Apr 16 2013
Launching today, Under H2O is a new series from PBS Digital Studios featuring Emmy Award-Winning underwater cameraman and Marine Biologist, Dr. Craig Musburger, as he and his team set out on underwater filmmaking adventures.
In the series, the filmmaker and his crew take viewers on a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of professional underwater filmmaking. Under H2O will give viewers a thrilling glimpse at what it takes to capture images of some of nature's most exciting underwater events, creatures, and locations.
The first episode becomes available today on the PBS Digital Studios YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpz4fXH7nuo. This first treacherous adventure takes place off the south shore of the Big Island of Hawaii where lava from the Kilauea crater hisses and sizzles as it flows into the ocean. The steam, heat, fire, and chaos are sights few divers have ever had a chance to see. The team braves 150-degree water temperatures as they take viewers into the heart of Pele to see underwater steam vents, avalanches, and pillow lava.
"Every once in a while, you have an experience that recalibrates your senses. Filming the underwater lava was one of these experiences," said Musburger. "I now find myself diving in what I once may have considered to be challenging conditions and I say to myself, 'yeah, but nothing is on fire!' This was, without question, the most thrilling dive experience of my life. Partnering with PBS Digital Studios to share the experience of underwater filmmaking is a great opportunity for us and we look forward to taking our viewers along on a whole series of underwater film adventures."
New episodes of Under H20 will be released every two weeks highlighting the beautiful and sometimes dangerous world where this team of underwater adventurers works. In one upcoming episode, the team spends time with one of the ocean's most graceful animals. Manta rays swoop through the water swallowing huge mouthfuls of plankton in the dark of night. The team sets out with massive lights to attract swarms of plankton and the majestic manta rays that feed on this primordial soup. Half sea creature, half stealth bomber, manta rays at night present an eerie and breathtaking spectacle.
Another episode takes the team more than 100 feet deep where the ocean is a virtual cemetery for ships and planes that have met a watery grave. They film an intact airplane wreck that is home to a diverse array of fish and invertebrate life. The plane is an oasis in an otherwise barren patch of sand two miles offshore, as the wings and fuselage offer shelter for all types of marine life.
Viewers can see all Under H2O episodes at https://www.youtube.com/underH2Oshow and follow the show on Twitter @underH2Oshow.