AYE MATIES – PIRATE CHALLENGE
Adventure Has a New Course.
A cinematic ocean adventure where courage, teamwork and the spirit of the sea meet a mission that matters: saving our oceans.
What is AYE MATIES?
AYE MATIES – Pirate Challenge is a new cinematic TV and entertainment adventure built around the power of the sea, the thrill of discovery and the strength of a crew facing extraordinary challenges together.
Guided by the legendary Cpt. Old Salt, modern-day challengers enter a world of maritime trials, hidden mysteries, teamwork and unforgettable ocean-bound experiences. But behind every adventure lies a greater purpose: drawing attention to the beauty, fragility and protection of our oceans.
Combining powerful storytelling, authentic maritime atmosphere, cinematic visuals and an international entertainment concept, AYE MATIES invites audiences to follow an adventure where the greatest treasure is the future of our seas.
Meet the Crew
Behind every great voyage stands a dedicated crew. Meet the creative minds, maritime experts and storytellers bringing AYE MATIES to life.
Old Salt
Cpt. Old Salt · Creator · Executive Producer
Old Salt is the heart and original creator of AYE MATIES. As a highly experienced USCG 500-Ton Captain, he brings authentic maritime expertise, leadership and the true spirit of adventure to the project. In his role as Cpt. Old Salt, he leads the crew into a world of mystery, challenges and ocean-bound discovery. As the project’s principal producer and visionary, Peter is the man who first set the course for AYE MATIES — and continues to guide its journey from idea to reality.
Dino Stelzl
Film Director · Producer
Dino Stelzl is the film director and producer behind the cinematic world of AYE MATIES. With many years of experience in television, film production and visual storytelling, he transforms the project’s adventurous vision into powerful images, emotional moments and compelling stories. Combining classic filmmaking with modern creative technologies, Dino shapes the distinctive look and narrative spirit of AYE MATIES — bringing its characters, ocean-bound adventures and mission to life on screen.
Pia Alice Sekulic
Head of Social Media
Pia Alice Sekulic leads the social media presence of AYE MATIES, bringing strategy, creativity and a strong understanding of audience behaviour to the project. With a background in Neuromarketing and Business Psychology studied in Vienna, she knows how to turn stories into meaningful connections and build an engaged community around the adventure. As Head of Social Media, Pia ensures that the spirit, mission and journey of AYE MATIES reach audiences far beyond the horizon.
Natascha Zenig
Makeup Artist · SFX Artist · Body Painter
Natascha Zenig brings the characters and visual world of AYE MATIES to life through makeup, special effects and body art. Based between Vienna, Los Angeles and Cancún, she combines professional artistry with a distinctive passion for expressive Dark Art aesthetics. Her work spans character makeup, SFX transformations and detailed body painting using both brush and airbrush techniques. With her creative eye and skilled craftsmanship, Natascha helps transform the crew of AYE MATIES into authentic figures of adventure, mystery and the sea.
Anita "NIDDL" Stelzl
Presenter · Singer · Sea Soul
The multi-faceted ‘Niddl’ joins AYE MATIES not only as a powerful singer and charismatic presenter but as a true soul of the sea. Known from her success on Starmania and her vibrant career in music and entertainment, she brings her unique energy and voice to the project. As a passionate advocate for the ocean, she embodies the spirit of discovery and helps share the mission of protecting our seas with the world.
Silas Pross
Director of Photography · Cameraman · CGI Expert
Silas Pross shapes the visual world of AYE MATIES through cinematography, camera work and digital creativity. As Director of Photography and cameraman, he captures the project’s cinematic atmosphere, from powerful character moments to dramatic adventures at sea. With his additional expertise in CGI, Silas helps extend the world beyond the camera, creating visual elements that support the mystery, scale and adventurous spirit of the story. His technical precision and artistic eye are essential to bringing the voyage of AYE MATIES vividly to the screen.
Michael Schumpelt
Cameraman · Visual AI Expert
Michael Schumpelt combines the art of cinematography with the creative possibilities of artificial intelligence. As a cameraman for AYE MATIES, he captures the atmosphere, energy and authentic moments of the adventure. With his expertise in Visual AI, he also helps develop innovative imagery and visual concepts that expand the project’s cinematic world. His blend of technical skill, creative vision and modern storytelling tools makes him an important part of the crew behind the voyage.
Michael Lehner
Set Photographer
Michael Lehner captures the world of AYE MATIES beyond the moving image. As Set Photographer, he documents the atmosphere, characters and unforgettable moments behind the adventure — creating powerful stills that preserve the spirit of the production. With an instinct for authentic emotion and cinematic detail, Michael turns life on set into striking imagery for promotion, storytelling and lasting memories of the voyage.
Matthias Hauser
Set Hand · First Assistant · Driver
Matthias Hauser is a reliable and versatile member of the AYE MATIES production crew. As Set Hand and First Assistant, he supports the team wherever practical coordination, preparation and hands-on assistance are needed during filming. In his role as Driver, he also helps ensure that crew, equipment and production requirements reach their destination safely and on time. With his commitment, flexibility and positive energy, Matthias is an important part of keeping the adventure moving — both on set and on the road.
Koray Schober
Second Assistant · Driver
Koray Schober supports the AYE MATIES production team as Second Assistant and Driver. With reliability, flexibility and a hands-on approach, he assists the crew throughout the filming process and helps ensure that people, equipment and essential production needs are in the right place at the right time. Whether behind the scenes on set or on the road between locations, Koray plays an important role in keeping the voyage organised, efficient and moving forward.
Listen to the Soundtrack
The adventure begins long before the sails are raised. The official AYE MATIES soundtrack is already setting the mood for the journey ahead — with cinematic themes inspired by the sea, the spirit of adventure and the mysteries waiting beyond the horizon. Step into the world of AYE MATIES, feel the call of the ocean and listen to the music that will accompany our crew on their voyage.
Contact
Sail Wisely CLG – Vienna, Austria
Jubilaeumstrasse 19
2345 Brunn am Gebirge
Austria, Europe
Mail: ayematies@proton.me