The Ocean Footage Mastery Progam

Ocean Footage Mastery

Turn Your Underwater Passion into Professional-Grade Cinematography

Welcome to The Ocean Footage Mastery Program

Unlock the practical knowledge, protocols, and systems you need to improve your craft.

OFM isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about systematically bridging the gap between solid diving skills and high-end cinematography through clear, proven techniques and continuous feedback.

Is This Program For You?

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Do you regularly dive in prime diving locations around the world?

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Do you care deeply about the underwater world and its creatures?

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Are you determined to refine your craft and develop a professional workflow?

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Do you have the drive to solve the “apprenticeship gap” by learning techniques that set professionals apart?

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Are you ready to invest in your passion to overcome obstacles in reaching your creative and professional goals?

If you answered “YES” to any of these, then OFM is designed for you.

Apply Today

FastTrack Your Learning

Are you currently wrestling with the "Apprenticeship Gap"?

Though skilled in diving and passionate about the ocean, you lack access to the high-end cinematography techniques that set professionals apart. Formal apprenticeships are rare and hard to secure, leaving many frustrated, missing opportunities, and struggling to reach a world-class level.

Realise your Professional Potential

You will gain access to all the knowledge, protocols, and systems you need to unlock your full potential. Ongoing coaching, community feedback, and accountability will accelerate your growth, helping you craft footage worthy of high-end productions. Whether you pursue a full-time career or contribute through stock sales, you'll develop the skills to compete professionally.

About the progam

The OFM Program: A Practical, Step-by-Step Approach

Even if you have excellent diving skills and a love for the ocean, the high-level techniques of professional underwater cinematography aren’t available on free tutorials. OFM fills that gap by teaching you the systems and protocols that Roger has refined over years of work and applies on every shoot, providing a clear, structured pathway to develop your professional skills step by step—without unrealistic promises of overnight mastery.

Decisive Cine Framework

"What am I trying to say?"—the question that drives every decision, ensuring composition, coverage, lighting, and movement align with the story’s emotional and narrative goals.

Cinematography is more than just capturing images—it’s about designing visual messages that evoke emotions, guide audience perception, and enhance storytelling. Every frame presents an opportunity to communicate meaning, and the best cinematographers make intentional choices that serve the narrative. The Decisive Cine Framework (DCF) simplifies cinematography into a structured decision-making process, ensuring that every choice is deliberate and purposeful.

"It’s about control: control over what the audience sees, feels, and understands in every shot."–Roger Horrocks

01

Composition.

Direct the viewer’s eye with intentional framing.

Learn how to direct audience attention through techniques like rule of thirds, leading lines, diagonals, contrast, and negative space—ensuring each frame is visually compelling and serves the story.

02

Coverage.

Capture the essential building blocks for every scene.

Learn how to capture a variety of shots—wide, medium, tight—to provide editors and producers with everything needed to construct a seamless, engaging sequence. It's not about shooting more—it’s about shooting with intention.

03

Lighting.

Shape mood, depth, and visual impact.

Learn how to control light to enhance storytelling. Understand how high-contrast lighting makes subjects stand out, shadows add mystery, and natural vs. artificial light affects tone.

04

Movement.

Use motion to enhance storytelling and emotion.

Develop deliberate, controlled camera movements that draw attention to subjects, enhance storytelling, and create a cinematic feel—without chasing the action.

Why the DCF Matters

The Decisive Cine Framework is more than just a set of techniques—it’s a practical decision-making tool that helps cinematographers make clear, intentional choices in unpredictable, high-pressure filming environments. Underwater cinematography often means dealing with uncontrollable elements, fleeting moments, and real-time chaos. Without a structured approach, it’s easy to hesitate, overthink, or miss critical shots.

Gain control, clarity, and confidence in your cinematography with the DCF.

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Every shot is intentional, serving the story and guiding the audience’s emotions.

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Ensure clarity and control in unpredictable, high-pressure filming environments.

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Eliminate hesitation—make confident, decisive choices in the field.

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Operate with a repeatable framework to refine skills and consistently improve shot execution.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Today

Sequence Craft

A structured, adaptable workflow that guides you through every phase of production, ensuring a deliberate and professional approach to underwater cinematography.

