Explore the latest cinematic underwater sound stages and filming tanks, and discover how filmmakers are capturing aquatic scenes like never before
Have you ever wondered how productions accomplish cinema magic when filming underwater scenes? This article explores prime underwater film studios, discovering what makes them attractive for filmmaking and the logistical concerns for keeping the set safe.
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The Rise of Filming Underwater Scenes
Inside the entertainment industry today, there is a noticeable surge in underwater scenes in both films and television. Recently, the popularity of these aquatic realism visuals has grown, allowing producers to showcase their creativity and craftsmanship. Filmmakers have recognized the demand for immersive underwater storytelling and are embracing modern techniques to bring these narratives to life in underwater film studios.
To the average viewer, these scenes might seem impossible—how can something be both safe and visually stunning? Over time, however, these underwater filming environments have evolved, offering a unique set of challenges and advantages to cast and crew.
Village Roadshow Studios’ underwater film tank. Photo credit: Village Roadshow Studios Facebook
With new technology and safety measures, subaquatic film studios now produce high-end visuals that fit with their otherworldly narratives. Water’s ability to bend light and move smoothly gives filmmakers tools to evoke emotion, wonder, mystery, or tension. Filming underwater scenes can also highlight the beauty of marine life and promote conservation efforts.
With beauty comes hardships, however, and safety is a top concern in this environment. Hazards like strong currents, low visibility, equipment malfunctions, technological issues, such as light distortion, and environmental conditions can and will arise. Cast and crew must be both skilled and comfortable conversing to prevent communication barriers in the workplace.
Inside the World’s Top Underwater Film Studios
All over the world, innovative underwater filming tanks, underwater sound stages and aquatic locations exist and provide exceptional outlets for cutting-edge cinematography.
Lantica Studios, San Pedro de Macorís
Home to the feature film 47 Meters Down, the underwater filming tank and facilities at Lantica Studios (formerly Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios) are a top choice for high-intensity underwater scenes. The studio features a Horizon Water Tank with a natural ocean backdrop and a seabed set reaching 16 feet deep. Now wholly owned by Lantica Media, the studio is a growing force in Central American film and recently backed the family dramedy Perez Rodriguez.
Filming an aquatic scene at Lantica Studios. Photo credit: Lantica Studios Facebook
Louisiana Wave Studio, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Louisiana Wave Studio is a computerized wave-making facility for film, television and scientific productions. The underwater film studio features a 750,000-gallon tank measuring 80 by 100 feet and 10 feet deep, making it capable of producing custom waves and swell patterns ranging from 2 to 10 feet high. Designed for dynamic water effects and visual realism, the studio supports various filming needs, including flood scenes, boat simulations and large-scale aquatic sets. Productions also benefit from Louisiana’s competitive film production tax credit, making it a cost-effective and high-tech option for water-based storytelling.
Studio Babelsberg, Potsdam, Germany
As Germany’s premier destination for aquatic filming, Studio Babelsberg is home to the country’s largest indoor water tank. Designed for both underwater and above-water productions, the tank holds 500,000 liters and reaches a depth of 13 feet. The studio offers a full suite of production support, including heating systems for water temperatures up to 91°F, green screen options, and expert technical crews. Studio Babelsberg provides a controlled and professional environment for complex water scenes, whether for feature films, TV series or commercials.
Underwater filming of UNKNOWN at Studio Babelsberg. Photo credit: StudioBabelsberg/IG
Bigfoot Studios, Mactan Island, Philippines
Tucked along the coast of Mactan Island, Bigfoot Studios offers a one-of-a-kind underwater filming experience. This custom-built studio is designed with photographers and filmmakers in mind, featuring built-in lighting and four viewing windows in the underwater filming tank that let directors capture scenes from every angle. Whether you’re going for the look of deep ocean shots or shallower, dreamlike moments, this space gives the flexibility to bring underwater vision to life.
