What is this project all about?
Up to 500 years ago, the Maya used to be one of the most prominent advanced civilizations of their time. Their executive was built on draconian punishment and human sacrifices to appease their numerous gods. Often, the victims were taken to submerged caves, deep within the jungle, which served as places of worship and were regarded as sacred springs. They belong to the world’s largest and deepest connected cave system - the cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. There, not only relics from Mayan times are found, but also prehistoric discoveries and unique geological and biological phenomena add to the fascination this labyrinth holds.
Four scientific divers from Kiel University have managed to advance that far. Each dive can last up to several hours, and even experienced divers are tested to their physical limits. Some of the caves are as large as a subway tunnel and sometimes, the divers have to squeeze through man-sized holes – scuba tanks by their sides while pushing their equipment forward.
In 2012, the team of divers wants to return to the cenotes once more – but this time with us, an experienced 3D film crew, by their side.
What is the project goal and who is the project for?
It is our goal to produce a documentation that is unparalleled so far. Diving lovers, those interested in documentations and 3D enthusiasts alike, all will have a spectacular experience watching our film.
The documentation „Caves of the Dead“ offers a blend of:
• One of the greatest adventure a diver can ever experience
• Action and suspense as the young crew advances into caves and depths which would even push experienced professional divers to their limits
• Scientific documentations of facts, be it historical, geological or biological – each of those aspects is represented in unique beauty in the Mexican cenotes
• Spectacular shots of stunningly beautiful underwater landscapes
• The world’s first 3D underwater cave documentation – using custom-made, state-of-the-art 3D equipment, which has been specifically developed for the making of this film!
Why would you support this project?
Not many documentations these days manage to be shown on the big screen. As a rule, the genre is put in second place by film boards or media distributors when it comes to the “big feeder bowls”. This, we aim to change by presenting innovative content. Also, we want the incredible achievement accomplished by the divers to receive the recognition it deserves, and this is the first step on our way to reach that goal. So:
• If you share our opinion…
• If you love great documentations…
• If you are fascinated with diving or underwater worlds…
• If you want to experience the diving team’s adventures up close in 3D…
…we would be extremely happy about your support!
How will we use the money if the project is successfully funded?
Funding for the underwater filming has been taken care of, and the shooting will commence in November 2012. However, there is a financing gap when it comes to filming above ground, so as to adequately represent the history of the Mayan people, and the people living on the Yucatan Peninsula today. Additionally, we plan on shooting a making of on site. This is what your funding money will be used for, and we require at least €20.000 to make it happen.
Should the outcome of this fundraiser be even better than we dare to hope, the additional money will be used for shooting with specific equipment, like for instance crane shots or aerial shooting by helicopter.
Who are the people behind the project?
This documentation will be produced by BLUE NOTE PRODUCTIONS Film & TV GmbH, with KSM GmbH as the co-producer, supporting the project financially and taking care of the worldwide marketing.
Producer team Peter Baaten and Benjamin Krause have already successfully realized numerous 3D documentation worldwide.
The conceptual responsibility of the project lies in the hands of Norbert Vander, one of the most experienced 3D directors in the business.
Technical development and realization will be carried out by Hamburg-based Chroma Media, Germany’s number one service provider for 3D technology.
The crew of scientific divers consists of:
• Florian „Floh“ Huber – Scientific diver and underwater archeologist
• Robert Marc Lehmann - Scientific diver and underwater biologist
• Christian Howe - Scientific diver and underwater cinematographer
• Uli Kunz - Scientific diver and underwater photographer,
all of them experienced professionals who know what they are doing.
We all are convinced that this film will be among the most innovative 3D projects in the German media environment, and we are looking forward to your support!
