It’s been a fantastic year for video entries and a real pleasure to see them all. There have been many different styles as well as content. In general when judging the videos I look at how each film is constructed. Was there any pre-shoot planning, are the images sharp and well framed with good exposure? Has any animal behaviour been fully explored and captured rather than a simple portrait shot? Is the lighting good and the overall colour balance consistent throughout? I look at the editing skills shown as well as the style and relevance of any accompanying music. Are there titles and is there any narrative to help tell a story? I look at all these things before looking at content. Occasionally though it comes down to the films that have left the most lasting impression that have shone through.
With so many wonderful winning films in 2019 I asked Sven Harms, V.P at Pioneer Research and SeaLife imaging equipment and Sea Dragon lighting, if he would be guest judge. He kindly agreed, and with his associate Lindsay, gave the following result:
Runner-Up
April’s winner: Fiji Island by Serge Melesan
Sven: This isn’t perfect but it is very engaging… the fire dancers are a catchy start too. The reef is full of activity with many colourful and interesting critters and fish which inspires one to call their travel agent and plan a trip there!
Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2019
March’s winner: Critters of the Muck by Dean Spraakman
Sven: We like this one the most! Lindsay said it best: “it’s got a lot of creatures doing cool things.” I have to agree! This video keeps the viewer engaged and the well-lit close ups against a dark background are almost sci-fi. It’s not perfect, but very entertaining.
The bottom line is slick editing and perfect footage don’t necessarily make the winning video; in the end it’s how interesting and exciting the captures are….
Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and runner-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2019. We hope to see plenty more of your videos in 2020!
For your chance to win the 2020 title and some great gear from Scubapro and SeaLife, you simply need to enter your videos each month here: www.scubaverse.com/current-contest-video
Good Luck!
Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to our Video of the Year’s sponsor, Scubapro.