Village Roadshow Studios, Oxenford, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Village Roadshow Studios is recognized as a prime destination for filming underwater scenes thanks to its state-of-the-art water tanks. It features one of the largest purpose-built tanks in the Southern Hemisphere, with an infinity edge for seamless ocean-like views. The tanks include special filters and heating to keep the water clean, warm and safe. The studio has hosted major Hollywood productions like Aquaman, San Andreas, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales.
Behind the scenes of Aquaman at Village Roadshow Studios. Photo credit: Village Roadshow Studios Facebook
What Makes a Great Underwater Film Stage?
With so many standout water tank filming destinations worldwide, one can’t help but wonder—what makes these facilities so advanced? A top-quality underwater film stage, such as Lantica Studios and Studio Babelsberg, combines deep and spacious tanks, advanced water filtration for clarity, and features like viewing windows, professional lighting setups, underwater sound stages, and control rooms above water. Strict safety policies are also enforced for the crew, and trained divers are on standby to support and teach the actors before and during filming.
Village Roadshow Studios’ 6-million-litre water tank is ready to film a scene. Photo credit: Village Roadshow Studios Facebook
Productions Using Modern Underwater Stages
As technology advances and audiences grow more intrigued, underwater stage productions are becoming more popular across the film industry. These modern, subaquatic sets are not only accessible for high production films, but they have also become increasingly sought after for smaller projects that seek the audience allure aspect.
Avatar: The Way of Water
In James Cameron’s Avatar: The Way of Water, a new standard was set for underwater filmmaking. Using practical, cutting-edge technology inside a custom-built water tank, they set the stage for groundbreaking underwater scenes. Actors Kate Winslet and Sam Worthington underwent extensive training in free diving and breath-holding to perform scenes submerged for minutes at a time, utilizing the array of aquatic tools such as specialized underwater motion capture cameras.
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Throughout Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, directed by Ryan Cooglerused, a mix of dry-for-wet techniques and real underwater tank shoots produced a realistic view for the audience. Actors were filmed on set with effects to simulate water, and the hybrid approach allowed for greater control while still capturing the weight and movement of underwater scenes.
More and more independent films and commercials are diving into aquatic scenes, thanks to affordable gear, smaller tanks and virtual effects, which are helping to achieve stunning visuals that used to be reserved for big-budget blockbusters.
Technology Driving the New Wave of Underwater Production
Filming scenes from Bait at Village Roadshow Studios’ Stage 5 inground film tank. Photo credit: Village Roadshow Studios Facebook
Underwater film studios require key resources to produce the mesmerizing content that creators envision. Crews utilize high-resolution LED walls that replace traditional greenscreens, enhancing the realism of a background. These walls also give directors more creative control over their ideas, lower expenses and increased safety. Innovations like AI-powered camera tracking and underwater drones help transform underwater scenes and deliver smoother movement, allowing the ability to capture every detail inside these extraordinary films.
Logistical & Safety Considerations
While audiences enjoy the captivating visuals, the real work and challenges of filming aquatic scenes happen behind those watery scenes. The dangers are often overlooked in the beauty on screen. Safety concerns include coordinating dive teams, securing insurance, meeting legal regulations, and preparing the cast and crew through specialized training. Filmmakers must prioritize safety while working in harsh and sometimes overwhelming environments of underwater filming tanks.
Are Underwater Film Studios the Way to Go?
Village Roadshow Studios’ main outdoor film tank. Photo credit: Village Roadshow Studios Facebook
With the uprising of these underwater film studios, directors and producers must consider the risk of the setting carefully and how it fits into their story. Before committing, ask the following:
- Does the narrative truly benefit from underwater scenes?
- Are the actors trained or capable of performing in water?
- Is the production timeline and budget equipped to handle underwater logistics?
- Will the visual payoff justify the added complexity?
Do the risks ultimately outweigh the rewards in these visually stunning underwater sets? Pushing the boundaries of aquatic storytelling plays a vital role in advancing the film industry and setting new goals for productions in the future.
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