Playing with Sharks
Synopsis
Valerie Taylor is a shark fanatic and an Australian icon – a marine maverick who forged her way as a fearless diver, cinematographer and conservationist. She filmed the real sharks for Jaws and famously wore a chainmail suit, using herself as shark bait, changing our scientific understanding of sharks forever.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Playing with Sharks | Official Trailer | Disney+Official
Type: Trailer • Published 2021-06-29
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Release History & Theatrical Window
Sundance Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
July 23, 2021
VOD & Digital Platforms
Financials & Box Office Performance
Production Budget
Undisclosed
Filming & production cost
Worldwide Gross
$61K
Total global ticket sales
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Sally Aitken
- Screenplay & Story
- Sally Aitken
- Original Score
- Caitlin Yeo
- Original Title
- Playing with Sharks
- Country of Origin
- Australia
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Worldwide Gross
- $61K
- Production Studios
- National Geographic, WildBear Entertainment, National Geographic Documentary Films
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Sally Aitken
Sally Aitken
Caitlin Yeo
Adrian Rostirolla
Oli Harbottle, Paul Wiegard, Anna Godas, Alan Erson, Bettina Dalton
Department Leadership Roster
Caitlin Yeo
Original Music Composer
Adrian Rostirolla
Editor
Bettina Dalton
Producer
Sally Aitken
Director
Sally Aitken
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Playing with Sharks.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Playing with Sharks.
Nature-Documentary
Auto-filled from Letterboxd lists
MNR
Disney+ - Documentary Movies
Curated list of Documentary on Disney+ (US). Updated frequently. Last updated October 14, 2026.
Documentary
Produced by National Geographic
500 best 2021's movies
Similar Titles to Playing with Sharks
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
7.5
6.6
5.0
5.8
8.0
6.6
6.8
6.6
6.9
6.8
7.4
8.0
8.0
More Like Playing with Sharks
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About Playing with Sharks
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Playing with Sharks about?
Valerie Taylor is a shark fanatic and an Australian icon – a marine maverick who forged her way as a fearless diver, cinematographer and conservationist. She filmed the real sharks for Jaws and famously wore a chainmail suit, using herself as shark bait, changing our scientific understanding of sharks forever.
Who directed Playing with Sharks?
Playing with Sharks was directed by Sally Aitken.
Who stars in Playing with Sharks?
The principal cast of Playing with Sharks includes Valerie Taylor, Ron Taylor, Jeremiah S. Sullivan, Rodney Fox.
When was Playing with Sharks released and how long is it?
Playing with Sharks was released in 2021 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
How much did Playing with Sharks make at the box office?
Playing with Sharks grossed $61K in worldwide ticket sales.
Who composed the musical score for Playing with Sharks?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Playing with Sharks was composed by Caitlin Yeo.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Playing with Sharks?
Playing with Sharks holds official age classifications: AU: PG (Parental Guidance — Recommended for mature viewers.); DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).