In this fascinating case study, the advantages of underwater drones are demonstrated. Wildlife filmmaker Antoine Drancey has been utilizing the Boxfish Luna underwater drone to film the extraordinary stunning deep underwater world.
Underwater drone vs. traditional underwater cinematography
Traditional underwater filming methods are usually time-consuming and require a lot of gear and numerous steps to start filming. Utilizing a professional cinematography drone for underwater filmmaking can eliminate health and safety issues, streamline production, and lower the cost of expeditions. Furthermore, to film underwater, you must learn diving and be an expert diver. Diving is considered an extreme sport and might become dangerous as there’s a camera that demands accurate professional operation. Many underwater divers were concentrated in the camera, and less focused on the diving equipment. That could become very quickly a life-threatening situation. Underwater drones neutralize that danger.
Boxfish Luna: An underwater drone
The Boxfish Luna is an underwater drone developed by Boxfish Robotics. The drone was introduced in 2021. “We’re creating innovative, professional underwater drone solutions that are set to revolutionize the underwater cinematography industry, similar to how aerial drones did some time ago,” says Boxfish Robotics. “In 2021, we launched our professional underwater system the Boxfish Luna for underwater filmmakers, and since then, it demonstrates what amazing results professional artists can achieve if they have access to the best tools”. The drone is tethered to the boat by a lightweight (neutrally buoyant in saltwater) fiber optical cable so there is a direct connection with the control console.
The standard length of the tether is 200m, but there is an option for even 3,000m+ long cable. Additionally, the drone utilizes advanced full-frame imaging from the Sony A7SIII or Sony ⍺1 camera and a precision optical dome to enable filmmakers to capture underwater environments with brilliant clarity. With Boxfish Luna‘s vision technology, filmmakers can record up to 4K ProRes RAW video at 30p and up to 50MP stills underwater. An optical glass dome gives impeccable image quality at shallower depths, particularly near the surface, or users can opt for a 200-mm acrylic dome for image capture up to 1,000 meters deep.
A case study
Black Whale Pictures specializes in innovative underwater filming using the Boxfish Luna, which allows filmmakers to operate the professional camera remotely from a boat, focusing solely on the shot without worrying about diving risks. This technology offers a customizable camera setup for various underwater conditions, enabling cinematographers to capture unique wildlife interactions and natural phenomena. The case study explores practical experiences, challenges, and the creative freedom the Boxfish Luna provides, highlighting its potential to revolutionize underwater cinematography.
As mentioned by Boxfish Robotics: “We recently had the pleasure of interviewing our French filmmaking client and underwater artist and produced a case study interview about their work. The interview includes amazing underwater footage of walruses, beluga (famous beluga Hvaldimir), jellyfish, and more, along with the stories behind capturing this footage.
Black Whale Pictures demonstrates what professionals can achieve if they have access to the best innovative tools. They push the boundaries of underwater cinematography and envision a future for underwater filmmaking by using professional drones. Watch the case study interview to learn more about the various aspects of innovative underwater filmmaking and discover the wonders of the underwater world through the underwater drone!”.
Summary
The best way to film underwater is by being underwater. However, it’s risky and this solid challenge is preserved to the best of the best divers. In order to operate a cinema camera underwater, you must be a professional diver, first and foremost. That’s why the underwater drone gives you the privilege of capturing great underwater imagery without risking your life. Note that the Boxfish Luna can’t be paired with cinema cameras. It can take only Sony mirrorless bodies with certain lenses. However, it can take it deep…very deep (hundreds of meters into the ocean).
