In 1992 I embarked on a career in tourism, working all over the world. As part of that experience I did my Open Water Scuba certification course. That was it for me, I was hooked on diving!! Soon after that I took off again looking for new spots to dive in and eventually stumbled upon Koh Tao in Thailand.
Since first arriving on Koh Tao 9 years ago I’ve come back every year expanding my dive qualifications and experience through Ban’s Diving Resort.
Whilst doing my Dive Master course a few years back, I came across the great work The Film Company where doing with underwater videography. I thought “that’s the course for me” and HANDS DOWN it is the BEST scuba course I have done. The Underwater Videography course teaches you how to get great technical shots on land and underwater and gets your diving really to a peak place, as your buoyancy has to be perfect.
I have had the opportunity to work as an intern with the company and as you get paid it balanced out the cost of the course. As a PADI Pro Underwater Cinematographer my options really opened up.
Since leaving Koh Tao, I have been slighly land locked and miss diving very much, but I have been keeping my hand in with the knowledge and training I picked up with The Film Company, by doing some promo video’s for local business’ around town.
I have also just picked up a voluntary gig, working with the local music scene, in particular Music Mafia, which is a group that makes up a weekly gig guide for Facebook, where I attend and film local bands, and produce small pieces for their page to promote the bands that play.
This will eventually become in some form, a documentary about the scene. Ive been using a Canon 60D, a Sony PJ430, as well as using a Rode mic and occasionally a Phantom 3 Drone, which I mainly use for personal fun, and business, when the opportunity arises. I have a 2 camera set up for the bands, and edit using Final Cut Pro X, .
I still have an interest in underwater filming, and will get back to Koh Tao to explore that option as soon as I can.
Find Andrew on Facebook