News

A new web series on the search for treasure and adventure diving in the Florida Keys has launched a crowd funding campaign over on Kickstarter.

“Sunken Treasure” will chronicle the underwater exploration of the 1773 Spanish Treasure Fleet, the United State’s only coral barrier reef, and the possibility of uncovering some gold on the ocean floor. Described as part documentary and part travel show, the 8-part series aims to inspire you to grab a tank and get back in the water to explore.

More information can be found in the press release below or on the Kickstarter page.
 

PRESS RELEASE

SUNKEN TREASURE LAUNCHES ON KICKSTARTER

Sunken Treasure is an 8-episode web series that will bring the dive life of the beautiful Florida Keys to the small screen. Here we find the remains of the 1733 Spanish Treasure fleet, the only live coral barrier reef in the continental United States, and numerous modern shipwrecks purposely sunk as artificial reefs. Though hard to find, some treasure of the gold and silver variety still lies on the ocean floor, however, the sunken treasure this show seeks is the entire underwater world.

Scuba diving is an amazing sport with rewards at every turn. Being underwater is the closest thing to experiencing outer space. There is a sense of weightlessness as a diver glides effortlessly through the water, rising and falling with a slight change in breath control. Viewing sea life is like discovering an alien life form from a planet in a galaxy far, far away. Drifting along a shipwreck is like traveling back in time as history is revealed before your eyes. As the cast of Sunken Treasure searches for real gold, they come to realize that these elements, and more, are the true treasure to be found while scuba diving.

From Sands Key to Key West, Sunken Treasure will take the viewer on an incredible journey, exploring amazing dive sites, learning from local experts, and relaxing with the Conchs - those men and women who have spent their lifetime living in the Keys, with more stories and knowledge about the islands than one could imagine.

Sunken Treasure is part documentary, part travel show, part reality, part drama - in essence the show will tell stories in an experiential, accurate, and entertaining way - enjoyable by diver and non-diver alike. Along the way viewers will learn how to plan their own dive adventure to the Keys without breaking the bank. The ultimate goal with this series is to spark viewers to action, whether an experienced diver, a diver who hasn't been in the water for a while, snorkelers or someone who has never had the pleasure of experiencing the dive life.

Traveling from Sands Key to Key West , the production will stop at well known and yet to be discovered dive sites. The Florida Public Archeological Society and the NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries have both agreed to aid in providing information on dive sites of historical and aesthetic qualities, along with providing a local expert to appear in the series for quality discussions with the cast of the show. Between dives cast members will meet with local Conchs to hear real life stories of pirates, treasure hunts, and what true island life is all about.

The show is scheduled to move into production for 10 days in June, then immediately into post production. The first episode of Sunken Treasure will be released August 2, 2015 to multiple online video platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, Amazon Instant Video, and more.

In order to make Sunken Treasure a real possibility, show producers Mike Johnson and Martin Kresinske have launched a Kickstarter campaign with some amazing rewards for both individual and corporate backers. Adventurous individuals can opt for a dive trip to the Florida Keys, Grand Bahamas Island, or help co-host an episode of Sunken Treasure. Some tamer rewards include real shark teeth fossils, a limited edition t-shirt, movie posters, Dive Shades sunglasses, and more.

The deadline to participate is April 29, 2015 at 11 am CDT. Sunken Treasure can be found on Kickstarter by following this link.