Member Spotlight on Brian Keaulana, Producer 'Rescue: HI Surf,' Surfer, Waterman

Hawaii Local Board member and Hawaii Local Stunt and Safety Committee Chair Sally Davis took some time between takes during the filming of Rescue: HI Surf to chat with Brian Keaulana. Keaulana is an icon in the stunt community and a revered waterman.

Why did you join SAG-AFTRA?

Why not? For me, [SAG-AFTRA] is a family in itself. I always say we are not divided by land, but connected by water. Our industry is ever-evolving and an ever-learning industry. SAG-AFTRA has always been a solid foundation for all of us.

What are your tips for young stunt performers today?

One of the things I learned about stunt work is that you are only as good as your abilities. Make sure you can perform to the best of your ability, because you are competing with the best in the world, not just in your area. Sharing of skills and knowledge and sharing of growth is important. Elevate people around you. Try to create success not just for yourself, but for everyone.

How do you support SAG-AFTRA?

[My colleagues and I] created the International Cultural Arts Network, designed to help actors build their skillsets, to elevate our writers and to accelerate facility development. Working with Jason Momoa really
opened my eyes to what we should be doing culturally in Hawaii and as a film community. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with.

What are you working on?

Rescue: HI Surf produced by John Wells and written by Matt Kestler; it’s really about our lives growing up as watermen and lifeguards. It chronicles our trials and tribulations of life-saving skills that we go through on a daily basis. This show has given a platform to so many people in Hawaii.

What is your biggest career accomplishment?

Being a granddad!

What is something no one knows about you?

I love to produce. The most important thing to me is always learning. Directing is fun and exciting, but being able to step into producing shoes has really opened my eyes on how to keep the whole production running seamlessly and fluidly. The positive cast and crew has made this show a benchmark of how productions should work with people, nature, community, and culture. It’s a dream!