News
Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2016
Winner Chosen by our panel of experts:
Jeff Goodman, Scubaverse.coms Editor-At-Large and resident underwater videography expert
Sven Harms, Managing Director of SeaLife Cameras
Luke Inman, Photographer, Film Maker and PADI Course Director
Winner: The Sea by Ronald Faber
Winning Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gVgk7lTMp0
Scubaverse.com’s Jeff Goodman got together with Sven Harms from SeaLife Cameras and Photographer and Film Maker Luke Inman to pick their favourite videos of 2016. An excellent year for Scubaverse’s monthly video competitions with many outstanding films being entered. In fact the entire overall standard was extremely high and we have enjoyed watching them all.
Here are each of our top three videos put in order and with comments on each:
First Place: The Sea by Ronald Faber
Jeff’s comments:
Over the course of the year there were two films that stood out for me. “I remember” by Matthias Lebo and “The Sea” by Ronald Faber. I do realise that these two films are both in the same vein and deciding which was to be the winner was quite difficult. But in the end it came down to “The Sea” by Ronald Faber. A good story, well shot and planned with excellent music and narration. An emotive film that makes the viewer think again about the true nature of the sea.
Sven’s comments:
Good introduction – Engaging story line – Large variety of sea creatures – Good color balance – Fluid camera movements – Clear and concise voiceover.
Luke’s comments:
The winner for me is The Sea by Ronald Faber. It is very engaging, in fact my only criticism would be it has not been edited for “Safe Broadcast” – the whites are a little blown out, but for an Amateur video that is not important. Voice over is good, camera movements are good, variety, but most importantly it is engaging, it holds my attention (which is very difficult, I am Mr A.D.D). I am not aware of what camera was used or the system to edit, but the story is so engaging all this becomes irrelevant as the story dominates, as stories always should with any film.
Second Place: “I remember” by Matthias Lebo
Watch Mathias’ video here.
Jeff’s Comments:
As always with your films Matthias, this was truly well conceived and planned. Beautiful narration and sentiments. Excellent choice of music and well shot. Just one thing though, I was expecting the diver to be a lady as the narrator was giving such a personal account. Perhaps the man’s voice would have been better with these images.
Sven’s Comments:
Sven actually put this film as 3rd and says:
Creative introduction and story line – Variety of sea creatures – Fluid camera movements – Clear and concise voiceover and exciting background music.
Luke’s Comments:
I thought this was a good music choice, possibly the best. It had simple elements like good camera movement, and again the story wins! The story wins! Story is most important.
Third Place
Here is where the judges parted ways and gave three different results. “Dive Belize” by Curtis Lahr, “I remember” by Matthias Lebo and “Nightvision, a magical night dive” by Klemens Gann:
Jeff’s Comments:
“Nightvision, a magical night dive” by Klemens Gann artistically portrayed a wonderful selection of night time animals. All very well shot with emotive music.
Sven’s Comments:
“I remember” by Matthias Lebo. – Creative introduction and story line – Variety of sea creatures – Fluid camera movements – Clear and concise voiceover and exciting background music.
Luke’s Comments:
“Dive Belize” by Curtis Lahr. Excellent transition from topside to underwater. Excellent colour balance and fluid camera movements.
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Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and to our runners-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2016. We hope to see plenty more of your videos in 2017!
As our 2016 Video of the Year Winner, Ronald will receive an exclusive Scubapro Travel Kit, which comprises of a SeaLife Micro HD+ Action Camera, a Scubapro Mantis M1 Dive Computer, and lots more (full details of the prize can be found here).
For your chance to win the 2017 title, you simply need to enter your videos each month here:
www.scubaverse.com/current-contest-video
Good Luck!
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Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to Video of the Year’s sponsor, Scubapro.
Dive Travel Curaçao is thrilled to announce the launch of the Curaçao Dive Vacation Guide – 2024 DEMA Special Edition, an expertly curated resource that unveils the unparalleled dive experiences and vacation possibilities awaiting you in Curaçao. Produced exclusively for the Diving Equipment & Marketing Association (DEMA) Show 2024, this special edition guide is packed with exclusive insights, travel tips, and limited-time DEMA offers that make it easier than ever to explore Curaçao’s stunning underwater landscapes and vibrant culture.
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Ho Ho Ho! Vobster Quay’s recording-breaking charity Santa diving event returns on Sunday 15th December 2024 for another round of festive fundraising frivolities. Run in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes, this ever-popular annual fundraising event aims to raise sack-loads of cash for these two very deserving charities.
Divers of all levels are invited to grab their Santa outfits – and as much festive cheer as they can muster – and head down to Vobster Quay near Mells, Somerset for a mass sponsored Santa dive in aid of charity. In previous years, the event has attracted divers from the far corners of the UK to join in the festive merriment for a final festive dive before the Christmas and New Year break. Back in 2015, the event smashed the world record for the most Santa divers with 188 divers taking to the waters donning their festive finery – a record that remains unbeaten to this day!
Vobster Santas isn’t just about setting records – it’s also about raising some serious cash for charity. Vobster Quay encourages all divers to get into the spirit of the season to raise much-needed funds for two very deserving charities – the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) and Help For Heroes.
Through individual sponsorship and online donations, divers can invite their friends, family and work colleagues to sponsor them to plunge into the balmy waters of Vobster Quay dressed in full festive finery. Since the very first Santa dive in 2007, the event has raised over £52,000 for charity. “It’s been over 17 years since the very first charity Santa dive took place at Vobster Quay and every year the event just keeps getting bigger and better” enthused Vobster Quay owner, Amy Stanton.
“Vobster Santas is a great way for divers to say a massive thank you to the both the RNLI and Help For Heroes – two very deserving charities close to our hearts. We’re immensely proud of all that Vobster Santas has achieved and hope that even more divers will join this year’s event on Sunday 15th December. I’m confident that we can make Vobster Santas 2024 the biggest yet!”.
Divers wishing to participate can get involved by simply registering their attendance at
www.vobster.com/event-vobstersantas.php.
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