Blue Ocean Productions offers complete underwater video production services for productions that require professional filming below the surface.
UNDERWATER CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR DOCUMENTARIES, TELEVISION & COMMERCIALS
Professional underwater filming requires specialized equipment, technical knowledge, careful planning, and experience working in challenging aquatic environments.
Jim Knowlton has filmed underwater content for documentaries, television programs, commercials, environmental projects, tourism campaigns, and marine technology companies.
His experience allows Blue Ocean Productions to work as an underwater camera operator within a larger production team or provide more complete underwater production support.
Need a Director of Photography for your project? Learn more about our Director of Photography services.
UNDERWATER PRODUCT VIDEO & COMMERCIAL FILMING
Underwater video is especially valuable for companies that need to demonstrate products in real-world aquatic environments.
Blue Ocean Productions can film:
- Marine technology
- Underwater robotics
- ROVs
- Diving equipment
- Pool equipment
- Aquatic products
- Underwater cleaning equipment
- Marine research equipment
Underwater product videos can be used for commercials, product launches, marketing campaigns, demonstrations, training videos, and corporate presentations.
Jim has filmed underwater product footage for the Oceanbotics SRV-8 ROV, demonstrating its performance and maneuverability underwater.
UNDERWATER CAMERA EQUIPMENT
I can use a waterproof HDMI cable from my underwater housing to connect to a monitor on the surface, allowing a topside director to see what I am shooting in real time. We can also use underwater communications with an OTS Buddy Phone, allowing the director to provide direction and feedback while I am underwater.
This live-feed setup can be especially valuable for commercial and Hollywood shoots where real-time monitoring and communication are important.
- Live Surface Monitoring: An underwater HDMI cable sends the camera signal to a monitor on the surface so the director can monitor shots as they happen.
- Underwater Communication: An OTS Buddy Phone allows the topside director to communicate directly with the underwater cameraman and provide instructions.
- Shot Coordination: Live video and two-way communication help the director and underwater cameraman work together to make sure the required shots are successfully captured.
UNDERWATER PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Underwater filming often requires more planning and coordination than a standard video shoot.
Blue Ocean Productions can provide:
- Underwater camera operation
- Production planning
- Location scouting
- Safety coordination
- Marine logistics
- Remote monitoring
- Underwater production support
- Commercial production support
- Documentary production support
This allows Blue Ocean Productions to work with individual clients as well as directors, producers, production companies, television crews, and commercial teams.
FEATURED UNDERWATER CINEMATOGRAPHY PROJECTS
AMERICAN SAMOA CULTURE & OCEAN CONSERVATION FILM SERIES
Blue Ocean Productions documented the rich cultural heritage and breathtaking marine environments of American Samoa, capturing the deep connection between local communities and the ocean.
The film series highlights ocean conservation efforts, underwater ecosystems, and the importance of protecting these unique marine environments for future generations.
Swains Island – One of the Last Jewels of the Planet
Jim filmed both above and underwater during an expedition to Swains Island with Jean-Michel Cousteau and a team of scientists.
The resulting film, Swains Island – One of the Last Jewels of the Planet, received the People and the Sea Award at the Blue Ocean Film Festival.
Oceanbotics SRV-8 ROV
Blue Ocean Productions filmed underwater product footage for the Oceanbotics SRV-8 remotely operated vehicle, showing the ROV operating beneath the surface.
The project demonstrates how underwater commercial cinematography can be used to showcase marine technology and specialized equipment.
Hayward Aquanaut Pool Cleaner
Jim filmed underwater footage for a commercial featuring the Hayward Aquanaut pool cleaners.
The production used an HDMI connection from the underwater camera housing to the surface, allowing the director to monitor the underwater footage while communicating with Jim during filming.
Tourism Fiji Ecotourism Campaign
Jim traveled to Fiji with Jean-Michel Cousteau and Ocean Futures Society to produce promotional videos for Tourism Fiji.
The project combined underwater and topside 4K footage of coral reefs, rainforests, beaches, resorts, and environmental restoration projects. The resulting films promoted sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
UNDERWATER CAMERAMAN IN CALIFORNIA & WORLDWIDE
Blue Ocean Productions is based in Ventura, California, and provides underwater cinematography and underwater video production throughout California, across the United States, and internationally.
Whether you need an underwater cameraman for a documentary, commercial, television production, marine conservation project, tourism campaign, or underwater product video, Jim Knowlton can work with your production team to capture the footage you need.
Blue Ocean Productions also provides broader video production services, including professional cinematography and production support.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
The Ventura Education Partnership Board recently had the opportunity to work with Jim on a marketing video that will be used to promote our organization. Jim‘s patience and creativity as well as his professionalism made working with him a truly rewarding experience. I can’t say enough good things about the entire process. Jim is absolutely the best!
- Nancy Maxson