News
Announcing the Winner of Scubaverse.com’s Video of the Year 2016
Winner Chosen by our panel of experts:
Jeff Goodman, Scubaverse.coms Editor-At-Large and resident underwater videography expert
Sven Harms, Managing Director of SeaLife Cameras
Luke Inman, Photographer, Film Maker and PADI Course Director
Winner: The Sea by Ronald Faber
Winning Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gVgk7lTMp0
Scubaverse.com’s Jeff Goodman got together with Sven Harms from SeaLife Cameras and Photographer and Film Maker Luke Inman to pick their favourite videos of 2016. An excellent year for Scubaverse’s monthly video competitions with many outstanding films being entered. In fact the entire overall standard was extremely high and we have enjoyed watching them all.
Here are each of our top three videos put in order and with comments on each:
First Place: The Sea by Ronald Faber
Jeff’s comments:
Over the course of the year there were two films that stood out for me. “I remember” by Matthias Lebo and “The Sea” by Ronald Faber. I do realise that these two films are both in the same vein and deciding which was to be the winner was quite difficult. But in the end it came down to “The Sea” by Ronald Faber. A good story, well shot and planned with excellent music and narration. An emotive film that makes the viewer think again about the true nature of the sea.
Sven’s comments:
Good introduction – Engaging story line – Large variety of sea creatures – Good color balance – Fluid camera movements – Clear and concise voiceover.
Luke’s comments:
The winner for me is The Sea by Ronald Faber. It is very engaging, in fact my only criticism would be it has not been edited for “Safe Broadcast” – the whites are a little blown out, but for an Amateur video that is not important. Voice over is good, camera movements are good, variety, but most importantly it is engaging, it holds my attention (which is very difficult, I am Mr A.D.D). I am not aware of what camera was used or the system to edit, but the story is so engaging all this becomes irrelevant as the story dominates, as stories always should with any film.
Second Place: “I remember” by Matthias Lebo
Watch Mathias’ video here.
Jeff’s Comments:
As always with your films Matthias, this was truly well conceived and planned. Beautiful narration and sentiments. Excellent choice of music and well shot. Just one thing though, I was expecting the diver to be a lady as the narrator was giving such a personal account. Perhaps the man’s voice would have been better with these images.
Sven’s Comments:
Sven actually put this film as 3rd and says:
Creative introduction and story line – Variety of sea creatures – Fluid camera movements – Clear and concise voiceover and exciting background music.
Luke’s Comments:
I thought this was a good music choice, possibly the best. It had simple elements like good camera movement, and again the story wins! The story wins! Story is most important.
Third Place
Here is where the judges parted ways and gave three different results. “Dive Belize” by Curtis Lahr, “I remember” by Matthias Lebo and “Nightvision, a magical night dive” by Klemens Gann:
Jeff’s Comments:
“Nightvision, a magical night dive” by Klemens Gann artistically portrayed a wonderful selection of night time animals. All very well shot with emotive music.
Sven’s Comments:
“I remember” by Matthias Lebo. – Creative introduction and story line – Variety of sea creatures – Fluid camera movements – Clear and concise voiceover and exciting background music.
Luke’s Comments:
“Dive Belize” by Curtis Lahr. Excellent transition from topside to underwater. Excellent colour balance and fluid camera movements.
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Congratulations from all of the Scubaverse team to our winner and to our runners-up. Thank you to everyone that entered in 2016. We hope to see plenty more of your videos in 2017!
As our 2016 Video of the Year Winner, Ronald will receive an exclusive Scubapro Travel Kit, which comprises of a SeaLife Micro HD+ Action Camera, a Scubapro Mantis M1 Dive Computer, and lots more (full details of the prize can be found here).
For your chance to win the 2017 title, you simply need to enter your videos each month here:
www.scubaverse.com/current-contest-video
Good Luck!
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Scubaverse.com would like to say a big thank you to Video of the Year’s sponsor, Scubapro.
Who We Are
BTM Travel is a boutique dive travel agency based in Munich, Germany, led by a passionate team of seasoned diving professionals.
- Marcel Wilpernig, our founder, has explored nearly every corner of the underwater world and brings over a decade of experience in the diving industry.
