First Sanibel Production Trip Wrapped: Exploring the Art and Tradition of Seashelling in Southwest Florida

August 19, 2022

The first production trip for Sanibel, the documentary from Swipemarket’s Jamie Winterstern and Kevan Rayden, has officially wrapped. In the span of several weeks throughout July and early August 2022, the team immersed themselves in the vibrant and quirky world of seashelling that defines Sanibel Island and its surrounding communities. From interviews with experts to exploring the breathtaking beaches of Southwest Florida, this initial leg of filming has set the stage for what promises to be a visually stunning and heartfelt documentary.

The Shelling Paradise: Why Sanibel Is a Global Shelling Destination

Sanibel Island, often referred to as the "Shelling Capital of the World," is a paradise for beachcombers and shell collectors. Its unique geography, with the island's east-west orientation, creates an ideal environment for seashells to wash up along the shoreline. The abundance of shells, combined with the island’s pristine natural beauty, has turned Sanibel into a hub for those passionate about collecting and crafting with seashells.

In addition to its rich natural bounty, Sanibel is home to a deep tradition of shelling that has shaped the island’s culture and economy for generations. Each year, tens of thousands of people visit to take part in the Sanibel Shell Show and the broader Global Seashell Festival, which draws shelling enthusiasts from around the world. This rich heritage is what Swipemarket’s Sanibel documentary aims to capture, with a special focus on how these traditions continue to evolve in the face of modern life and climate change.

Behind the Scenes: The First Production Trip

As the Sanibel team set out on its first production trip, they gathered valuable footage and interviews with key figures who help define the region’s seashelling culture. Here are some of the highlights from the trip:

Larry Strange from SeaShells.com
The Swipemarket team sat down with Larry Strange, the expert behind SeaShells.com, an online marketplace for rare and unique seashells. Strange shared his insights into the world of shell collecting, including the history and significance of some of the most coveted shells that collectors seek. His passion for shelling and his dedication to preserving the beauty of seashells provided an important foundation for the documentary’s story.

Shellcrafters from the Sanibel Community Center
The team also visited the Sanibel Community Center, where local artists and shellcrafters create stunning pieces of art from the shells they find along the island’s beaches. These artists were happy to share their craft, which has been passed down through generations, showcasing the versatility of shells as not only natural treasures but as raw materials for creative expression.

Jose Leal from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum
A key interview for the production came with Jose Leal, the Curator of the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Leal provided fascinating insights into the scientific and educational aspects of shelling, discussing the diverse species of seashells that populate the Gulf Coast and the importance of shell preservation. His expertise has helped cement the museum’s role as a leading institution in the study of mollusks and shells.

Shelling Tours with Emily and Captain Brian
No trip to Sanibel is complete without hitting the waters for a shelling tour. Emily, the trolley driver from Adventures in Paradise, led the team on an unforgettable shelling excursion, showing them some of the island’s best-kept secrets. Later, Captain Brian, a local shelling guide took the crew out on his boat to search for hidden treasures along the Captiva coastline. Both tours revealed the importance of the water and the natural environment in the pursuit of perfect shells.

Macro Island & Thousand Islands Adventure
The crew’s journey didn’t stop at Sanibel; the team ventured south to Marco Island and the Ten Thousand Islands. These areas are known for their lush ecosystems and their abundance of seashells, which have drawn collectors for decades. In Marco Island, the team met with Megan and Tyler from Ocean Soul Shell Jewelry, a local business that creates stunning jewelry from seashells. Megan and Tyler shared their story of how they blend creativity with the region’s natural bounty to make beautiful, wearable art.

Treasure Seekers Shelling Tour
A shelling tour with Treasure Seekers capped off the team’s southern excursion. This tour took them to some of the hidden beaches and islands around Marco Island, where they discovered a variety of rare shells and learned more about the coastal ecosystems that support the diverse shell species.

The Road Ahead: More Shelling Adventures to Come

With the first production trip complete, the Sanibel documentary team has set the stage for even more exploration into the world of seashells and the community surrounding them. The team is eager to continue filming and uncover the deeper stories behind the passionate individuals, businesses, and collectors who make Sanibel Island and the surrounding regions such a unique and beloved shelling destination.

Stay tuned for more updates as the team dives deeper into the world of seashells, culture, and the resilience of Southwest Florida’s communities in the wake of Hurricane Ian.

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Filmmaker Statement: Reflecting on Hurricane Ian and the Heart of Sanibel

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Swipemarket's Jamie Winterstern and Kevan Rayden Embark on a Quirky Documentary Journey into the World of Seashelling