Underwater videography can be a valuable tool in addressing climate change and coral reef restoration by raising awareness, documenting changes, and supporting scientific research. Here are some ways in which underwater videography can be utilized for these purposes:
The cinematic masterpiece and Academy Award nominated film, The Deep (1977), revolutionized underwater filmmaking. As an early attempt to shed light on marine preservation and exploration of the ocean floor, this film encapsulates exclusive footage of the RMS Rhone wreckage sight. The vessel was defeated by a brutal hurricane in the British Virgin Islands, taking 123 individuals.
In the making of this film, several acclaimed individuals, such as Al Giddings, whose petermar camera system enabled panavision lens cameras to film underwater without visual distortion, gave way to foundational advances in cinematography. Considering another contribution to the film industry, British cinematographer Christopher Challis’ specially modified 5000-watt “Senior” luminaries enabled cinematic lighting while deep underwater (American Cinematographer, 1977). The Deep was renowned as the world’s biggest underwater soundstage of its time, leaving a lasting impact on all productions that take place below the surface.
This film was the first of its kind to serve as a platform for biotic presence underwater. Looking ahead, younger generations in this century are right to be concerned about environmental preservation, notably ocean health and fragile ecosystems. The Deep captures the natural beauty that is ocean life for posterity. It is humanity’s responsibility to preserve and protect that life. Specifically, in terms of ocean climate policy, addressing injustices, and building more resilient communities, this is a film that future generations are likely to recall for its pioneering technical achievements.
RMS Rhone appears largely unchanged since The Deep was filmed in 1976 but Hurricane Irma caused part of the bow section to ‘shape shift’ downwards in 2017. It appears that swim throughs are still possible and the cargo hatch that Jacqueline Bisset blew a kiss from remains intact.