My Story:
My underwater journey began in 2013 doing my Open Water Course while travelling through Indonesia, from there it quickly developed into a passion, taking every opportunity to be underwater. Eventually leading up to my 6 weeks Divemaster training in the Komodo National Park in Indonesia where I learnt a huge amount from my Divemaster Trainers regarding marine life and their passion for it. From there I began taking still images underwater mostly locally here in South Australia, but I quickly realised I wanted moving pictures! Especially of macro life. From there my skills quickly grew being self taught mostly by trial and error (arguably the best but hardest way to learn!) as my passion and skills grew, so did my kit bag, eventually moving into Underwater Cinema Camera kits. In 2021 I completed my JJ-CCR training and began my closed circuit rebreather journey, now with over 200 hours on the loop and MOD2 60m trimix certification. Recently I have also completed my CDAA Cave Diver Training. Underwater Film Making is my passion, and I treasure every opportunity I have working with marine life.
CV of Dean Spraakman Underwater DP last 3-4 years:
– October 2020 Channel 9 Travel Guides show shark cage diving episode Port Lincoln SA: working as Underwater DP filming entire cast cage diving with Great White Sharks.
– April 2021 CH4 global Asparagopsis (climate change seaweed) shoot Adelaide SA: working as Underwater DP filming Asparagopsis seaweed for a special about the effects of this seaweed when consumed in cattle to offset carbon emissions.
– April/May 2021 My Underwater Worlds with Richard Harris shoot 1: Topside & Underwater DP, now airing on Channel 9.
– July 2021 My Underwater Worlds with Richard Harris shoot 2: Topside & Underwater DP, now airing on Channel 9.
– August/September 2021 Wild Space Productions ‘Our Oceans’ Southern Ocean episode Tasmania for Netflix Shoot 1: working as Underwater DP filming a natural history macro sequence, soon to be released on Netflix.
– May 2022 My Underwater Worlds with Richard Harris shoot 3: Topside & Underwater DP, now airing on Channel 9.
– June 2022 Icon Films Bull Shark Bandits Shoot for National Geographic Shark Fest Weipa QLD:working as Underwater DP filming Bull Sharks from a plastic cage, now on Nat Geo Disney +
– September 2022 Wild Space Productions ‘Our Oceans’ Southern Ocean episode Tasmania for Netflix shoot 2: working as Underwater AC & Second DP alongside Hugh Miller filming a natural history macro sequence, soon to be released on Netflix.
– February 2023 Vivid Media music video pool shoot for ‘Maisie’ film clip: working as Underwater DP, now on MTV and Rage.
– March 2023 Little Monster Films Cocklebiddy cave Nullarbor desert SA cave diving shoot: Underwater AC to Rich Stevenson and primarily working as Topside DP. On camera – Richard Harris, Craig Challen & Jason Mallinson.
– May 2023 Breakout Productions Mega Sharks of Dangerous Reef Discovery Shark Week show:working as Underwater DP with shark scientist Lauren Meyer and the Breakout team. Working from small vessel with manually handled small shark cage as well as on the Rodney Fox Shark Expeditions vessel.
– Jan 2024 Breakout Productions Super Shark Highway for Love Nature: working as Underwater DP primarily filming white sharks for beauty shots.
– June 2024 release of my independent short film ‘A Dragon Story’ winner Ocean Geographic Vision of the Sea award. Also due in October to be featured in the San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition as well as the Canberra Short Film Festival in November.
– July & August 2024 Best Production Company new 6-part Shark Series for Netflix traveling to 6 different countries. Due for release 2025: working as Underwater DP.
List of Diving & Specialty certifications:
- PADI Open Water Diver
- PADI Advanced Open Water Diver
- PADI Rescue Diver
- PADI DiveMaster #384908
- PADI Enriched Nitrox Diver
- PADI Deep Diver
- TDI JJ-CCR air-dil diver
- TDI MOD1 JJ-CCR air-dil deco #1277943
- TDI MOD2 JJ-CCR 60m trimix diver #1278384
- TDI Nitrox Gas Blender
- CDAA Basic Cave Diver #5538
- CDAA & TDI Overhead Environment Cave Diver
- St Johns Advanced First Aid and O2 Therapy
Stock Footage contribution Documentary Shows:
- Discovery Channels Shark Week – ongoing
- Nat Geo’s Shark Fest – ongoing
- Wild Bear Entertainments Documentaries: Wild Islands, Baby Animals, Navigating The World, Just Animals 2, Under The Sea….
- Wild Space Productions: Netflix Oceans Series
A selection of Dean’s recent footage samples can be found on the Show Reels page.
To discuss availability and rates please Contact Dean – info@seadragonfilms.com.au – 0423 403 767
