GATESFEST INFORMATION & FAQ's

1. •I am new to underwater videography – is this for me?
   Yes. GatesFest will make you a better underwater shooter. Think of it as a “Jump Start”
   program that will impart the skills you need to get up and going.  Further, you will benefit from
   the easy yet powerful techniques that make any video look professional. 
   
   

2. •I'm a seasoned videographer looking to up my game and turn pro. 
   Will this help me?
   Absolutely. Your co-hosts for the week are two of underwater video’s guru’s who have the experience and technical expertise to help you improve your skills.  The finer points of underwater lighting, subject composition, behaviors, and grading will give your video that professional edge and ‘pop’. 
   
   

3. •Do I need my own equipment?
   Yes. But you don’t have to be a pro shooter or have really expensive systems.
   
   

4. •What's the deal with all this "Gates" equipment?
   Gates is the leading manufacturer of underwater video equipment. One of your “hosts” this week is John Ellerbrock of Gates Underwater. He is bringing a variety of equipment to try, understand, and appreciate why Gates equipment can make you a better videographer.
   There is no charge to use any of the equipment that John brings, but it will be shared amongst all guests. So this isn’t a “free rental” for the week.
   
   

5. •What can I expect from the week?
   Exciting Diving! A flexible cruise schedule built around the event so everybody is on the same page. The companionship of fellow divers who share a passion for videography. Plus time spent sharing with John Ellerbrock as your host and “guru” of underwater video equipment and your co-host professional underwater cameraman David Ulloa who will offer coaching assistance.
   
   

6. •What is GatesFest All About?
   GatesFest is a celebration of underwater videography. Gates Equipment is the leading manufacturer of Underwater Video Equipment and is Dancer and Aggressor Fleet’s exclusive video partner. GatesFest puts video first…. Not as a step child or afterthought that other photo competitions and seminars do.
   
   

7. •Is this a “video school”?
   There is no formal curriculum per se. The week is all about shooting together and sharing the passion for video. Your co-host David Ulloa, founder of Undersea Expeditionary Video, is there to help you become a better shooter. As such - there will be themes on selected days where a discussion will be held prior to the dives and then shooters will work on a specific technique.  The depth of the presentations will be flexible and adaptable based on the experience of the participants. So novices may be working on one “lighting assignment” while experienced shooters may be working on advanced lighting techniques during their dives.
   
   

8. •Why host GatesFest in The Bahamas?
   The crystal clear, azure blue waters of the Bahamas has made it one of the most filmed underwater locations in the world. Starting with the very first films were made such as the original “20,000 Leagues Under The Sea” in 1954 to numerous James Bond films and more recently the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise – all have chosen The Bahamas as their underwater locations.
   
   Just as Hollywood has learned – The Bahamas offers a lot of “bang for your buck”. The marine conditions are world class and the close proximity to the US allows for relatively inexpensive travel options. Combine that with the new M/Y Carib Dancer LiveAboard platform and you have a perfect setup to get the great shots.