10 Jun 2026
Behind the Scenes, Filming Permalink
Aman Resort

Aman Resorts Promotional Film

June 10, 2026

Aman is known globally for building high-end resorts in some of the most remote places on Earth, so when their production team invited us to handle the underwater cinematography for a new promotional film on Moyo Island, we were happy to be a part of the team. Moyo is an incredible spot in Indonesia, dense jungle and cashew tree farms surrounded by healthy, protected coral reefs.

Shooting Underwater

Our job was to document the resort’s ocean based guest activities. To pull off a project of this scale, Aman flew in a massive commercial production crew. We spent time working alongside a talented team of directors, cinematographers, lighting technicians, and drone operators. Everyone was pulling together to create seamless promotional short films. Our focus was strictly below the surface. Our job was to film a free diver interacting with a whale shark and exploring the local coral reefs. Filming the whale sharks required a lot of patience and very specific positioning. These animals are massive but move surprisingly fast and timing the free diver swimming with the shark required attention to detail. We had to rely entirely on the natural ambient light cutting through the water to capture their scale next to the diver.

The story crafted by the creative team worked seamlessly to capture the essence of how the whale sharks are a vital part of the existence of the local fishermen. Every frame of the final footage was captured with the goal of making the audience feel the texture of the ocean and the reality of these marine encounters. Collaborating with such a creative crew and a brand like Aman was a rewarding experience.

The Films

Here is a link to the Aman Resorts Youtube Channel. You will see there is an ongoing series of shorts for this project appearing regularly. You can also check out the Aman Resorts homepage where the film is prominently featured.

02 Apr 2026
Filming, Locations Permalink
A Beacon of Hope
A Beacon of Hope

Ebier Suth Cokran

April 2, 2026

Ebier Suth Cokran – A Beacon of Hope

Our favourite genre of film project are those that tell a story of inspiration. Telling the story of people and communities who are actively working in conservation or community building are always a pleasure to narrate. One such project we produced in 2025 is “A Beacon of Hope” the story of Ebier Suth Cokran. Ebier Suth Cokran is a cacao farming enterprise with a difference. Located in Ransiki, West Papua Province, this regenerative agroforesty project is designed to create a community led initiative.

Ebier Suth Cokran A Beacon of HopeThis area was an exciting new destination for us. Located on the shores of Cendrawasih Bay, south of Manokwari, Ransiki is a beautiful area. Surrounded by lush mountains and blue seasons, it’s a picture perfect location. The team we worked with on location made this project inspiring and exciting. Ebier Suth Cokran, with the cooperation of the local government acquired the land of an abandoned cacao farm to create this fresh undertaking.

A Local Co-operative

The unique part of this business is that it’s a 100% community owned co-op. The people who own, manage, and run the entire operation are the local people who once worked on the old farm. They successfully produce cacao for export as well as produce their own chocolate for the Indonesian market.

We visited them on location to document the processes and people that make it work. It was a joy to watch and listen to the passion that everyone has in the project. It’s not just a job to them, it is their heart and soul, their pride and joy. The best way to illustrate this is to introduce the people themselves. We are happy to share this 20 minute film that tells the story of the people and the agro-forestry techniques they use to make the magic happen.

If you are interested in a similar cinematic presentation for your company we are here to help. Please Contact Us at any time to discuss how we can help you achieve the best promotional products for your business.

24 Nov 2025
Filming Permalink

Documenting Marine Life – Indonesia

November 24, 2025

In the world of Natural History, programs documenting marine life are ever present on television. The BBC, Discovery, Netflix and others are home to blue chip shows regularly presenting incredible wildlife behavior. Although a fair amount of this programming spotlights terrestrial animals, marine life is often on display. Due to incredibly rich seas, Indonesia is where many sequences are filmed and showcased to the world.

Coconut Octopus, Marine Life

Located at the heart of the “Coral Triangle”, Indonesia is home to the most diverse marine life on the planet. With over 3000 species of fish and more than 500 species of coral, the region boasts abundant and healthy seas. Add into the mix the presence of whales, dolphins, dugongs and other marine mammals and Indonesia is a powerhouse destination for anyone wanting to tell a story about the ocean.

The Coral Triangle

Indonesia is most well known for its abundance of healthy coral reef systems. With a coastline size only second to Canada, there is an incredible variety of reef life. From the rich coral seas of Raja Ampat to shallow mangrove laden shorelines in Kalimantan, Indonesian seas are bountiful. The stories to tell for the discerning film maker are also bountiful. Animals as large as the blue whale offer a tale that everyone enjoys watching. The large population of cetaceans in the country are a major draw for tourists and photographers alike. Indonesia is a major migration route for a large number of species including sperm, blue, brydes, and humpback along with a large number of smaller, less known species.

