K iller whales, says Paul Atkins, ASC, are " the most intelligent thing in the sea. " That may explain why Atkins is still alive today. Weighing several tons and typically measuring up to 30' in length - with interlocking teeth as long as 4 " lining their upper and lower jaws - these black-and-white creatures are among the most formidable predators. They hunt in packs and are sometimes called " wolves of the sea. " Early in his career, Atkins decided to get into the water to film these enormous mammals - commonly known as orcas, which are actually members of the dolphin family - with a 16mm Arriflex SR as they swam up to a beach in Patagonia to feed on sea lions. He trusted in their intelligence and fine-tuned senses not to confuse him with their intended prey in the murky water. " They have an amazing type of sonar, " he says. SEPTEMBER 2022 / 21 IMAGE COURTESY OF SOPHIE DARLINGTON.