Andrew Wight (14 November 1959 – 4 February 2012) was an Australian screenwriter and producer best known for his 2011 filmSanctum. He produced over 45 films including television documentaries, live television specials and 3D IMAX films. His credits includeGhosts of the Abyss,Aliens of the Deep andExpedition: Bismarck. Wight was honoured with theAustralian Geographic Society Spirit of Adventure Awards in 1989.[1]
Wight grew up on the family farm "Tarqua" nearHarrow in western-Victoria, and attendedHamilton College as a boarder between 1972 and 1977. It was here that he developed a taste for caving, exploring the nearbyByaduk Caves network oflava caves, under the direction of his Chemistry teacher, accompanied by a few other close school friends. In 1988, he eventually went on to attempt a record cave dive inPannikin Plains Cave on theNullarbor Plain, where flash floods turned the expedition into a life-or-death adventure. This was captured on film by his support team, and eventually published asNullarbor Dreaming.[2][3] This short film launched his career as an international film-maker and culminated in him becomingJames Cameron's right-hand man on many 3D and other film projects.Sanctum was inspired by his Nullarbor experience.
On 4 February 2012, Wight was killed in a helicopter crash[4] atJaspers Brush near the town ofBerry,New South Wales, while working on filming National Geographic’s television documentary titledDeepSea Challenge.[5]
The crash also claimed the life of American filmmakerMike deGruy.[6][7] Wight was piloting the helicopter when his pilot-side door opened. A report noted that when Wight leaned out to close it he likely removed his hand from the cyclic control causing the nose of the craft to pitch toward the sky and the tail to hit the ground where the helicopter burst into flames.[8]
James Cameron, who by this point had become close friends with Wight, said, "They died doing exactly what they loved most, heading out to sea on a new and personally challenging expedition".[9]
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