Other stories abound in the area and have been featured on “blue chip” documentaries for many years. Recent examples include sea snakes hunting in large groups in the Banda Sea. Indo Pacific Films was chosen to document this story recently for the BBC. You can view Luca’s story about this amazing behavior on “BBC Asia”, a 2024 documentary narrated by the legendary David Attenborough. Also featuring in this flagship show was Luca and Parman’s underwater, drone, and behind the scenes work on the Manta Ray sequence filmed throughout Indonesia.

Marine Life Television Sequences

Other well known sequences that have appeared on television recently that have been filmed in Indonesia include stories about coconut octopus, cuttlefish, anemone fish and bobbit worms. Of course this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. There are countless stories to tell when it comes to marine life and their behavior. As an added bonus, its not just the underwater subjects that make for a good story.

Marine Life Anemone

 

More Than Marine Life

Many Indonesian communities are connected to the sea. The most famous are the Bajau people who live a maritime nomadic existence. There are many films over the years that highlight the way they have adapted to living at one with the sea. However, they are not the only people with an oceanic story to tell. Conservationists are hard at work trying to preserve the marine environment. Local conservation efforts and large international NGOs are involved in everything from building coral reefs to protecting whalesharks and mangrove systems. Each of these efforts deserve to have their stories told in order to bring their work a wider audience of support. We support many such initiatives in the region and work regularly with organizations such as ReShark and Konservasi Indonesia.

Listening for Pings

If you are interested in filming a story about marine life or anything to do with the ocean in Indonesia then we would love to hear from you. Indo Pacific Films specializes in underwater filming and can acquire any and all film permits within the country. We are also available for overseas shoots both on land and underwater. If you have a project you are considering filming in Indonesia then feel free to Contact Us today for further discussion.

 

19 Dec 2024
Behind the Scenes, Filming Permalink
BBC Asia
Colorful coral reefs and tropical fish in an underwater scene for BBC Asia documentary on Asian marine life.

Asia – BBC David Attenborough

December 19, 2024

One of the most exciting updates from our team in 2024 was the broadcast release of the nature documentary “Asia” by the BBC. This incredible series is narrated by the legendary David Attenborough and showcases the natural wonders of Asia. We are incredibly proud of the team for their contributions to this amazing series. We filmed the entire sea snake sequence from the first episode “Beneath the Waves” and also one of the main cinematographers on the manta sequence as well as the “Behind the Scenes” at the end of the episode. Our team worked closely with the BBC on all of the logistics of the filming and we are extremely proud of all the hard work the whole team put into this project.

If you haven’t watched it yet it is available on the BBC website or other streaming services. Watch BBC Asia here if you are in the UK and have a BBC account. You can also try via VPN or other streaming services if this link doesn’t work.

BBC Asia Cover

If you would like to read more of the story behind the Sea Snake episode it can be found on the BBC website.

07 Jun 2024
Filming Permalink
Leopard Shark Sydney Aquarium
Vast underwater scene with marine life and a girl observing ocean creatures in an aquarium setting.

Tagging Leopard Sharks in Australia

June 7, 2024

Tagging Leopard Sharks in Australia

One of our latest projects was a visit to Australia to join the StAR team tagging wild leopard sharks. The StAR Project is part of the ReShark Initiative that we have been working with for two years documenting their mission to repopulate leopard sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum) in Raja Ampat, Indonesia. The trip started in the Gold Coast with a visit to Sea World Aquarium. We met their husbandry team to observe leopard sharks in captivity and their work first hand. This was a great introduction to the science the team does with these animals.

Leopard Shark and Diver

The main mission of the visit to Australia was to film the work of the StAR team in the field. This was timed to coincide with many supporters of ReShark being on location at one time. We met with Siobhan Houlihan, Dr Christine Dudgeon, Dr Mark Erdmann, Dr Lisa Hoopes, Dr Alistair Dove, Cameron Cotterell, Dr Adam Barnett, Dr David Robinson, Dr Simon Pierce and the Sea World Gold Coast’s Veterinary and Husbandry Teams. This all star team were on site to take advantage of the leopard shark congregation happening at North Stradbroke Island. This congregation happens each year and is believed to be a mating aggregation before the sharks disperse throughout the Great Barrier Reef. This large group of leopard sharks is something that we have personally wanted to witness for many years.

Sampling Leopard Shark

Tagging Leopard Sharks at North Stradbroke Island

Field work was carried out on North Stradbroke Island, not far from Brisbane, over a two day period. The island is home to one of the largest aggregations of leopard sharks in the world. The goals of the field work included taking photos for the ID database, inserting acoustic tags, taking cloacal swabs and blood samples from the sharks.