Sequence Craft provides a clear framework for planning, executing, and refining your shoots, allowing you to make informed creative decisions in any environment. By following a systematic process—from defining your objectives to analysing and improving your footage—Sequence Craft helps you develop a consistent, high-quality filmmaking practice that evolves with your experience.

01

Frame.

This module focuses on setting clear objectives and planning your gear, logistics, and shot lists.

02

Explore.

Test your assumptions in the field and adapt your strategy based on real conditions.

03

Craft.

Learn to execute the shoot with deliberate, controlled techniques.

04

Leverage.

This module guides you in reviewing, refining, and integrating feedback to improve future shoots.

Master Cinematic Execution Across Environments

Each underwater and topside environment presents unique challenges and opportunities for storytelling. In the Craft phase of Sequence Craft, you’ll learn to adapt your approach based on location and subject behaviour, ensuring deliberate and controlled execution in every shot.

BlueWaterOS

An OS for capturing cinematic sequences in open ocean environments, emphasising clarity, adaptability, execution, and maximising results.

FluidBenthicOS

An OS for capturing sequences in dynamic seabed environments, emphasising positioning, pattern recognition, execution, and storytelling.

StaticBenthicOS

An OS for crafting deliberate, long-form sequences in seabed environments, emphasising precision framing, behavioral observation, and stability.

TopSideOS

An OS for capturing dynamic sequences from above and at the surface, emphasising aerial world-building, stabilised motion, and integration.

Why Sequence Craft Matters

Underwater cinematography is unpredictable—changing conditions, fast-moving subjects, and limited shooting windows mean there’s no room for guesswork. Without a structured system, divers often come back with incomplete, disorganised footage that doesn’t hold together in an edit.

Sequence Craft provides a clear, adaptable framework that ensures every phase of your shoot is intentional, efficient, and repeatable.

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Know exactly what you need to capture before getting in the water, so you don’t waste time reacting to the scene.

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By following a structured approach, you maximise every dive, every shot, every opportunity to get usable footage.

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Conditions change fast underwater. This framework helps you pivot and adjust while staying on track with your shooting objectives.

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The more you apply it, the faster and more intuitive your filmmaking becomes, ensuring consistent results.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Today

Real-World Application

Our current cohorts are already seeing shifts in their approach:

Refined Camera Movement

Nick Hawkins–
‍"Watching your rushes made me rethink how I move the camera. I used to think I had a solid grasp on movement, but seeing your approach—never rushing, never whipping the camera around—really clicked for me. It’s about guiding the frame, not chasing the action."

Shifting White Balance Approach

Alex Glick–
‍"Before, I left my camera at a default white balance setting, thinking I could correct everything in post. But, setting a custom white balance at different depths gives me a much better starting point. It saves time in grading and makes the footage feel more natural right out of the camera."

Natural Lighting Mastery

Jessica Miocevich–
"I used to rely on video lights all the time, but after reviewing older footage, I realised how artificial it looked. This time, I left the lights off entirely, and the result was worlds apart. The natural light made everything feel more immersive and realistic."

Improved Tracking & Stability

Fabio Benelli–
‍"Instead of relying on my hands to steady the shot, I now focus on controlling my buoyancy better. I used slow, deliberate movements to track subjects, which helped make my footage feel much more stable and professional."

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join the Next Cohort – Apply Today

What You Get with OFM

Ocean Footage Mastery isn’t just another online course—it’s a structured, hands-on training ground designed for serious divers who want to refine their cinematography skills with the guidance of an industry expert. This isn’t about passive learning or surface-level tutorials. It’s about building real, professional-level underwater cinematography techniques through deliberate practice, expert feedback, and a system that works in the field.

Structured, Actionable Learning

Many underwater cinematography courses focus on concepts without giving you a clear execution plan. OFM follows a practical, structured learning approach that ensures you understand not just what to do, but how to do it effectively in real-world conditions.

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A Clear Pathway from Learning to Execution

‍Instead of leaving you to piece together disjointed techniques, we provide a step-by-step system that ensures steady, measurable progress. Whether you’re refining your camera movement, adjusting to natural lighting, or framing a compelling shot, every lesson is designed to be immediately applicable.

