Diving Into Darkness: The Art and Challenges of Underwater Filmmaking with Nays Baghai

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In episode #59 host Brett Stanley chats with Australian director Nays Baghai about his career in underwater filmmaking.

They talk about his new documentary Diving in to the Darkness, and what it was like to bring the life of renowned Cave Diver Jill Heinerth to the big screen - and the many challenges that came along with it.

Nays talks in detail about the creation of the film, what influences him as a film maker, and how he got his start in underwater way back in film school.

Watch the film during a special screening presented by Scuba Diver Magazine.

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Description

What drives an underwater filmmaker to risk it all for the perfect shot? This week, we sit down with Australian director Nase Baghai, whose passion for marine biology and storytelling has led him to the depths of perilous underwater caves. Nase shares his remarkable transition from a Sydney film student to a groundbreaking documentary filmmaker, shedding light on his latest project, "Diving Into the Darkness," which chronicles the adventurous life of esteemed cave diver Jill Heinerth. Nase reveals how he combines traditional filmmaking with the unique challenges of underwater cinematography to create compelling, authentic documentaries.

Journey with us as we uncover the intricate creative process behind adapting Jill Heinerth's thrilling story from book to screen, featuring a non-linear narrative inspired by masterpieces like "Godfather 2." Nase recounts the serendipitous meeting with Jill at a dive conference that sparked their collaboration, and elaborates on the mutual respect that has fueled their partnership. We also touch on Nase's personal challenges, including his journey to become cave-certified, which allowed him to direct in the high-risk environments where the documentary was filmed. This conversation highlights the dedication and resilience required to bring such powerful real-life stories to the screen.

In our final segments, Nase delves into the complexities of capturing cave diving expeditions on film, emphasizing the critical role of teamwork and meticulous preparation. From assembling a talented crew to mastering underwater communication, Nase shares the logistical hurdles and innovative solutions that make these shoots possible. We also explore his preference for working with a small, agile team, influenced by his documentary background. Hear about his pioneering use of animation to recreate past decades in his films and get a glimpse of his excitement for future projects. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone passionate about the intersection of filmmaking and underwater exploration.

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