ZDF Takes HD Underwater Doc

MAINZ: The 5×52-minute underwater documentary Project Ocean Quest has been taken on by ZDF Enterprises.

The series is currently being made by Sound&Vision and is slated for completion early in 2010. The five-part production follows Frederic Buyle, a world freediving champion, as he gets up close with animal life under water. He is able to dive 50 meters below the surface and remain their for up to four minutes, observing even the shyest of marine creatures in their natural habitat. By using this technique, it has been possible to study sharks and whales in the South Seas, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean, for example, capturing footage of their social, mating and eating habits.

The producers were able to secure the services of Christian Petron as cameraman. Petron has worked with Luc Besson of The Big Blue and Atlantis, and has been involved in several diving sessions down to the wreck of the Titanic. The scientific background of each expedition, including the latest research, will be illustrated with modern graphics.