Marine Biology and SCUBA diving?

[Brownie03]

Greetings,
I have been doing research for what seems like a lifetime. I plan to become an underwater filmmaker and have been noticing that many successful wildlife filmmakers have their degree in Marine Biology. I already have my degree in Broadcast and Cinematic Arts, with a minor in Journalism, but unfortunately, I didnt realize what I wanted to do with my filmmaking until after I finished school.
How imperative is it to have a degree in marine biology? Will it significantly effect the potential success of my career? Since Im planning to take SCUBA diving to the professional level, I will also get my instructor cert, and become a DM, as well as taking many other speciality courses to improve my skill. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you all for your time!

[g1138]

Having a degree in Marine biology probably won't up your chances immensely. It could give you a bit more understanding of the environment and subjects you're filming though. Generally academics and researchers who study marine biology for a living get a biology, ecology, zoology undergrad degree then focus on their marine subject in grad school.

The actual degree Marine biology actually isn't very common. I think what happens with most of those filmmakers is they get a marine bio degree because they're interested in marine biology. But once they have their degree they realize that the academic side isn't for them (papers, symposiums, original research), rather they enjoy the technical side more (scuba, filming, field work, field tech).

During an undergrad Marine bio degree you learn more about general biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics more than you get to learn about specific marine topics. Check an undergrad marine bio course plan sheet at UC Santa Cruz or any other college and you'll see you only get about a quarter of your available classes being specifically marine oriented. Most of those classes are more about environment rather than specializing in fauna or flora.

So no it's not necessary, if you produce great shots I think that can speak for itself. Having the "marine bio" knowledge might help you know what you're filming and what you're talking about though. Having the right networking of contacts can help even more. I don't think it would up your chances drastically if you spent another 4 years of your life, most of it studying general bio, chem, physics etc.

In terms of scuba diving though you don't need specialty courses to improve skill, you just have to dive. Take courses for their knowledge content, not for their perceived improvement of skill.

Edit:
If you want to learn more about marine life, volunteer for scientific projects.
There's an email list called coral-list that has postings for volunteer opportunities from time to time.
If you're interested in coral and sharks, TSRCP (Thresher Shark Research and Conservation Project) runs a volunteer program in the Philippines.
Check with your local aquariums and marine labs as well.

[Brownie03]

Thanks alot. This has been very informative. If Im planning on diving in a specific area, I gguess I could just start researching the marine life that lives there a few months out, just to become more familiar. Thanks again.

[Searcaigh]

Once you start to take underwater photography seriously you are on the road to becoming an amateur marine biologist.

Knowing something about fish / underwater critter behaviour helps in getting that great shot

[TheHalocline]

I agree with the other posters in this thread. A degree in Marine Biology is of limited use to photographers and videographers. Yes, it will provide you with some knowledge about critter behavior, but getting a full degree to obtain this knowledge is like researching all of the battles from World War II before writing a biography about Ike. It's overkill -- just read some critter books to obtain this knowledge. Practice your skills because the more you know about your technical craft, the more successful you will be. Good luck!

[LowDrag]

Check out this thread posted by TSandM:

What's the hardest class you have taken, and what made it hard?

One thing that stood out really well for me in this thread was that taking a GUE Fundamentals course would be a good thing for someone such as yourself wanting to take pictures and shoot film. It came across to me that a "good" diver could take the class and build on their skills. Skills such as holding absolutely still, backing up without causing any silting, minor adjustments in distance or body attitude. It sounds like a tough class but well worth the effort. I thought there was a lot of good info on that thread.

[drbill]

Being an underwater videographer and knowing about marine biology are not necessarily co-requirements. It depends on what your focus is in producing UW films. Some do it for the aesthetics... producing beautiful films that may (or may not) be scientifically accurate. They reach certain market segments with the beauty of their product.

Others like myself entered underwater filming from a scientific background (I was a marine biologist first). My goal is to provide my audience with a reasonable understanding of the natural history and ecology of marine critters. I've produced two regional cable TV series with that intent. They aren't for everyone as they are less beautiful than a number of other products out there, but well researched and (hopefully) accurate about the marine life. My goal is education.

I've always been a photographer with an interest in film, but it wasn't until I was working on a TV documentary with the Cousteaus back in 1985, and Jean-Michel handed me a video camera and asked me to record the release of some bald eagles on Catalina that I came to understand the value of video in wildlife documentaries (as opposed to recording family events).

[VooDooGasMan]

brownie, being in michigan you have a great place to start, one you need to dive dive dive, then put camera in hand. the wrecks are easy place to start.

I have been doing vid for a couple years all the time. One thing people could care less on music I have found out, once they are taken down under they have know Idea what they are looking at and interest is gone in as little as a few minutes. So a story or documentary, and a bit of music here and there. Now I am a nobody and my vids are just for fun and viewing to friends on the Island.

So knowing marine life is very crucial for filming sea life, and what they are doing on artificial reefs, live wrecks, or any reef.

Dr Bill has a very great way of learning on his vids.

This linkJanKocian's Photosis a very good learning in this and he has been underwater photo for about 50 year.

Good luck on this adventure brownie