Discovery Cove

The Challenge

The objective was to capture the immersive aquatic experience of Discovery Cove. The primary hurdle was both technical and physical: shooting premium cinematic footage underwater. Operating a heavy, complex camera package like the ARRI Alexa Mini paired with large Master Prime lenses below the surface requires extreme precision and highly specialized rigging to maintain top-tier production value.

The Execution

Brought on specifically for the underwater cinematography, we utilized a HydroFlex underwater housing to safely operate the Alexa Mini and Master Primes. Managing this massive rig in the water required meticulous buoyancy control and careful movement to keep the framing steady. To ensure razor-sharp precision, we ran a hardwired Preston FIZ to the surface, allowing our 1st AC to pull focus and providing a real-time feed directly to video village. By leveraging this high-end cinema equipment below the surface, we captured vibrant, crystal-clear visuals that seamlessly matched the premium aesthetic of the topside footage.

Close-up of colorful bird feathers with a Discovery Cove logo and dolphin icon overlay.
Looking up at a person running through water with sunlight shining behind, surrounded by foliage.
A shark swimming underwater, captured from below with part of its body visible.
A toucan perched on a tree branch with a large, colorful beak and red throat patch, blurred background of green foliage.
Two people laughing and embracing, with their faces close together, under blue lighting.
Close-up of a meerkat lying on a tree branch, looking upward with greenery and blurred light in the background.
A young girl with curly hair, smiling and playing in water underneath a small waterfall outdoors.
A woman with curly hair wearing a wide-brimmed hat and white top, outdoors with a blurred background of trees and sunlight.
A close-up of a woman's face focusing on her green eyes, with soft lighting highlighting her features.
A person holding a small, developing reptile, possibly a lizard or salamander, in their hand. The reptile's skin is textured and light brown, blending with its rocky surroundings.
A person with curly hair and a dark outfit appears to be in water, with a look of surprise or distress on their face.
A person in a red and white swimsuit reaching on a rocky beach, with the words 'Paradise Awaits' and a whale logo overlaid, along with a website URL at the bottom.