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Built for Different Ocean Environments

‍Underwater cinematography isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you're working in open blue water, dynamic reef-based environments (fluid benthic), or controlled seabed sequences (static benthic), OFM teaches you the specific techniques needed for each setting.

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Learn at Your Own Pace, with Guided Milestones

‍While OFM gives you structured learning modules, we also recognise that every cinematographer progresses at their own speed. You’ll have access to a flexible curriculum that allows you to move forward as you refine your skills, ensuring that your execution matches your ambition.

Henley Spiers–
‍"The course has exceeded my expectations. Even though we’re mostly laying theoretical foundations, I’ve already come away with valuable insights. I loved being taken behind the veil of blue-chip productions and learning the nitty-gritty details. The ‘race not pack horse’ analogy really stuck with me. I’m inspired and excited for what’s to come."

Sarah Coote–
‍"Each week, the layers of learning continue to build and expand. The Q&A sessions and shared expertise from other members add an extra layer of value. Seeing the breakdown of sequences, with detailed insights into frame rates, framing intent, and how everything comes together, has been a game-changer."

Kelsey Williamson–
‍"The community has been the most valuable part of this program... hearing others’ inquiries often brings up points I hadn’t thought of. The shared experiences and diverse perspectives help maximize the learning process for everyone."

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Today

Continuous Feedback & Hands-On Mentorship

Many courses sell you information and disappear. OFM is different.The real transformation happens through ongoing feedback, footage reviews, and direct mentorship.

01

Expert Footage Reviews

‍Every serious filmmaker needs constructive, expert feedback to improve. You’ll submit your footage and receive direct critiques that help you refine your technique, composition, movement, and exposure.

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Live Q&A and Mentorship

Roger doesn’t just provide generic feedback—he dives into the nuances of your footage, your shooting conditions, and your challenges, offering practical solutions and high-level insights.

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Community Feedback & Peer Learning

You'll join a private network of serious underwater cinematographers, gaining fresh perspectives, troubleshooting challenges, and accelerating your progress.

Fabio Benelli–
‍"For years, I’ve struggled with questions I couldn’t find answers to—this course is already answering them. The mentorship and technical insights are priceless. I also love the Q&A sessions and the chance to connect with such amazing people."

Jessica Miocevich–
‍"Before joining, I felt unsure about which direction to take and how to push myself into the industry. Now, things feel so much clearer, and I’ve been incredibly inspired. The Q&As have been so helpful, and I’ve already started applying new ways of thinking to my work."

Alex Glick–
‍"The Q&A was such a valuable space to learn. Hearing about entering the industry and the organisation behind blue-chip productions gave me so much insight into the world I hope to join. I walked away from my computer inspired and ready for more!"

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Today

Proven Workflows & Real-World Application

Most divers struggle to make the jump from filming ocean life to creating footage that professionals actually use. OFM bridges that gap with industry-tested workflows used in major productions, including My Octopus Teacher and Blue Planet II.

01

Develop Professional Shooting & Editing Practices

Learn how to approach a shoot with structure and intention, so you’re not just reacting to what’s happening but orchestrating a compelling sequence.
Develop an eye for sequences rather than standalone clips, making your footage far more valuable to broadcasters and editors.

02

Master the Core Pillars of Cinematic Filmmaking

Learn how to frame shots with balance, symmetry, and leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye.
Capture a variety of shots to build an editor-friendly sequence rather than disconnected clips.
Master controlled motion and natural light techniques instead of relying on excessive artificial lighting.

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Adopt A Systematic Workflow for Every Filming Scenario

Blue Water (mastering negative space, bait balls, and pelagic wildlife)
Fluid Benthic (tracking fast-moving reef life with controlled motion)
Static Benthic (filming slow, character-driven stories in controlled environments)
Aerial & Surface Cinematography (integrating drone and gimbal work into your underwater sequences)

Robin Fisher–
‍"The insights from Roger about planning and intentionality have already shifted my mindset. The community we’re building here is so strong, and I think it’s going to be a powerful resource moving forward."

