Nicknamed "the American Cousteau," renowned underwater cinematographer Al Giddings shares stories and scenes from a lifetime of diving adventures -- and quite possibly the most hours underwater of any human being. With unprecedented access to his one-of-a-kind film library, featuring groundbreaking documentaries, IMAX and Hollywood movies, including Titanic , The Abyss and The Deep , WLIW New York President and General Manager Terrel Cass speaks one-on-one with the legend to discover the fearless genius behind his breathtaking aquatic images.
Against unpredictable waters and formidable opponents, Giddings plunges into the deep to reveal the brightly-colored fish, otherworldly creatures and Darwinian masterpieces beyond the shore. Celebrated for technological advances throughout his career, Giddings built the first dome port for underwater housings, was the first diver to use a re-breather system, and transformed a nuclear power plant into The Abyss ’ elaborate underwater set. You’ll also hear the behind-the-scenes story of the incredibly daring shoots that spawned Titanic, the highest grossing movie of all time.
Conveying the importance of preserving the ocean’s resources and inhabitants through his natural history work, Giddings and his colleagues recount a series of innovative and heroic acts to obtain once-in-a-lifetime footage. From photographing singing humpback whales within touching distance to a life-saving shark attack rescue, from filming never-before-seen organisms to swimming amongst great whites without a cage, conservation is closest to Giddings’ heart and fuels his desire to push the envelope visually and technically to this day. Running Time: 40 minutes (approx.)
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