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 worlds 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.
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 worlds 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!
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 teams adventures up close
in 3D&
&we would be extremely happy about your support!
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.
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, Germanys 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!