James Doughty–
‍"The biggest win was understanding what producers expect and how to plan effectively. I loved Roger’s insight about clarity and intention—it’s already helping me rethink my approach."

Henley Spiers–
‍"My biggest win this week is understanding how much you can dig deeper into topics I thought I already knew well. The Q&A has triggered so many new questions in my mind—it’s one of my favorite parts of the program."

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Today

A Network That Grows With You—For Life

One of the most underrated benefits of OFM isn’t just what you learn today—it’s the lifelong access to a growing network of serious underwater cinematographers. Unlike many programs that give you temporary access, OFM is a career-long asset, ensuring that you are always part of a thriving, evolving ecosystem of ocean filmmakers.

01

An Exclusive, High-Quality Community

‍Not everyone gets into OFM. This is a network of dedicated, skilled divers who are serious about their craft. That means every interaction, piece of feedback, and shared resource comes from a high level of expertise and commitment.

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A Space for Shared Knowledge & Ongoing Learning

Technology, shooting techniques, and best practices will continue to evolve. By staying connected, you’ll always have access to new insights, workflows, and emerging industry trends from fellow OFM members.

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Your Network Expands Over Time

The students in OFM today will become tomorrow’s leading underwater cinematographers, filmmakers, and industry professionals. As this community grows, so do the opportunities for collaboration, referrals, and professional connections.

Nicki Meharg–
‍"The most pleasant surprise has been seeing familiar faces and meeting new people. The insights so far have helped build confidence and provided space to make mistakes and learn from them—something that’s often impossible in the field. It’s brilliant to have this space to grow."

Nick Zachar–
‍"I knew the community would be great, but I wasn’t prepared for how world-class everyone is. The Q&As have been so insightful—amazing questions and honest answers from Roger and others. I’ve already had so many lightbulb moments and I’m looking forward to bouncing ideas off Roger and everyone else."

Nick Hawkins–
‍"Knowing that I have this course info to draw from when the path forward seems unclear is just so relieving. It sounds cheesy, but it feels like I’m no longer alone stumbling in the dark. Thanks Roger and thank you to this awesome community we are forming."

Seek admission

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re a dedicated diver determined to solve the “apprenticeship gap” and enhance your cinematography skills through proven systems and continuous improvement, OFM is your path forward.

Join the Next Cohort – Apply Today

Meet Your Mentor: Roger Horrocks

Wildlife Cinematographer
Director of Photography

"After years of filming for top productions, I saw how few aspiring cinematographers had access to real techniques. OFM is my way of changing that—giving you the tools and guidance I wish I had starting out."

With decades of experience capturing some of the world’s most breathtaking underwater sequences, Roger is one of the most sought-after cinematographers in the field of wildlife filmmaking. His work has been featured in award-winning productions for Netflix, BBC, Apple TV, National Geographic, and Discovery, including My Octopus Teacher, Our Planet, and Blue Planet II.

Roger’s Origin Story: A Rare Apprenticeship

To succeed in underwater cinematography, mentorship is essential—but real-world apprenticeships are almost impossible to find today. Roger was fortunate to experience one of the last true apprenticeships under Didier Noirot, one of Jacques Cousteau’s legendary cameramen.

True apprenticeships may no longer exist, but through this course, Roger continues that tradition—offering structured guidance, mentorship, and real-world insights to the next generation of underwater filmmakers.

Watch the clip below for a glimpse into Roger’s approach—an ethos of patience, precision, and deep respect for the natural world that carries through to every lesson in this program:

Into the Dragon's Liar (2010)

During the filming of Into the Dragon’s Lair, Roger and Didier explored the 100-meter-deep papyrus caves of Botswana’s Okavango Delta, documenting the hidden world of Nile crocodiles in a way that had never been done before. This experience wasn’t just a filmmaking milestone—it was a career-defining moment that shaped Roger’s philosophy on storytelling, patience, and working with nature on its terms.

Alex Glick–
‍"Some of the moments I cherish the most in my life have been when I feel invisible among wildlife. There is something to be said about the adventure of gearing up and entering a different world that seems to somehow accept you. This film really captures that feeling of adventure and explains it in a way that anyone can relate to."

