Working as part of the media is a fun and exciting way to earn a living. Divers who perform the role of media diving and support services work closely with a variety of film crews, including those working to produce feature length films and a variety of dramatic and documentary television productions. It takes an entire team to create movie magic underwater; let’s take a look at some of the most important roles.
Roles for Media Divers
The newest technology makes filming underwater better and more exciting than ever. While underwater film was once completely silent, today, some media divers specialize in setting up, operating and maintaining sound equipment. Others specialize in lighting, allowing the colors of the underwater world to come to life. Just as there are many different lighting configurations designed for standard dry sets, so are there different lighting configurations which are specially designed for use underwater. Lighting technicians are some of the most skilled and important divers on the set!
Underwater camera operators also play a vital role, using the same quality cameras that topside film crews utilize. With special housings to protect them from both pressure and moisture, plus a variety of lenses and attachments designed to provide optimal function, the cameras require great skill to operate. If you have a good grasp on the principles of underwater photography or videography, working as a professional underwater camera operator could be a good way to make your passion pay.
Underwater directors often work side by side with major film production directors; normally, these people have had plenty of experience with filming underwater scenes of different types. They advise non-diving directors about how to best take advantage of or overcome conditions below the surface, and they work to ensure that everything is in place so shots work out well the first time.
Safety divers and supervisors also play a major role in media diving, ensuring that every member of cast and crew is safe. These divers often play dual roles, both standing by in case of emergency, and ensuring that equipment is in good working order.
Finding Employment as a Media Diver
There are many companies worldwide which provide a comprehensive menu of media diving services. While some studios maintain their own underwater diving crews, others call on professional media diving companies to provide everything from advice about where to film certain scenes, to vessels for transporting actors to the sites where filming takes place.
If you hope to work as a professional media diver, you should work to build up your certifications. Divers with cave diving and ice diving certifications, as well as those with mixed gas and other technical certs tend to have the best chances of finding stable employment as professional divers. In addition, taking courses which focus on underwater sound, lighting, and camera operation are crucial as part of preparation for employment.
By constantly working to improve your skills, studying on a regular basis, and learning about requirements for specific media diving roles, you can make your dreams of working as a professional diver reality.