We’ve all seen incredible underwater footage, both cinematic and documentary. If you want an exciting and extremely rewarding career, consider working on an underwater film crew. The opportunities are diverse and lucrative, as well as exciting. Let’s take a closer look at careers in underwater movie and television production.
Remarkable Sets
Many underwater shoots take place in massive tanks designed to allow actors to work safely. Special effects rigs are specially designed to withstand the demands of being submerged in water, since many commonly used paints, solvents, and other chemicals won’t work properly when subjected to long periods of submersion. Underwater set designers work with special materials like marine grade plywood, fiberglass, gunnite, and massive scaffolds; they create mock ups of shipwrecks, plane wrecks, reefs, and other natural-looking underwater environments to help cut costs.
Besides sets constructed in tanks, film crews work in natural environments and on actual wrecks, some of which have been deployed as artificial reefs specifically for the task of being used as film sets.
The last type of set isn’t really a set at all – it is on location filming in a variety of natural environments. Underwater documentary makers go around the world, from the poles to the Equator, in search of astounding marine life and historic wrecks that many of us will only ever have the opportunity to view on TV or in theatres.
Lights, Camera, Action!
It takes entire crews to work on underwater film sets of all kinds. Directors, photographers, lighting specialists, special effects personnel, set designers, and safety divers all play important roles in capturing images for our education and entertainment. Actors sometimes take part in underwater action sequences, however stunt doubles often play an important part in certain shots. Computer generated imagery fills in the gaps, and before you know it, we’re watching our favorite stars perform daring underwater feats.
If you are interested in any one of these careers, it’s a good idea to begin by learning more about the film industry in general, and deciding which area interests you most. It takes thousands of hours to film a single hour of footage in most cases, so no matter which aspects of underwater movie production interest you most, you’re certain to find that opportunities are available. Classes in set design and production are a big plus, as are classes in photography and videography in general. Take it a step further by taking courses in underwater photography and videography, and you’ll be even closer to your goals. If you’re more interested in simply being part of the action, consider taking a role as a safety diver; you’ll find that compensation for all these careers tends to be excellent, and the work can take you around the world.
There are companies that specialize in underwater film production worldwide, and each has its own specialty. By learning all you can about the career that interests you most, then taking the time to provide yourself with an education tailored to provide you with the skills you will need to be successful, you can enjoy an exciting career.