in scientific research and marketing. He is a respected scuba and cave diving instructor, commercial helicopter and airplane pilot and cattle farmer.

Australian Adventurer of the Year medal winner (Australian Geographic), Andrew initiated and ledthe record breaking Pannikin Plain cave diving expedition in 1988 in South Australia. During this expedition, a flash storm flooded the entrance to the cave causing major rock falls and the entrapment of several of the team inside the cave. After the successful rescue of all of the team, Andrew produced the award-winning documentary Nullarbor Dreaming, which subsequently launched his film career.

Earlier this year saw the release of Andrew's first feature film, Sanctum, filmed entirely here in Australia. Sanctum was based on the events of the 1988 Pannikin Plains expedition. Sanctum has already grossed over US$110 million worldwide.

Andrew has independently produced another 40 television documentary films since 1988. His company Great Wight Productions has gained an international reputation for making award winning adventure television programs. His films are screened in over 60 countries around the world on various networks including ABC, National Geographic Channel, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet Channel and NBC.