Underwater Filming Services
Certified dive shooting for marine, pool, and aquatic shoots across \t\t\t\t\tNew Zealand, from the Poor Knights Islands to Fiordland's dark waters.
Here is how this works in practice. An underwater camera operator captures footage beneath the water's surface, combining diving expertise with pro cinematography skills. From the subtropical waters of the Poor Knights Islands marine reserve to the unique black coral forests of Fiordland, they manage waterproof housings, underwater lighting, and the unique challenges of shooting in aquatic environments. This includes visibility, currents, and communication. Dive shooting demands specialized training that goes far beyond standard camera operation.
Here is the short of it. We connect you with certified underwater camera operators who hold pro diving credentials alongside film production experience. Our network has pros equipped for New Zealand's varied marine environments including the Poor Knights, Fiordland, Kaikoura, and pro facilities at Stone Street Studios in Wellington and Auckland's tank stages, set to delivering cinematic underwater footage safely and efficiently.
ACT 01
Capabilities
Underwater Production Solutions
From Pacific coast marine cinematography to controlled pool environments, we deliver professional underwater footage with safety and cinematic quality as priorities.
01
Ocean & Sea
- Pacific coast filming
- Tasman Sea coast production
- Marine wildlife documentation
- Shipwreck cinematography
- Coastal underwater sequences
Marine Excellence
02
Pool & Tank
- Controlled pool environments
- Studio tank filming
- Fashion and commercial
- Music video production
- Athlete performance capture
Controlled Settings
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Narrative Production
- Feature film sequences
- TV drama underwater scenes
- Stunt coordination support
- Actor safety management
- Surface-to-underwater shots
Cinematic Storytelling
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Commercial & Corporate
- Product underwater shots
- Tourism promotion
- Sports equipment demos
- Spa and wellness content
- Aquatic brand campaigns
Brand Content
ACT 02
Why Us
Why Choose Our Underwater Filming Services
01.
Certified Professionals
All underwater camera operators hold pro dive certifications with specialized training in dive shooting and production safety.
02.
Cinema-Grade Equipment
Pro underwater housings for cinema cameras including ARRI, RED, and Sony with calibrated dome ports and underwater monitors.
03.
Safety First
Full safety protocols, qualified safety divers, and emergency procedures for all underwater production work.
04.
Location Expertise
Experience filming across New Zealand waters—Pacific coast, Fiordland, lakes, rivers, and studio tanks with local permit knowledge.
On Location
Underwater DPs — Avatar: The Way of Water Kumeu tank legacy, NZ underwater capture lineage
Here is how this works in practice. Our underwater camera ops hold full PADI / NAUI / SSI dive certifications (Divemaster minimum, Instructor or Cave Diver for deep-tank work) with Maritime NZ commercial-diving compliance under Adventure Activities rules and IMCA (Global Marine Contractors Association) standing where shoots need offshore-tier safety protocols. Camera kits pair ARRI Alexa Mini LF / Alexa 35 in Hydroflex / Nauticam / SeaTec underwater housings, RED V-Raptor 8K VV in Gates / Subspace housings, Sony Venice 2 underwater, and Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro in Nauticam for budget tier — supported by SeaArm / Spectrum Camera kits camera-arm and underwater-dolly rigs.
Here is how this works in practice. Operators work the Avatar: The Way of Water Kumeu Film Studios underwater capture tank (the largest performance-capture-capable underwater tank in the Southern Hemisphere, commissioned for Avatar 2/3), the Wellington Marine Education Centre tank, and on-location across the Bay of Islands, Poor Knights Islands marine reserve, Marlborough Sounds, Fiordland (Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound), Stewart Island/Rakiura waters, and Coromandel reefs.
Here is the short of it. Heritage runs through the Avatar: The Way of Water 2022 (Best Visual Effects Oscar 2023) underwater performance-capture work — the largest, most in tech ambitious underwater motion-capture shoot in cinema history, anchored at Kumeu Film Studios with Wētā FX integration. James Cameron's NZ-resident dual-citizen status since 2023 anchors continuing Avatar 3 / 4 underwater production through 2030. Reciprocal IATSE 600 (ICG) underwater-cinematographer standing applies for US co-pros. DOC permits cover marine-reserve filming (Poor Knights, Goat Island, Tonga Island, Te Tapuwae o Rongokako) with strict species-disturbance restrictions. Iwi consultation covers customary fishing-area access — Tangaroa (sea-god) protocol observance with kaumātua sign-off. Maritime NZ governs vessel planning. WorkSafe NZ adventure-activities regs apply. ACC universal accident cover. GST 15 percent on NZD. NZSPG 25 percent grant offsets qualifying spend.
ACT 03
FAQ
Professional Underwater Operations
What certifications do your underwater operators hold?
Here is the breakdown. Our underwater camera operators hold pro PADI, CMAS, or equivalent certifications appropriate for the filming depths and conditions. Many hold pro dive shooting certifications and have HSE or equivalent commercial diving qualifications for complex shoots.
What camera systems can you use underwater?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. We operate underwater housings for ARRI Alexa Mini, RED Komodo/V-Raptor, Sony Venice/FX6, and Blackmagic cameras. Housing selection depends on your camera package, needed features, and depth needs. We also use specialized underwater cinema cameras.
Can you film with actors underwater?
Here is how the picture comes together. Yes. We work with trained water safety coordinators and give actor coaching for underwater work. Non-diving actors can be filmed in controlled shallow water with safety divers. Complex underwater stunts need specialized planning and safety planning.
What locations in New Zealand are suitable for underwater filming?
New Zealand gives varied underwater filming locations: Poor Knights Islands (clear water, marine life), Fiordland (dramatic deep-water conditions), lakes and rivers (freshwater environments), and many studio tanks and pools for controlled shoots.
How do you handle underwater lighting?
We use specialized underwater LED and HMI lights in waterproof housings. For pool and tank work, above-water lighting can penetrate effectively. Deep or murky water needs dedicated underwater lighting packages planned during pre-production.
What are the safety requirements for underwater filming?
Here is what we have to work with. All underwater work needs risk assessments, dive plans, certified safety divers, surface support, and emergency protocols. We comply with New Zealand diving rules and film industry safety standards. Complex sequences may need hyperbaric chamber standby.
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ACT 04 — On Set
Plan Your Underwater Production
Tell us about your underwater sequences and we'll set up certified operators, gear, and safety planning.