Narrated by Dr. Sylvia Earle Available in Digital & 15/70: 3D, 2D & Dome
When I was introduced to the new technology developed specifically for us, I immediately understood that this was a breakthrough in underwater filming that would allow us to capture extraordinary, never-before seen images that I had never witnessed in my 69 years of diving.
Jean-Michel Cousteau
About the film

FILM SYNOPSIS

Jean-Michel Cousteau, son of ocean pioneer Jacques Cousteau, offers a breakthrough look at a secret world within the ocean that is perhaps the biggest story of all—that the smallest life in the sea is the mightiest force on which we all depend.  Alongside marine biologist Holly Lohuis, he invites viewers to dive into this whole new world that will leave them in awe of the beauty and diversity of the oceans – the source of all life on our planet – and inspire an even stronger desire to protect what they have either seen for the first time or perhaps re-discovered along the journey.
Narrated by renowned oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle, “Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Secret Ocean 3D” introduces audiences to over 30 species, illuminating behaviors captured for the first time thanks to the development of new tools that allow underwater filming in 3D, ultra-HD 5K, slow motion, macro, and with motion control, and takes them to remarkable and vibrant environments such as the Bahamas, Fiji, and Bimini.

Presentation clip


Jean-Michel Cousteau & Sylvia Earle

Why we made this film

WHY We are used to seeing the big marine animals such as whales, dolphins and sharks, and many have focused on protecting these great animals. But these represent only the top of the food chain. With “Secret Ocean 3D” we understand that the most important is the bottom of the food chain on which everything else in the ocean depends. We are incredibly excited by this opportunity to share with all audiences this brand new universe within the ocean world that they will better understand and feel the need to protect as much as dolphins and whales.

Where we shot it

where-fiji Over 40 species are observed, with most sequences illustrating behaviors never before seen and featuring extraordinary & colorful underwater environments, including the Bahamas, the Fiji Islands and Biminis. Viewers will witness some of the most unforgettable scenes of life beneath the waves ever captured, such as Squid City, Kelp Forest Avenue, Octopus Ride, Christmas Tree Symphony, Zooplankton Spaceships, and the Arrow Crabs’ dance.

New Filming Technology

TECH copy The astonishing, never-before-seen images in “Secret Ocean 3D” were captured thanks to the development of new filming tools which allow underwater shoots in 3D, Ultra-HD 4K, slow motion, close up, macro, and with motion control. Three years of research and development were required to obtain the final images that will wow audiences at cinemas around the globe.Thanks to these breakthrough filming techniques in 3D, viewers will literally dive into the virtually unknown new underwater world as if they were there.

Meet the cast

JMC+Holly2 Jean-Michel Cousteau and marine biologist Holly Lohuis
plankton PLANKTON
basket BASKET STAR
clown ANEMONE & CLOWNFISH
clam GIANT CLAM
arrow ARROW CRAB
shrimp BANDED CORAL SHRIMP
cucumber SEA CUCUMBER
octopus OCTOPUS
gobies GOBIES/BLENNIES
xmastree CHRISTMAS TREE WORMS
hermit HERMIT CRAB
slug SEA HARE
slug2 COLD WATER SEA HARE
squid SQUID
crown Crown of thorns
lion LION FISH
Meet the crew

A great number of talented individuals were involved in the making of “Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Secret Ocean.” They combined their personal knowledge about oceanography, science, music, shooting and film -direction to provide an unbelievable diving experience and allow you to discover wonderful creatures you likely never suspected even existed.

JMC-250
Jean-Michel Cousteau
Director
People protect what they love
- Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Protect the ocean, and you protect yourself
- Jean-Michel Cousteau
gavin
Gavin McKinney
Director of Photography
Holly
Holly Lohuis
Marine Biologist
sylviaearle
Dr. Sylvia Earle
Narrator
Pam
Pamela Stacey
Film writer
RichardMurphy
Dr. Richard Murphy
Chief Scientific Advisor
jacquelin
Christophe Jaquelin
Music Composer
Making of

The family's picture Action ! _CEV4211 Examination 11 JM & Holly 6 Into the squids Around the hammerhead Around the hammerhead The crew from below The crew from below
Our partners
THEY GAVE US THEIR SUPPORT IN ORDER TO BRING THIS PROJECT TO LIFE

Jean-Michel Cousteau

For more than four decades, Jean-Michel Cousteau has dedicated himself and used his vast experience to communicate to people of all nations and generations his love and concern for our watery planet. Since first being “thrown overboard” by his father at the age of seven with newly invented SCUBA gear on his back, Jean Michel has been exploring the ocean realm. The son of ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, Jean-Michel has investigated the world’s oceans aboard the ‘Calypso’ and ‘Alcyone’ for much of his life. He has produced over 80 films, received the Emmy, the Peabody Award, the 7 d’Or, and the Cable Ace Award. Reaching millions of people globally through Ocean Futures Society, Jean Michel continues to produce environmentally oriented films, adventure programs and television specials, public service announcements, multi-media programs for schools, web-based marine content, books, articles for magazines, newspapers columns, and public lectures.

Ocean Futures Society

Honoring his heritage, Jean-Michel founded Ocean Futures Society in 1999 to carry on this pioneering work. As Executive Vice President of The Cousteau Society for nearly 20 years, and now as Founder and President of Ocean Futures Society, Jean-Michel travels the globe, meeting with leaders and policy makers both at the grassroots level and in the highest echelons of government and business. OFS, a non-profit marine conservation and education organization, serves as a ‘Voice for the Ocean’ by communicating in all media the critical bond between people and the sea and the importance of wise environmental policy. As Ocean Futures’ spokesman, Jean-Michel serves as an impassioned diplomat for the environment, reaching out to the public through a variety of media.

3D Entertainment Films

Founded in 2001 and headquartered in London (UK) with a satellite office in Los Angeles, 3D Entertainment Films (3DEF) is a vertically-integrated company focused on the production and distribution of innovative films for IMAX® theatres and digital 3D cinemas worldwide. The Company’s mission is to immerse audiences of all ages in unique story-driven experiences that both inspire and educate. The cornerstone of its catalogue is an exceptional underwater film trilogy presented by Jean-Michel Cousteau – “Ocean Wonderland 3D” ,“ Sharks 3D ” and “ Dolphins and Whales 3D ” – which has cumulatively grossed over USD 86 million at the box office to date, which represent about 14 million viewers.

For Educators

US standards-based educational tools designed by Ocean Futures Society’s educational team to enhance students’ experience and enjoyment of “Secret Ocean” is available in conjunction with the film’s launch.

For exhibitors

An extensive range of electronic and printed marketing tools have been designed by 3D Entertainment Distribution to assist exhibitors in their promotion of “Secret Ocean.” These materials and additional information are available for download from the film’s exhibitor support FTP.

Newsroom

Contact us

For further information about the film or any questions, please contact info@secretocean-thefilm.com.
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