Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2020

Published 5 years agoon February 9, 2021

It’s been an amazing year for video entries and a real pleasure to see them all. There have been many different styles as well as content. In general when judging the videos I look at how each film is constructed. Was there any pre-shoot planning, are the images sharp and well framed with good exposure? Has any animal behaviour been fully explored and captured rather than a simple portrait shot? Is the lighting good and the overall colour balance consistent throughout? I look at the editing skills shown as well as the style and relevance of any accompanying music. Are there titles and is there any narrative to help tell a story? I look at all these things before looking at content. Occasionally though it comes down to the films that have left the most lasting impression that have shone through.

With so many wonderful winning films in 2020, I asked Miranda Krestovnikoff – TV and radio presenter, author and diver – if she would be guest judge. She kindly agreed. Here is the result:

Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2020

Scuba Diving in Roatán, Honduras by Doug McConnachie

“For me, a film needs to have a story. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has to have a narration, but there needs to be a beginning, a middle and an end, and some sort of thread running through it. This film had a well written and sensitive narration, coupled with stunning footage and well-chosen music. I also like to see divers involved as it’s not just about the wildlife, we are part of the story too! The conservation message was a bonus as well and for me, it worked as a total package.” Miranda Krestovnikoff

Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2020. We hope to see plenty more of your videos in 2021!

Good Luck!

Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to our Video of the Year’s sponsor, Scubapro.

Jeff Goodman

Jeff is a multiple award winning, freelance TV cameraman/film maker and author. Having made both terrestrial and marine films, it is the world's oceans and their conservation that hold his passion with over 10.000 dives in his career. Having filmed for international television companies around the world and author of two books on underwater filming, Jeff is Author/Programme Specialist for the 'Underwater Action Camera' course for the RAID training agency. Jeff has experienced the rapid advances in technology for diving as well as camera equipment and has also experienced much of our planet’s marine life, witnessing, first hand, many of the changes that have occurred to the wildlife and environment during that time. Jeff runs bespoke underwater video and editing workshops for the complete beginner up to the budding professional.