Tips on faking underwater footage?

[JB Seesselberg]

I'm working on a project that has a semi-underwater shot: The camera is aimed up through the water in a sink to see the character's face in the water. I can't afford underwater housing, and I'm shooting it on a Bolex. So does anyone have any ideas as to how I can achieve this effect?

Thanks for the help in advance!

[Zak Forsman]

shoot through a fish tank with a glass bottom?

[Vader]

shoot through a fish tank with a glass bottom?

but that would upset the fish then...

just kidding.... yeah fish tanks are cheap and hey.. buy a small one.. maybe trim some glass off.. should work fine.. w00t

[Angus_Findlay]

You could set a mirror in the sink (or sink-like water vessel, as needed), and shoot the mirror. The camera would be on the opposite side of the water from the talent. Much safer than risking your camera to a fish tank.

[robertwerden]

You could do it digitally in post. I think most editors have a set of distortion effects.

The best bet is to use a clear dish filled with water and film from the underside.

[SeanEmer]

You could set a mirror in the sink (or sink-like water vessel, as needed), and shoot the mirror. The camera would be on the opposite side of the water from the talent. Much safer than risking your camera to a fish tank.

if you did that you'd be shooting through the water's surface, and the image would be distorted. I think he's looking for a shot from under the water, without distortion.

[Chris Knight]

Buy two UV filters, an extension tube, and some marine sealant. Add water.