Offshore Filming
Below The Rig: A Documentary with DCN Diving
At Production Haus, we don’t just tell stories—we dive into them, literally. Based in Wakefield, UK, and fully certified to work offshore, we had the privilege of collaborating with DCN Diving, a leader in subsea engineering, to produce an extraordinary documentary that showcases the innovation, precision, and human spirit that drive their operations. Our 20+ minute film, "Below The Rig," dives into the heart of their groundbreaking underwater and offshore work.
DCN Diving: Who They Are
DCN Diving is a global pioneer in subsea engineering, offering state-of-the-art diving and hyperbaric services. They specialize in underwater construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair, serving industries such as oil and gas, renewable energy, and civil engineering. With a reputation for innovation and safety, DCN Diving operates at the cutting edge of technology and expertise in some of the most challenging environments on the planet.
Documenting Excellence Offshore: A Unique Challenge
Offshore filming isn’t just a job—it’s an adventure. For us, stepping into the world of DCN Diving meant learning the intricacies of their operations, embracing the challenges of filming in extreme environments, and ensuring safety remained paramount. Their work on a 50- to 60-year-old rig involved welding underwater jackets at a depth of 70 meters. This is no ordinary task, and it’s certainly not a place for an untrained camera crew.
To document the operation, we collaborated closely with Saturation Divers and ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) teams, ensuring we captured the right angles and details while staying out of harm’s way. The underwater welding itself was carried out in DCN’s innovative microhabitat—a game-changing technology that’s safer, faster, and more cost-effective than traditional methods. This cutting-edge solution is transforming the industry and saving offshore companies millions.
Above the water, we filmed stunning aerial cinematography just outside the 500-meter safety perimeter of the rig. Onboard the vessel, we had two cameras documenting the entire process, capturing the work of deck crew, welding coordinators, dive support, technicians, project engineers, and more. This comprehensive approach allowed us to tell a complete story of the collaboration and precision required to pull off such a complex operation.
The Heart of the Documentary
"Below The Rig" isn’t just about the technology; it’s about the people. The documentary captures the grit, skill, and passion of the team—from the divers who spend days at a time in pressurized chambers to the engineers and project managers who make it all possible. Their commitment to safety and precision shines through every frame.
Interviews with divers and leadership gave us a window into their world, where every decision matters and teamwork is paramount. The result is a story that’s not just visually stunning but deeply human.
Our Approach to Offshore Filming
Telling a story this complex required a creative and technical approach that matched the ambition of the project. Here’s how we did it:
Collaboration with Saturation Divers and ROV Teams: By working directly with the experts, we ensured the captured footage showcased the precision and coordination required for underwater operations.
Aerial Cinematography: Our drones brought the scale and scope of the operation to life, providing breathtaking views of the rig and its surroundings.
Onboard Documentation: With two cameras capturing every detail of the vessel’s operations, we documented the efforts of deck crew, welding coordinators, dive support, technicians, and project engineers to showcase the teamwork and expertise behind the scenes.
Behind-the-Scenes Footage: From planning meetings to the execution of intricate tasks, we highlighted the advanced technology and meticulous preparation that drive DCN Diving’s success.
Human Stories: By focusing on the people behind the operations, we brought an emotional depth to the film that resonates with audiences.
The Results
The documentary has become a powerful tool for DCN Diving, used to:
Strengthen Client Relationships: The film visually demonstrates their capabilities, reinforcing trust and credibility.
Attract New Business: High-quality visuals and storytelling highlight their expertise, opening doors to new markets.
Foster Employee Pride: The documentary showcases the essential role of their team, building morale and engagement.
Support Training Initiatives: New hires gain an understanding of the complexity and importance of their work through the film.
What We Learned
This project was an unforgettable journey into the world of offshore engineering. Here are our key takeaways:
Immersive Storytelling Matters: To tell a story as dynamic as DCN Diving’s, you have to go beyond the surface—literally.
Innovation Inspires: Documenting groundbreaking technology like the microhabitat is a reminder of how creativity and problem-solving drive industries forward.
People Are the Heart of Every Story: No matter how advanced the technology, it’s the dedication and expertise of the people that truly make an impact.
Call to Action
If you’re looking for a Wakefield-based production team with offshore certification and a passion for storytelling, Production Haus is here to help. Let us bring your offshore operations to life with compelling visuals and authentic narratives. Contact us today to explore how we can showcase your expertise to the world.
