THE PROGRAM
Dive into the mesmerizing world beneath the waves with our Underwater Videography training program, perfect for passionate SCUBA divers eager to capture its beauty. In just one month, you’ll receive expert guidance and ample resources to master the art of underwater videography.
Explore the warm Indian Ocean while refining your skills amidst stunning coral reefs. You’ll have access to top-notch equipment like dSLR cameras in Sea&Sea housings, Panasonic video cameras, Sony mirrorless cameras, and GoPros, paired with state-of-the-art LED lighting.
The underwater videography training program is led by professional underwater camera operators, this program promises to transform your perspective of the ocean. Learn to capture professional-grade footage and deepen your connection with marine life through specialized breathing techniques.
Under the mentorship of the program instructors, you’ll not only gain technical skills but also learn to blend seamlessly into the marine environment, ensuring your films are impeccably crafted. Plus, our program now includes a 16-hour online theoretical eLearning component, covering essential topics from theory to industry insights, essential for building a successful career in underwater videography.
UNDERWATER VIDEOGRAPHY PROGRAM VIDEO
UNDERWATER VIDEOGRAPHY PROGRAM GALLERY
UNDERWATER VIDEOGRAPHY PROGRAM LOCATION
PROGRAM FAQ's
What are the dates of the program?
- Program 1: 1 – 28 February
- Program 2:Â 1 – 28 March
- Program 3: 1 – 28 April
- Program 4:Â 1 – 28 May
- Program 5:Â 1 – 28 June
- Program 6:Â 1 – 28 July
- Program 7:Â 1 – 28 August
- Program 8:Â 1 – 28 September
- Program 9:Â 1 – 28 October
- Program 10:Â 1 – 28 November
What will I get out of the program?
The underwater videography training program is aimed at assisting in the development of students who are interested in advancing their underwater videography skills to a professional level, whilst enjoying some of the most incredible SCUBA diving that Africa has to offer. Participants will be able to walk away with a professional-level video portfolio that will showcase their ability to film the marine world.
What practical training do you receive?
Film techniques, camera operation, understanding wildlife, equipment maintenance, crew management, footage workflow, working with talent (including animals), video editing, voice over/soundtrack, pitching your film.
What theoretical training will I receive?
Course introduction, orientation, inspiration and story, what is selling today, film equipment, script writing, wildlife presenting, marketing you/your films, ethics in wildlife filmmaking, funding your films, and the art of pitching.
Am I eligible for the program?
This program requires that you are SCUBA qualified and have some experience SCUBA diving.
The underwater videography training program is open to all qualified SCUBA divers and those wanting to learn. For non-qualified divers, you must gain a minimum open water dive qualification prior to arrival. Alternatively, you can arrive on the program two weeks prior to gain qualification and practice in SCUBA diving.
This additional training, meals, and accommodation cost approximately $1600. If unable to attend for two additional weeks, we can consider a 1-week training package for $1000 that includes Open Water qualification, 5 recreational dives, meals, and accommodation.
What is the program schedule?
As a student, your routine will include diving and videographing on most days, being tutored in video techniques and free diving, and processing and editing your videos. A sample syllabus is provided here as a guideline. However, please note that the actual schedule may vary based on several factors.
In general, the month will follow a schedule of 5 days on and 2 days off per week. Again, this may vary, particularly based on the weather and dive conditions.
Fiona and her handpicked team are passionate about conservation and any projects that are available to work on practically, we will certainly be doing so.
How long is the program?
The course lasts 1 month beginning on the 1st (arrival day) and ending on the 28th (departure day) of each month. If you choose to arrive early (before the 1st) or depart late (after the 28th).
Do I need my own photography equipment?
Participants on the underwater videography training program have the option to bring their own underwater video gear, soft diving gear, and underwater housings if they prefer. However, a minimum standard of video gear is required, which includes a DSLR, a quality mirrorless system, or a video camera along with two underwater lights. All necessary dive and photographic gear will be provided. Should you choose to bring your own videography equipment meeting these standards, a cost break of $250 will be extended.
For post-production tasks, it is mandatory to bring your own laptop for editing purposes. The laptop should have a minimum of 4GB RAM and be pre-loaded with Adobe Premiere Pro.
Do I require a visa?
No. You will not be employed. On this program, you are entitled to enter South Africa on a temporary visitor’s permit (e.g. tourism permit). Tourist visas are usually issued for three months/90 days upon entry to South Africa. However, we do recommend that you contact the South African Embassy or Consulate in your country and confirm this fact. If your application period is for a period longer than three months, or if you plan to travel in South Africa before or after the course for a period extending 90 days, you will have to apply for a volunteer VISA application through your home embassy.
Quickly evaluate the visa status of your country when visiting South Africa hereÂ
Who owns the media I collect?
All media (video and audio) collected by you will belong to you. Gloworm and the program instructor retain the right to use the media for marketing purposes only.
