News
SCUBAJET gets role in AVATAR: The Way of Water
Avatar is officially the most successful movie of all time. Today, 13 years later, the long-awaited sequel Avatar 2: The Way of Water hits Austrian cinemas. The Austrian-based company SCUBAJET has accompanied this masterpiece, which has the potential to break new filmmaking ground.
It was 2018 when James Cameron’s team reached out to ask if SCUBAJET would consider their products taking part in one of his upcoming movies. In the end, the movie in question was no other than Disney’s Avatar 2: The Way of Water – the sequel to Avatar, starring Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, and Kate Winslet. James Cameron and John Landau produced the film.
At the time, no other underwater jet on the market could meet the high production requirements. SCUBAJET’s innovative and integrated battery system, its easy handling, as well the possibility to create a special custom-made controller for the film convinced James Cameron right away.
SCUBAJET CEO Armin Kundigraber still remembers the beginning of the cooperation. “Receiving an e-mail request from one of the world’s most successful producers is a special honor of which a young company like ours in 2018 can only dream,” Kundigraber says. “It made us incredibly proud to be able to participate, but it also confirmed that we were on the right path. Unique opportunities like this one are only possible with highly innovative products. Creating game-changing products is what SCUBAJET stands for and what drives and motivates me.”
The interaction with John Garvin, Diving Officer for Avatar Sequels, was of the highest level
and our cooperation was extremely positive in a variety of ways. During the almost one-yearlong collaboration, SCUBAJET CEO Armin Kundigraber met James Cameron and his team at the set of Avatar 2 in Los Angeles, and SCUBAJET played a significant role in underwater scenes. SCUBAJET propelled and sped up actors in the film studios’ pools in L.A. and New
Zealand, where most live-action scenes were shot. “We used custom-built SCUBAJETs on the Avatar sequels. Their performance and the company’s service were second to none.” – John Garvin, Diving Officer, Avatar Sequels
Film and television have always taken us to fantastical worlds, to alternative places in the universe, and on fictional journeys that we remember throughout our lives. Productions like AVATAR continue to push many boundaries beyond what most can imagine. The innovative technology that makes SCUBAJET a pioneer in the field of electric water jets has placed SCUBAJET in one of these breathtaking worlds.
The first Avatar movie was nominated for nine Academy Awards in 2010, winning three: Best
Art Direction, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects. Avatar: The Way of Water is already nominated for the 2023 Golden Globe Awards and is generating major 95th Academy Award buzz in several categories, including Best Picture. At SCUBAJET, we are thrilled to be part of this spectacular production. Still, as much as we would love to share everything regarding the experience, we’ll leave it up to the producers to release any details of the filmmaking process.
For more information visit the Scubajet website.
Header Image: Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) in 20th Century Studios’ AVATAR- THE WAY OF WATER. © 2022 20th Century Studios
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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