Qualification
Scuba Action Course – Specialisation in Underwater Action for Film
Basic information
Course Director
Aarón Vivar Hernández
Language
Spanish
Class start date
Tentative start date around April 2027
Schedule
TBC
Available Places
20
Course Coordinator
TBC
Format
In person
Duration
25h
Location
In Extremis Club, Barberà del Vallès (Barcelona)
Overview
Cinematic action also takes place underwater.
The Scuba Action Course is an intensive course by ESCAC Action Academy designed to prepare performers and audiovisual professionals to work in aquatic and underwater action sequences. The programme combines the fundamentals of scuba diving and freediving with performance, body control and safety procedures specific to the aquatic environment.
Through progressive exercises in professional facilities, participants explore the execution of movements, water entries and staged action adapted to a production’s needs. Audiovisual practice helps them understand how underwater scenes are planned, performed and filmed, as well as generate material for their showreel.
Intended Audience
- Actors who want to expand their performance skills in aquatic scenes.
- Stunt performers interested in adding underwater work to their professional profile.
- Students and professionals in film and audiovisual media.
- Athletes, performers, divers and freedivers interested in action films.
- People interested in performance and technical work in aquatic environments.
Learning outcomes
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Creative and narrative skills
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- Perform actions and dramatic situations underwater.
- Adapt movements and expressiveness to the demands of the camera in aquatic environments.
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Technical skills
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- Apply the fundamentals of scuba diving, freediving and breath control.
- Perform water entries, movements and choreographed actions with body control.
- Recognise safety protocols and work procedures in a controlled aquatic environment.
- Become familiar with the technical use of diving equipment and aquatic special effects resources.
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Analytical and planning skills
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- Analyse the physical, technical and safety requirements of an underwater scene.
- Plan sequences with the coordination and supervision team.
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Interpersonal and communication skills
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- Coordinate with colleagues, instructors and the audiovisual crew.
- Follow signals, instructions, and communication and safety protocols.
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Personal development skills
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- Develop concentration, self-control and responsibility in the water.
- Recognise personal limits and act in accordance with technical supervision.
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Career opportunities
The course broadens the skills of audiovisual professionals interested in aquatic scenes, but completing it does not guarantee professional employment.
- Action specialist with additional training in aquatic environments.
- Actor or actress with performance skills for underwater scenes.
- Aquatic action performer in film, television and advertising.
- Participation, subject to experience and any required qualifications, in audiovisual projects featuring action scenes in the water.
Curriculum
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Diving fundamentals and safety
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Introduction to the aquatic environment, diving equipment, safety rules and basic procedures for working in a controlled setting.
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Freediving and breath control
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Freediving fundamentals, breath management and body control, always under specialist supervision.
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Underwater performance and movement
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Performance underwater, movement, gestures and adapting movement to the audiovisual language.
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Aquatic action and special effects
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Water entries, falls and controlled staged actions; introduction to working with special effects in aquatic environments.
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Filming and audiovisual material
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Practice filming underwater scenes, reviewing the footage and learning editing fundamentals for a showreel.
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Certifications offered
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- SSI OWD Indoor (Open Water Diver Indoor).
- SSI Pool Freediver.
The conditions for obtaining certifications, entry requirements and certifications available must be confirmed for each edition.
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FCP
As a practical application, students are invited to create an audiovisual underwater action sequence in which they practise body control, performance and coordination under supervision. The recorded material may serve as the basis for a professional showreel.
Methodology and assessment
The methodology is in-person, intensive and practical. It combines technical preparation, progressive exercises in a controlled aquatic environment, performance and filming audiovisual sequences. Safety and professional supervision guide all activities.
Assessment and the criteria for successful completion will be detailed in the relevant call for applications. SSI certifications, when offered, will be subject to their own requirements and assessment processes.
Teaching staff
Teaching staff specialising in scuba diving, freediving, action and underwater performance: names to be confirmed for upcoming editions.