What equipment will I have access to?
During the underwater videography training program, all videography and scuba equipment is supplied. This includes the following:
- 6 x Underwater video kits consisting of:
- 1 x Panasonic HVX200 with gates housing
- 2 x Nikon D70 with Ikilite housings
- 1 x Canon 5D mk 2 with Sea & Sea housing
- 1 x Sony RX100 with Gates housing
- 1 x Sony HDR-CX190 with Marlin Marine housing
- 6 x sets of underwater torches – orca torch 3000 – 5000 Lum
- Full scuba kits including a full range of standard wetsuit sizes
Where do I stay?
You will stay in Scottburgh, South Africa, at our dedicated shark centre in Freeland Park, Scottburgh. Diving will be in Aliwal Shoal off the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Address – 34 Edgerton Road, Freeland Park, South Africa.Â
What must I pack?
If you are getting ready to pack to join the underwater videography training program, here is a rough packing list of items you should consider bringing.
Clothing
- Beach and lounging – Bring what you are comfortable in, but ensure that you have at least one warm tracksuit type outfit, a good sun hat with a wide brim, and a warm hat/beanie. Gloves can be helpful for early mornings. The tracksuit or similar is for lounging around in during the evenings, which will get colder than the day.
- Please bring a beach towel and a minimum of one bath towel, but preferably two. Please bring one towel to work with your camera on.
- Social clothes – Scottburgh is a small town so social clothing should reflect a casual non-formal style.
- A swimming costume or two.
- Your own wetsuit and mask is always more comfortable and could be more hygienic, but not a necessity as gear hire is included in the course price.
Electronic gear
- Minimum of 1TB storage hard drive
- Laptop
- Your own camera if you want to do any land based photos. We often have fun with star trails and the moon, and some students like to photograph at the game reserves in the area.
- A GoPro if you have one (not necessary to buy but bring if you have one)
You are actually welcome to bring any personal videography or photographic equipment; however, this is totally optional as all underwater equipment that you will need is supplied.Â
Editing programs
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Adobe Lightroom Classic
Miscellaneous
- Toiletries &Â strong sunscreen (There are also plenty of shops to purchase from.)
- Prescription medication
- Passport & photocopy of passport
- Bank cards (Inform your bank of your travels.)
- Spare cash (rands)
- Phone & cables
- Sunglasses
Blue Wilderness address – 34 Edgerton Road, Freeland Park, South Africa.Â
What travel arrangements must I make?
Pickups and drop-offs (from King Shaka airport) will be organized by the program instructor for you on the 1st day of the month (for arrivals) and the 28th of the month (for departures).
The program begins with paperwork and orientation on the 1st of the month. There is no need to arrive prior to the 1st; however, arriving earlier in the day is preferable, as it gives you some time to settle in before the course begins.
You can schedule your departure for any time on the 28th.
Do I need travel / medical insurance?
Yes. When you are accepted into this program, you agree to our liability and copyright documents, as well an agreement that you are knowingly partaking in potentially dangerous activities. You will not be covered for accidents or illnesses, so please do organize your own medical and health insurance. You may apply for a normal travel insurance policy. Chances that you will be injured by a predator are very slim if you follow the safety guidelines and do not try anything foolish of which we would not approve. However, you will be working on a boat in conditions which can, on occasion, be less than comfortable. Accidents may occur, so it is important to be covered in case of an emergency or accident. Be sure to have an insurance cover for your entire stay in South Africa. SCUBA divers also need to be insured by the Divers Alert Network (DAN).
Do I need Malaria or other medication?
South Africa is far from Malaria areas, and there are no strange African diseases which you could pick up (that is if you respect the same safety rules as anywhere else in the world).
Please ensure that you bring any medication required. If you will require medication whist in South Africa, please contact us to ensure that it is available.
Can I cancel once my place is confirmed?
Due to the number of applications received and limited places, we unfortunately do not accept all applying students. Therefore, we do not welcome cancellations or date changes after the final confirmation has been completed. Please make sure that the dates you indicate in your application form suit your own schedule/budget before applying.
PACKAGE DETAILS
- 18 x SCUBA and freediving package
- SCUBA kit and airfills
- Day trip to Monkeyland
- Use of broadcast standard underwater cameras
- Practical training program in underwater videography
- Theoretical (online and in-person) training program
- Industry professional tutor and SCUBA guide
- Airport transfers and local transport
- 28 days of comfortable accommodation
- 28 days of delicious and nutritious meals
- Stay connected with internet access
- Flights (international/domestic)
- Editing laptop and harddrive
- DAN Insurance / Travel Insurance
- Staff / Crew gratuities
- Alcohol and snacks
- Laundry service
PROGRAM PRICE
$3900Â / 28 nights
Connect with Program Instructor
Book direct from Gloworm
PROGRAM INSTRUCTOR
Media Training Institute
