Elasmo Films UK



The Fin Trail

Since time began we have seen the shark as the silent deadly killer of the ocean -deeply engrained in the human psyche as an object of fear. However, the fact is that in an average year, sharks account for less than ten human deaths, while in the same period we kill up to 100 million of them. What’s more, 99% of them are killed for their fins alone which are added to a soup to make an oriental delicacy. The fact that sharks are facing extinction to satisfy the demand for soup is becoming well known. But how do the fins reach the markets? Who is making the money? How much money is being made? When and where is shark finning legal, and when is it illegal? And should we care?

The Fin Trail will follow this trade from beginning to end and will travel the world in search of the answers. We will track down the profiteers and gangsters behind the business that is pushing a group of animals towards extinction. We will calculate their profits – in effect the price of extinction – and will smoke out the corrupt officials turning a blind eye to what is happening. We will try to find out to what extent governments across the world are colluding in the extermination of one of the oldest inhabitants of our planet. And we will meet the conservationists around the globe who are fighting a rearguard action against the slaughter.

The unique shark filmmaking partnership of Steve Bowes, Richard Peirce and Simon Spear, will lay bare The Fin Trail. Stunning imagery of sharks in their natural environment will balance graphic footage showing the cruel brutality of the fin trade. The film will name, shame, pull no punches and will unmask those who would rather stay in the shadows. The Fin Trail will leave audiences in no doubt about who is guilty and who is innocent and at the same time will celebrate the efforts of those around the world who are involved in the battle to save the kings of the ocean.

This will be an international documentary for an international market and will be the most revealing and hardest hitting shark film ever made.

Produced by Steve Bowles, Richard Peirce, Simon Spear

Copyright 2011 Elasmo Films UK / Eyewitness Productions


This trailer was made possible with the very generous help and support of:

Michael Aw
Diver Magazine
DIVE Magazine
Chris & Monique Fallows / Apex Predators
Sarah Fowler OBE
Dr Samuel H. Gruber
Greenpeace
Jan Hallet
Paul Hilton
Alex Hofford
Rob Hull
Dr Heather Koldeway
Man & Shark
Charles Maxwell
Monaco Films
Ocean Geographic Society
Jason Perryman
David Ritter
Michael Sanders
Shark Trust
Shark Conservation Socitey
Rob Stewart
Ron & Valerie Taylor
Zoological Society London (ZSL)