UNDERWATER CINEMATOGRAPHY IN NEW MEXICO

www.carlosvilkerman.com

 

Most people think that underwater cinematography is mostly done at very glamorous places like the Caribbean, Palau, Hawaii or Indonesia. The reality is that in the last 25 years, 65% of my work was done in swimming pools, rivers and lakes. Not to mention specially built tanks for this purpose. New Mexico has been blessed to have locations for underwater cinematography production like "Blue Hole" and "Perch Lake" in Santa Rosa but, also the convenience of pools and the possibility of installing large tanks inside Albuquerque Studios, I-25 Studios or Santa Fe Studios is an added asset to the film industry in New Mexico.

In detail:

Roughly a 100 miles from Albuquerque, the city of Santa Rosa has a magnificent sinkhole with pristine water all year round, the Blue Hole. It is next to an open parking area, making it fast and easy to transport equipment to the location. Also, next to a brand new building that can accommodate cast, equipment, catering and whatever a small or large production needs. The water is exceptionally clear, surpassing 100 feet. For practical purposes it is bottomless although it has natural platforms at varios depths starting at knee height. The easy access for rigging lights and other equipment all around its perimeter makes it ideal for underwater film productions whether TV commercials, dramas or feature films.

Swimming pools can be "dressed" to accommodate underwater cinematography productions. "Blue screens", are very commonly done this way. Also, small to very large tanks can be installed inside studios. My best experience has been using "Agricultural Tanks". The circular tanks walls are easily installed using bolts and a liner is place inside to contain the water. The only requirement is the need of a solid, structurally sound floor that supports the weight of the water. Most industrial warehouses and facilities do have the structural integrity base needed to support the weigh.

Another exceptional advantage when your Underwater Cinematography is done here, is that you are automatically eligible for the State of New Mexico 25% Tax Rebate. So.... we have the "know-how", the experience, resources, cameras, locations and a 25% tax rebate. There is no reason why go somewhere else to do Underwater shots.

"Lets do it in New Mexico".

On tax incentives go to: http://nmfilm.com/Incentives.aspx

Here are some photos of examples of underwater production locations used in the past:

 

Blue Hole

Santa Rosa

 

 

For more information contact the city of Santa Rosa at: www.santarosanm.org

Richard Delgado at (575) 472-3763

 

 

 

 

Inside Studio

This tank was 14 feet deep and 70 feet in diameter.

 

Tank inside the studio

 

On tanks go to: http://www.bhtank.com/about_us.php

 

 

Swimming Pools