Filming has now begun in Santa Cruz for the film “Mavericks”. Mavericks is a surf movie that will tell the life story of Santa Cruz legend Jay Moriarty who tragically died at the age of 22 in a diving accident. Today they will be filming the memorial paddle out that will be held at Pleasure Point. Thousands of extras were called upon (no pay) by the local media to please take part. Scottish actor Gerard Butler will play the role of surfer Rick “Frosty” Henson, Moriarity’s mentor. The movie will be directed by Curtis Hanson (directed “L.A. Confidential” and “8 Mile”) who has yet to find an actor to play Jay’s roll. Rumors are that Greg Long will be doing all the surfing action (as Jay) and big wave surfer Garrett McNamara will be the stunt double as he will reenact Jay’s infamous free fall wipeout at Maverick’s in Half Moon Bay, California.

Jay Moriartys free fall as he is dropping into a Mavericks bomb with surfer Chris Brown on the shoulder looking on.

Filmers Mike Prickett (left) and Sonny Miller (right) are hired on for a month straight for the filming.

The boat and driver Rob Brown have been hired out where most all the big wave surfing action will be filmed from.

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