Antoine Drancey with the Boxfish Luna professional underwater drone on the boat. 
A professional underwater drone on a boat
In the realm of underwater cinematography, Black Whale Pictures stands out for its innovative approach to capturing the mysteries of the ocean. Founded by Antoine Drancey in 2017, the French production company combines a deep passion for the sea with cutting-edge technology to bring the enigmatic world beneath the waves to life.
Pioneering Underwater Cinematography
At the core of Black Whale Pictures’ success is the Boxfish Luna, an advanced underwater drone from New Zealand manufacturer Boxfish Robotics. This drone, introduced in 2022, has revolutionized how filmmakers approach underwater shots. By using the Luna, cinematographers can explore the ocean’s depths remotely, ensuring safety while capturing stunning footage of marine life.
The Boxfish Luna offers filmmakers a customizable setup, granting control over essential filming aspects like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. This flexibility empowers cinematographers to unleash their creativity and capture the intricate details of marine ecosystems with precision.
“You can achieve with the Boxfish Luna and its control of everything in the camera whatever you want, and then the small artist in every cameraman can speak,” Drancey emphasized.
Challenges and Triumphs
While the Boxfish Luna enhances the filmmaking process, challenges persist when filming in the ocean. Antoine Drancey shared a story about a walrus encounter, highlighting the unpredictability of wildlife filming. Despite precautions, navigating the delicate balance between safety and capturing the perfect moment requires quick thinking and technical expertise from the crew.
Black Whale Pictures exemplifies what can be achieved with access to innovative tools. By pushing the boundaries of underwater cinematography, they pave the way for a future where professional drones play a pivotal role in capturing the beauty and essence of marine life.
Beluga Hvaldimir encounter captured by Boxfish Luna drone
In a world where the ocean’s mysteries remain largely unexplored, Black Whale Pictures’ use of the Boxfish Luna drone opens up new possibilities for filmmakers. By combining passion, technology, and expertise, they continue to redefine the art of underwater cinematography.
