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Into The Deep.jpg

INTO THE DEEP | Dir Christian Sesma (2025)

Underwater Operator - Location Scouting - Advisor

   In February of 2023 I was hired for a multi-week shoot in different locations across Thailand. I had previously worked with DP Niccolo De La Fere and he recommended me to Director Christian Sesma. With the film taking place under or near water for much of the time, my shots ended up being featured in roughly 30% of the film.

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   During pre-production planning Christian revealed that he wanted me to capture shark POV footage and we needed to find a way to have me going fast underwater. He was very happy when I informed him that I own a DPV company that has perfect DPV's for underwater filming!

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LOCATION: KRABI

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   While I was initially hired for 7 days it ended up being extended to 11 days due to Christian being very happy with my work. I shot everything in Krabi on my Lumix GH5 and due to location and equipment restrains, it meant that Christian had to trust me to get the shots without being able to monitor it live.

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   On the first day we broke for lunch and Christian had a chance to review my work for the day. His feedback was generally great with a few minor requests. He again reviewed at the end of the day, and after lunch at day 2.

 

   After that his words were roughly "I trust you to get it, you know what I want" and for the remaining time in Krabi which ended up being 8 days of shooting I was just filming based on his instructions + I managed to wiggle myself into shooting a lot of extra footage whenever I saw an angle that I could cover from underwater or near the surface.​​

Underwater Videographer shooting feature film Into The Deep.jpg

LOCATION: BANGKOK

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   I was initially not hired to do this part of the job, but due to my involvement in the project and expertise it was decided to fly me up and have me operate the big RED Epic camera shooting for 2 days in a pool studio setting.

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   Both here and in Krabi I utilized the DPV's for fast moving POV shots together with actors being "attacked" on the surface. We also had both underwater cage and underwater wreck setups to shoot, and some cool slow motion sequences for CGI.​

Underwater Cinematographer shooting with a RED camera for Into The Deep.jpg

LOCATION: CHUMPHON / HTMS PRAB

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   For the final day of the shoot I was trusted to take the lead and both direct actors and DP for a highly challenging open ocean shoot at the wreck site HTMS PRAB located in Chumphon National Marine Park. Christian had briefed me on the shots he needed as he wouldn't attend himself. Here we shot a large part of the film, with one actor and three stunt doubles joining me on a dive to 20 meters.​

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   With challenging conditions and even actor Maverick Kang being attacked by a titan triggerfish, I had my hands full both directing actors underwater using pre-planned sign language while also getting into position for the right shots.

   This was my first feature film and to say I learned a lot would be an understatement. I have to say that shooting films in Thailand is a lot of fun, and that is 100% thanks to the excellent crew and actors who made each day so great. Despite going sunrise to sunset in the burning sun, jellyfish stings and constant problem solving it was an experience for life.

   Christian Sesma gets a special thanks as working with him couldn't have been easier. He's a people person and figures you out pretty quickly, knowing exactly how to get what he needs from you in the best way possible.

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"I couldn't have done this without you" just about the nicest message you can get from the director in the end.

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