King of the Everglades: The Croczilla Dynasty
Everglades City, Florida | Film Feature
Nature, Documentary
In the depths of the Everglades lurks "Croczilla," rumored to be the largest American crocodile in Florida. "King of the Everglades" follows one filmmaker's kayak expedition to document this elusive apex predator while revealing the surprising truth about these misunderstood creatures.
King of the Everglades: The Croczilla Dynasty
Everglades City, Florida | Film Feature
Nature, Documentary

1 Campaigns | Florida, United States
133 supporters | followers
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$8,805
Goal: $8,499 for development
In the depths of the Everglades lurks "Croczilla," rumored to be the largest American crocodile in Florida. "King of the Everglades" follows one filmmaker's kayak expedition to document this elusive apex predator while revealing the surprising truth about these misunderstood creatures.
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In the shadowy depths of the Everglades lurks a legend – "Croczilla," rumored to be the largest and oldest American crocodile in Florida at a massive 15 feet. "King of the Everglades" follows one filmmaker's determined quest to document this elusive apex predator that has evaded scientists and photographers for years.
We are proudly backed by the non-profit organization "The Alliance for Florida's National Parks," which is the only non-profit to be officially partnered with our Florida National Parks such as Everglades and Biscayne. This special partnership provides us with valuable support and access as we work to bring the natural wonders of these protected ecosystems to audiences everywhere.
"King of the Everglades" follows a quest narrative structure, using the search for Croczilla as the central thread that connects broader ecological and conservation themes. The documentary unfolds across seasonal chapters, reflecting the rhythm of the Everglades ecosystem and the changing behavior patterns of its inhabitants.
The narrative alternates between three complementary storytelling approaches:
Immersive Expedition Footage: First-person kayak-based exploration captures the immediacy and challenges of tracking Croczilla through remote waterways. This vérité-style footage places viewers directly in the environment, experiencing the search alongside me.
Expert Conversations: Informal, on-location interviews with biologists, park rangers, and local experts provide scientific context and indigenous knowledge, often conducted at sunrise or sunset to capture the atmospheric quality of the Everglades.
Contemplative Observation: Patient, fixed-position sequences document crocodile behavior and Everglades ecosystems, allowing natural drama to unfold without narration, emphasizing the patience required to truly understand wildlife.
As coastal development, water mismanagement, and invasive species threaten the Everglades ecosystem, Croczilla becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and conservation. Whether we ultimately find this legendary king becomes less important than the journey itself, as our expedition evolves from hunting a monster to championing a misunderstood marvel – one whose survival represents hope for America's most threatened natural treasure.
All proceeds from this crowdfunding campaign not only help fund our documentary project but also directly support educational outreach programs and conservation efforts for Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. By contributing, you're becoming part of a larger mission to protect and preserve these irreplaceable ecosystems for generations to come.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera & Production Gear
Costs $6,199
An additional full frame camera, action camera, prime & telephoto lenses, along with an assortment of audio equipment is needed.
Field Equipment
Costs $1,800
Modular fishing kayak, maritime lighting, GPS, and more to utilize my time in the field.
Permits & Guides
Costs $500
Administrative cost for filmmaking, backcountry, and field permits we will need for access to sensitive areas of the National Park.
About This Team
I am an amateur nature filmmaker and photographer who was born and raised in South Florida. My associates, Garett and Alfred, will be assisting this endeavor and help produce my first nature documentary.
We are proudly backed by the non-profit organization "The Alliance for Florida's National Parks," which is the only non-profit to be officially partnered with our Florida National Parks such as Everglades and Biscayne. This special partnership provides us with valuable support and access as we work to bring the natural wonders of these protected ecosystems to audiences everywhere.
Incentives
- The Story
- Wishlist
- Updates
- The Team
- Community
Mission Statement
The Story
In the shadowy depths of the Everglades lurks a legend – "Croczilla," rumored to be the largest and oldest American crocodile in Florida at a massive 15 feet. "King of the Everglades" follows one filmmaker's determined quest to document this elusive apex predator that has evaded scientists and photographers for years.
We are proudly backed by the non-profit organization "The Alliance for Florida's National Parks," which is the only non-profit to be officially partnered with our Florida National Parks such as Everglades and Biscayne. This special partnership provides us with valuable support and access as we work to bring the natural wonders of these protected ecosystems to audiences everywhere.
"King of the Everglades" follows a quest narrative structure, using the search for Croczilla as the central thread that connects broader ecological and conservation themes. The documentary unfolds across seasonal chapters, reflecting the rhythm of the Everglades ecosystem and the changing behavior patterns of its inhabitants.
The narrative alternates between three complementary storytelling approaches:
Immersive Expedition Footage: First-person kayak-based exploration captures the immediacy and challenges of tracking Croczilla through remote waterways. This vérité-style footage places viewers directly in the environment, experiencing the search alongside me.
Expert Conversations: Informal, on-location interviews with biologists, park rangers, and local experts provide scientific context and indigenous knowledge, often conducted at sunrise or sunset to capture the atmospheric quality of the Everglades.
Contemplative Observation: Patient, fixed-position sequences document crocodile behavior and Everglades ecosystems, allowing natural drama to unfold without narration, emphasizing the patience required to truly understand wildlife.
As coastal development, water mismanagement, and invasive species threaten the Everglades ecosystem, Croczilla becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and conservation. Whether we ultimately find this legendary king becomes less important than the journey itself, as our expedition evolves from hunting a monster to championing a misunderstood marvel – one whose survival represents hope for America's most threatened natural treasure.
All proceeds from this crowdfunding campaign not only help fund our documentary project but also directly support educational outreach programs and conservation efforts for Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve. By contributing, you're becoming part of a larger mission to protect and preserve these irreplaceable ecosystems for generations to come.
Wishlist
Use the WishList to Pledge cash and Loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an Incentive directly.
Camera & Production Gear
Costs $6,199
An additional full frame camera, action camera, prime & telephoto lenses, along with an assortment of audio equipment is needed.
Field Equipment
Costs $1,800
Modular fishing kayak, maritime lighting, GPS, and more to utilize my time in the field.
Permits & Guides
Costs $500
Administrative cost for filmmaking, backcountry, and field permits we will need for access to sensitive areas of the National Park.
About This Team
I am an amateur nature filmmaker and photographer who was born and raised in South Florida. My associates, Garett and Alfred, will be assisting this endeavor and help produce my first nature documentary.
We are proudly backed by the non-profit organization "The Alliance for Florida's National Parks," which is the only non-profit to be officially partnered with our Florida National Parks such as Everglades and Biscayne. This special partnership provides us with valuable support and access as we work to bring the natural wonders of these protected ecosystems to audiences everywhere.