Filming on the water can present a challenge. But when it’s done right, the results can be breathtaking. If your amateur film includes a scene on the water, it’s critical to understand the proper procedures necessary to protect your equipment and crew.
So, what should you know before you start?
1. Focus on Waterproofing
It’s likely that most of your equipment is susceptible to water damage. That said, you aren’t completely barred from filming on the water, you just have to be cautious. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Consider logistics: How close will you be to the water? Will you shoot some sequences underwater? Understanding how much exposure your cameras will have can allow you to develop a suitable waterproofing plan without exhausting too many resources.
- Add camera casing: Some cameras are only water-resistant, which means they can’t stand being submerged in water. Get a waterproof camera housing for shots close to a body of water. Find the right size for your camera model.
- Strap up your gear: Strapping your gear to your person can keep the camera from floating away from you while in the water. You can also chain and clamp your equipment to a boat or land to keep it from drifting into the water.
2. Have Communication Options
Directors, cinematographers and actors should communicate before shooting the film on water. During production, it’s vital to talk to one another in case of any plan changes or if you want extra equipment.
Some people go above water and send hand signals to people on land. You can utilize an underwater communication app to contact a team aboveground. Instead of radio waves, it uses high-frequency audio signals to relay data.
3. Scout the Right Location
While you may already know how you want your shots on the water to look, you still need to scout the exact location and get the appropriate filming permits.
Look for different beaches and lakefronts to narrow down which spots fit the vision of your film. Research and observe the tidal range if you’re shooting by the sea, especially if it’s a significant detail in your script.
4. Be Wary of the Weather
Certain bodies of water get more rain than others, especially if you’re traversing a little farther from the coast. Check weather forecasts and determine whether setting sail and shooting is safe. If there’s drizzle while you’re out, use a rain cover to protect your gear. When things get worse, prioritize your safety and call it a day.
5. Bring the Right Products
Bringing the right products while you’re out on the water is essential. For example, there’s almost zero chance of charging up your camera. Have a portable generator or take some battery-operated tech with you. It’s good to lather on sunscreen to protect you from the UV rays, especially if you spend hours under the sun.
6. Get the Right Vessel
Some filmmakers underestimate the boat size their crew needs. Unfortunately, this wrong decision can jeopardize your crew and equipment.
As a general rule, you’ll want to get a boat around 30 feet or more if you have over 13 passengers. You can scale down depending on how many people you’re working with. Focus on having enough space and storage for everyone to move around throughout shooting.
7. Know How to Swim
It’s hard enough to think about equipment, but worrying about people is another level. Just because you can float on water doesn’t mean you’re well-equipped to start recording. It’s essential to know how to swim in case of an emergency. If you’re going underwater, learn how to dive. These skills are necessary to navigate the water safely throughout production.
8. Have First Aid Available
Have a first-aid kit ready in case anything happens to your film crew. Most boats already have supplies, but bringing your own set is best. Bring various bandages to cover and support different injuries. You can also bring in pain relievers and other forms of medication. A few capsules for seasickness are a must.
9. Run Some Test Shots
Newer filmmakers will find shooting on the water to be a little foreign. Run a few test shots to see what you want to achieve. Some people decrease their camera exposure for a more realistic look. Others want the color to be more vibrant, adding overexposure.
Shooting underwater can sometimes make videos appear a little hazy and bland. People use a red filter and toggle the manual white balance. Those tools and settings make shots of coral reefs and fishes appear more colorful.
10. Know Your Focus Subject
Filming on and under the water can give you various subjects. Narrow down what you want to focus on when capturing videos. For example, you can keep the camera on the ecosystem underwater for an establishing shot or B-roll footage. When you want the audience to focus on a character, draw attention to them.
11. Keep Things Quick
While going a full day in the water can be tempting, keeping your shooting sessions short is best. Immersing in water for 12 hours can cause skin damage due to a lack of natural moisture. Take a break and return to the location at the same time the next day. You can also plan and space out shooting sessions throughout the week.
12. Inspect Equipment Post-Shoot
After capturing the perfect shots for a day, look at your equipment. Your camera’s waterproof housing is still subject to sea salt or chlorine. These properties can damage the casing over time. If you inspect these covers and they still seem in good condition, you can get away with cleaning and air drying them.
Capture a Clip on the Water
Getting aesthetic footage on the water can make viewers wonder how you accomplished such a feat. Keep them guessing. Remember to utilize filmmaking principles even with your cinematography on land to make your movie truly stand out.
