Jim Knowlton, Executive producer and director of photography

Cameraman, editor, post-production supervisor, Blue Ocean Productions

 I was born with a wetsuit on, a camera in my hand, love all things ocean and am passionate about shark conservation. To me, sharks are the ultimate underwater film subject. They are beautiful animals and an evolutionary work of art. They are so misunderstood in their role as top predators and because of their bad rap, I am dedicated to sharing their natural history with the public. When I’m topside, I enjoy learning about and filming companies and their products. I specialize in documenting people, their culture and family stories. The documentaries I produce and photos I shoot are centered about making our planet a better place.

The details: Jim combines 15 years of experience working on Shark Week documentaries for the Discovery Channel, on the series Jean-Michel Cousteau Ocean Adventures for PBS, on My Father the Captain: Jacques-Yves Cousteau, on Superfish Bluefin Tuna for National Geographic, and on hundreds of short films, promotional videos, public service announcements and sizzle reels. 

Jim is director of photography, writer and editor on SWAINS ISLAND: One of the Last Jewels of the Planet - a 60 minute film about Jean-Michel Cousteau's journey to this tiny island located 200 miles north of American Samoa. This film will release during late 2014.

Gear: Jim has a complete video production package including a Canon 5D Mark lll, a Sony EX3, a Zoom H4N Sound recorder, a Rode Video Mic Pro, a Senhieser ME-66 shotgun mic, Lav mics, RPS Studio Lights, Varizoom tripod, grip stands, Aquatica and Amphibico underwater housings, Sola 2000 underwater video lights, and more.

RAW video with Magic Lantern software: Jim shoots with a Canon 5D Mark lll and he can shoot RAW Video using Magic Lantern software. RAW video offers 10 bit color, greater dynamic range and sharper video. To learn more about RAW video read his post about the benefits of shooting RAW on his blog at: Jim Knowlton's Blue Ocean Vlog.

Knowlton's Dive Certifications:
Open water diver SSI, Advanced Open Water Diver PADI, Rescue Diver - PADI, Advanced Nitrox Diver - TDI, Enriched Air Nitrox Diver - IANTD, Draeger Rebreather, Nitrox Gas Blender -TDI, Decompression Procedures Diver - TDI, Inspiration Rebreather Diver. 1000's of dives completed using SCUBA.

Click here for Jim’s credits.

Jim Knowlton is also owner of BLUEOCEAN.TV Stock Footage, where you can license ocean stock footage and ocean stock photos of sharks, rays, whales, coral reefs, photos of Jacques Cousteau and stock footage of Jacques Cousteau.