Underwater Lighting

Here is how this works in practice. We give underwater lighting and the crews to operate it for shoots filming in the Czech Republic, supplying waterproof LED and HMI fixtures, underwater distribution and the dive-trained electricians who rig and manage lighting below the surface. Lighting underwater is a pro discipline — water absorbs and scatters light, visibility differs with the location, and fixtures must be sealed, ballasted and powered safely.

Here is the short of it. Our gaffers and dive electricians plan underwater lighting setups around the body of water in use, whether the deep, clear visibility of a flooded quarry, the conditions of the Lipno or Orlík reservoirs, or the Vltava and Elbe rivers. We set up the lighting package with the underwater camera department and the safety divers so a sequence is lit cleanly and shot safely.

Here is the breakdown. For full control of clarity, depth and the lighting environment, we light tank shoots at Barrandov Studios in Prague, where shoots such as 'Snowpiercer' have used the studio's water facilities. Tank work lets our crews build precise, repeatable underwater lighting and combine submerged fixtures with above-water sources. Open-water lighting in the Czech Republic needs careful electrical safety planning and, for covered sites, conditions agreed with site-level and water-management authorities. Permits for open water are arranged through regional authorities.

Here is what that looks like on the ground. Productions drawn here by the Czech Film Fund's 20% cash rebates, administered by the Státní fond kinematografie, gain crews skilled in the tech and safety demands of underwater lighting. We supply full electrical and dive risk records. Budget the work in Czech koruna with 21% VAT.