James Doughty–
‍"Really insightful. Beautifully shot, but what sets this apart is the story. Venturing into the unknown with such risks, but having such an amazing outcome. I got chills when the camera was gliding up the back of the croc co close. Truly amazing creatures."

Henley Spiers–
‍"For me, this is a film about bravery and facing fears. It makes me feel anxious, nervous, and then ultimately relieved. The crocodile acts as the embodiment of fear. In that sense, this reads to me as less a natural history doc than an extreme adventure in human philosophy."

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Today

Roger’s Magnum Opus: My Octopus Teacher

After years of refining his craft in extreme underwater environments, Roger played an instrumental role in the filming of My Octopus Teacher—the Oscar-winning documentary that captivated audiences worldwide.

As Underwater Cinematographer, Roger helped bring to life the intimate, immersive world of the kelp forest, capturing the spectacular beauty and raw energy of the South African coast. His long-time friendship with Craig Foster—dating back to 2005—allowed them to collaborate seamlessly, blending cinematography with storytelling in a way that resonated deeply with viewers.

Watch the trailer below for a glimpse into Roger’s work on this groundbreaking documentary and the approach that made it so impactful:

My Octopus Teacher (2020)

Beyond its visual beauty, the film became a powerful conversation about conservation, human connection to nature, and the fragile balance of marine ecosystems For Roger, this wasn’t just a film—it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Now, through OFM, he shares the same philosophy, insights, and techniques that shaped his approach to this landmark project—a testament to the impact of thoughtful, patient storytelling.

What You’ll Learn from My Octopus Teacher:

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How to capture intimate, immersive stories that connect emotionally with an audience.

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Techniques for filming in high-energy environments without stabilisers or artificial setups.

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The power of patience in wildlife cinematography—allowing nature to unfold rather than forcing a shot.

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Adapting your shooting style to match the narrative, blending seamlessly with different cameras and formats.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Today

Get to Know Roger–on His Own Turf

Filming underwater isn’t just about skill—it’s about having the right tools and knowing how to use them. Inside OFM, students get exclusive access to Roger’s Kit Room, where he shares the real-world setups, efficiency strategies, and equipment choices that define professional underwater cinematography.

Here’s a taste of what’s inside, offering a glimpse into the expert insights Roger provides throughout the program:

Step into ‘The Kit Room’

Roger shares decades of experience working with underwater cameras, housings, lenses, and essential gear, weaving in personal anecdotes from high-profile projects like My Octopus Teacher & Blue Planet II.

Blue Water Dive Gear

In blue water environments, adaptability is key. Roger explains how to streamline setups for quick transitions while ensuring redundancy in critical gear—like fins, masks, and regulators—so nothing interrupts a once-in-a-lifetime shot.

Benthic Dive Gear

Filming in benthic environments means extended dive times in extreme conditions. Roger shows layering techniques, dry suits, and heating systems, balancing mobility, endurance, and warmth to stay in the water long enough to get the shot.

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Additional sessions available in the Kit Room

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Related sessions available in the Q&A module.

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Overall sessions available in the Class Room

32h

Pre-recorded Q&A sessions; available immediately

16h

Live Q&A sessions pm; all recorded

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Like-minded, motivated community members

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply Today

What You’ll Learn From Roger

At Ocean Footage Mastery, Roger brings all of this real-world experience into an immersive, hands-on learning environment. He doesn’t just teach theory—he shares the exact systems, protocols, and workflows he uses on every shoot, ensuring you develop a professional, repeatable approach to underwater cinematography.

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How to think and shoot like a professional cinematographer

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The systems and workflows used in high-end productions

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How to make decisive, intentional filming choices in dynamic environments

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The mindset required to navigate high-pressure wildlife shoots

Are you ready to learn from one of the world’s top underwater cinematographers?

This is just a glimpse into what OFM offers. Inside the program, Roger provides in-depth, experience-driven knowledge about the gear, systems, and techniques that make professional underwater cinematography possible.

Apply Today

Seek admission

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re a dedicated diver determined to solve the “apprenticeship gap” and enhance your cinematography skills through proven systems and continuous improvement, OFM is your path forward.

Join the Next Cohort – Apply Today