By: Daniel Sattelmeyer

July 20, 2026

It’s almost time for Shark Week on Discovery, so here’s a little behind-the-scenes from the campaign we produced with them for Costa Sunglasses and biologist, adventurer, conservationist Forrest Galante.

The plan was to go out on a boat with Forrest off the coast of Santa Barbara to look for dolphins and great white sharks in one ambitious day, something he normally allows 3-4 days for to find and film. A few days before the shoot, a major windstorm also put the entire expedition at risk, and the shoot wasn’t moveable with talent’s schedule.

As we worked through backup plans and contingency options, the weather broke just in time for one of the most perfect weather days out on the water. We found the pod of migrating dolphins, we found the great whites (only about 30 feet off shore near a popular swimming beach!), and Forrest was able to do something he had never done before – ride his electric jetboard alongside the dolphin pod for some unbelievable footage.

I’m terrified of open ocean, but seeing the great whites and dolphins from the boat was absolutely unreal, and Forrest said he’s never been able to do all that in a day. Happy to be equal parts prepared and lucky.

Thanks to Jesse Wagner Rugless Dean Dimitruk Bonnie MacDonald Michelle Ciotta Liz Olanoff Stephanie Botto Desireé Taylor Markus Oskarsson and the whole team for the adventure!

See the finished campaign here:
https://lnkd.in/eMZk2tTS