Based in Byron Bay, he splits his time between working on Skuff TV – a video based action sports and music web page – and his independent creations. These include “On Credit”, a film following his final year on the WQS, and a sattirical zombie surf flick “Bay of The Dead” which he made with his friend, Jason Collins to poke a stick in the eye of the often contrived mainstream surf film.
In December 2009 he released the profoundly titled, “_”, which Johnny described as, “exploring the fragmented world of surf culture, through the blurred eyes of a few.” The most recent, “Two Weeks”, was created on a trip into the wilds of Tasmania, that brought him face to face with the truth in himself.

Johnny grew up on the island of Tasmania. Inspired by the neon splashed pro surfing scene of the 1980s, he dreamed of nothing else but a pro surfing career of his own and moved to Byron Bay to achieve this ambition. He qualified for the WQS tour but with no major financial sponsor, Johnny had to use four credit cards to fund his assault of the world of pro surfing. All the time hoping he could entice a big sponsor. Over three years he racked up a debt of $27,000 Aus. and in the final year he made his first film with a handy cam, “On Credit” which charts the adversity he faces and the new perspective he forms. “I had an inkling that film would be my next passion in life, but it’s just funny how a thought can turn into a film, and then film into a career.”

Johnny’s films have started to receive some acclaim in Australia and “Two Weeks” has been nominated for an Independent film award after a popular showing at the Byron Bay Film Festival. “In Solitude, ones greatest triumphs & biggest fears become one,” remarks Johnny about his latest venture. This very personal journey makes its online premier on May 1st..

Visit the Two Weeks blog or Johnny’s own blog for more.

The award rewards a filmmaker or filmmaker(s), who despite highly limited resources, have demonstrated the independence of vision required to make a compelling film of any length or genre.

Two fingers crossed…

Details for the launch in Byron Bay:

Saturday September 4th (7:30pm start), Byron Bay Community Centre, Music by the beautiful M. Jack Bee. Tickets $15 pre-sale (click here to get yours now) or $17 on the night.

Break free with Johnny Abegg as he takes “Two Weeks” off from his monotonous world of wavering ideals and a growing unhappiness, to experience the remote wilderness of Tasmania on his own.

The decision takes Johnny on an inward journey, to a place of reflection, accountability and deep self inquiry; facing a hidden ‘dark side’ alone, within the unforgiving landscape. Through the internal battle of opposites, amplified by the humbling surrounds; Abegg is stripped back to the basic creature that he is, to find a moment of clarity amidst the endless questions…

So is there an answer? A right way to live? Find out for yourself. Just surrender.

Johnny writes “Confusion. Doubt. Heartbreak. I find this experience difficult to put into words, but after a two year roller-coaster, my film “Two Weeks” is finished.

I hope you feel this experience too… Love Johnny x”

Also check our article here or Johnny’s interview here.

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The film, simply known as “___”, is open to interpretation by the viewers. Johnny describes his latest project as “A glimpse into the surf/party underworld, away from the idealistic locations and groomed surf pornography of the mainstream. Exploring the fragmented world of a surf culture, through the blurred eyes of a few.”

Our comrades in the States just published a wicked interview with Johnny, which you can read here.

And there’s more madness on the “___” blog.