Filming Underwater

[ramsaur]

Anyone wouldn't happen to know how to film an underwater shot besides buying something for your camera? Like something with a green screen maybe? I'm doing a shot of a kid drowning in water. Trying to figure out if it's possible to do a fake under water shot where you see the feet moving from under water. Then there's another of someone saving him. If you may know of a way or a website to help that'd be great.

 

[j1clark@ucsd.edu]

Anyone wouldn't happen to know how to film an underwater shot besides buying something for your camera? Like something with a green screen maybe? I'm doing a shot of a kid drowning in water. Trying to figure out if it's possible to do a fake under water shot where you see the feet moving from under water. Then there's another of someone saving him. If you may know of a way or a website to help that'd be great.

Attempting to do 'underwater' above water... is difficult. There are two immediate reasons that occur to me.

1) things seem to slow mo 'flow' in water, clothing, and the like.
2) things tend to float somewhat free of 'gravity'.

So, with that in mind, hooking up a person on wires, to give the 'float' effect. Wire work does have some risk
of injury, especially for a child.

Highspeed filming and fans may give you the slow mo 'flow' look on clothing and hair.

You may also try a trampoline with highspeed filming.

 

[PerroneFord]

If you need underwater footage, shoot it underwater. There is an entire subset of camera folks who do this a LOT. They can help you.

Describe the scene to me, and I'll see what I can do to help. Also let me know where you'd LIKE to film it, and what kind of camera you have, and I'll see if anyone who has a similar camera is near you.

There are some safety measures you're going to want to take, but other than that, you should be just fine.