- Tim De Deygere, our product manager, made the bold leap from a successful law career to follow his true passion—diving.
- Simona Hlavova is the backbone of BTM Travel, ensuring smooth operations with her expertise in administration and sales.
While a significant portion of our clientele comes from Germany, our reach extends globally—from Bangladesh to California. BTM Travel is closely connected to Behind the Mask, an underwater videography network that inspires us to bring divers to the world’s most breathtaking ocean destinations.
What We Do
BTM Travel specializes in group diving adventures and tailored big animal experiences:
- Group Travel: We organize intimate trips to premier dive spots, led by expert photographers or wildlife guides for an unforgettable adventure. The vibe? Laid-back and adrenaline-filled.
- Tailor-Made Trips: For seasoned divers, we craft bespoke itineraries, offering insider tips on where to go, when to go, and what to expect. Our expertise ensures realistic expectations and unforgettable experiences.
Our focus lies on big animal diving, delivering the thrill of encounters with marine giants. While we love macro and reef diving, we know our true strength lies in providing high-octane experiences for adventurers.
What Makes Us Different
We take a fresh look at traditional diving industry practices, challenging outdated habits to better serve modern-day customers.
- Authenticity First: We only recommend destinations we trust, avoiding overselling places that don’t offer great value or quality.
- Heartfelt Advice: Our honest approach resonates with clients, building lasting relationships and unforgettable journeys.
Our Mission
Helping divers explore the places we love is not just our job—it’s our passion. Our goal is to remain small, authentic, and dedicated to delivering exceptional dive travel experiences.
Find Out More
For more information about itineraries, destinations, and bespoke dive adventures, contact BTM Travel:
Email: marcel@behind-the-mask.com
Call: +49 (0) 176 55771225
Website: www.behind-the-mask.com/group-trips
News
Dive into Adventure: Limited Space Available for January Socorro Liveaboard Trip with Oyster Diving
Socorro Giant Mantas, Sharks and Dolphins – 8-16th January 2025
Oyster Diving is offering an unforgettable opportunity to experience one of the world’s most extraordinary dive destinations – Socorro Island. With only one male space left for this January’s liveaboard adventure, divers are invited to join an exclusive trip to explore the waters of Socorro, renowned for its remarkable marine life and incredible dive experiences.
Unmatched Diving in Socorro
Socorro is home to a unique population of giant oceanic mantas that actively seek interaction with divers and snorkelers, making it one of the best places in the world to encounter these majestic creatures. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – the waters surrounding Socorro are also teeming with marine life, including schooling hammerheads and silky sharks, over 10 other species of sharks, playful bottlenose dolphins that love to interact with divers, large schools of pelagic fish, and, during the season, humpback whales.
Luxury Aboard the Nautilus Belle Amie
Diving in such an extraordinary location is made even more special by the Nautilus Belle Amie. Launched in 2015, this modern, spacious liveaboard yacht is designed with divers in mind, ensuring comfort and luxury throughout the trip. The boat offers various suite options, including twin rooms and superior double suites, all with the ambiance of a boutique hotel. Divers will spend 8 days aboard the Belle Amie, with all meals, guided dives, and soft drinks included.
Pricing and Availability
This exclusive Socorro liveaboard trip is available for the following prices:
- Twin Room (2 people sharing a Stateroom): £3360 per person
- Superior Double Suite (2 people sharing): £3860 per person
Both prices include Socorro Island fees. A port fee of $35 is payable upon arrival.
Additional Costs:
- Return economy flights: Approx. £1,000 – £1,300 per person (prices confirmed prior to booking)
- One night hotel B&B accommodation before the liveaboard: Approx. £100 per person
Book Now
With only one spot left, this opportunity to explore Socorro’s spectacular underwater world is sure to fill up fast. Interested divers are encouraged to get in touch with Oyster Diving Holidays to secure their place today.
For more information and bookings, please contact:
Oyster Diving Holidays
Phone: 0800 699 0243
Email: info@oysterdiving.com
Don’t miss your chance to dive with mantas, sharks, dolphins, and humpbacks in one of the world’s most pristine marine environments!
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