Working in the field with the team was certainly a fun challenge. Windy weather and choppy seas made for interesting times securing sharks at the surface to work on them. However, the professional and fun team were professional in what they do and the mission was a success. Three acoustic tags were deployed and a large number of sharks were photographed and sampled. The sheer number of sharks in the area was incredible and what we soon hope to see in Raja Ampat. What was a surprise to us was the large amount of marine life at this site. Wedgefish by the dozen, eagle rays, massive sting rays and more were all present at this amazing site.

Leopard Shark Sydney Aquarium

The final stop in Australia was to visit the Sea Life Sydney Aquarium to meet with Dr Laura Simmons and learn more about shark eggs. The Sydney Aquarium had several eggs on hand, the perfect opportunity to film. Dr Laura is a fountain of knowledge about the lifecyle of leopard sharks. The Sydney Aquarium was the first to supply leopard sharks to the StAR Project with these sharks being the first to be released in Raja Ampat. They are actively continuing to send eggs to the StAR Project as well.

Overall, it was exciting and invigorating to see a healthy population of leopard sharks in Queensland. This gives hope for the future that the excellent work that the team is doing in Indonesia will become successful in reintroducing this important member back into its natural ecosystem. Please watch the film in order to more fully understand this great project.

Leopard Shark Egg

For more information about ReShark and the StAR Project please visit their website at www.reshark.org

16 Feb 2024
Filming Permalink
Recent Projects
Releasing first sharks experience in Indo Pacific Films adventure documentary.

Recent Projects – West Papua

February 16, 2024

Recent Projects – A Summary of Recent Projects

We have been keeping busy with recent projects and a few are now online to look at. Most of our recent projects have taken place in West Papua, a destination we are always happy to visit.

Clients that we have worked with recently include National Geographic, the BBC, Konservasi Indonesia and ReShark. All of these projects revolve around one of our favourite themes: Conservation.

Planet Earth III

One of our favourite projects was working with “Planet Earth III” by the BBC. This is a documentary series hosted by the legendary David Attenborough. Our work appears in the first episode of the series entitled: “Coasts”. The sequence is all about the incredible Archer Fish, shot in Raja Ampat. These incredible fish are able to spit water at insects on tree branches to knock them into the water and then feed on them. Our team spent a week on the shoot and a lot of our work appears in the introduction scenes. We can’t post a link to the full episode here but we can link to the “Behind the Scenes” which is hosted on YouTube.

National Geographic

Another exciting recent project was working with the team from National Geographic and Prada on a short film in Raja Ampat. This short highlights the work of local people and a National Geographic Explorer who work conserving the coral reef. Our team was responsible for all of the underwater sequences for this project.
You can view the film here on the National Geographic YouTube Channel.

ReShark

One of our longtime collaborations is with the ReShark program. ReShark is a collaborative initiative between a large number of contributors such as Conservation International, The Seattle Aquarium, Konservasi Indonesia, RARCC, The Misool Foundation, West Papua and Indonesian Government organizations and dozens more. This is an ongoing project that started in 2022 and involves reintroducing leopard sharks to the Raja Ampat area. We are happy to be involved with documenting the work done by the entire team throughout the world in this important initiative.

You can watch the history of the project on the ReShark You Tube channel. Below is the short film of the first ever release of a leopard shark.

Konservasi Indonesia

Konservasi Indonesia are our frequent partners in different multi media project that we work on. In our latest collaboration we visited the island of Namatote near Kaimana in SW Papua. This is a very traditional area where local customs are strong. The people work closely with nature and the sea plays an important role in their livelihoods. We visited the area with the team from Konservasi Indonesia to document the tradition of “Sasi”. Sasi is a traditional form of sustainable utilization of resources Papuans have utilized for hundreds of years. The short film “Sasi di Namatota” is below:

06 Jun 2023
Locations Permalink
Indonesian Culture
Traditional Village in Flores

Indonesian Culture Cinema

June 6, 2023

Indonesia, with its rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage, is a captivating muse for filmmakers. The Indonesian film industry has flourished over the years, providing a unique platform to showcase the nation’s cultural tapestry to audiences around the world. The country is home to hundreds of unique cultures that lend themselves well to the screen. Film makers can utilize these to create stories highlighting the country’s deep-rooted traditions, art forms, and the power of storytelling.

Indonesian Culture

Traditional Village in Flores

Indonesia is home to over 17,000 islands and boasts a diverse population comprising hundreds of ethnic groups. Each of these groups are proud of their own distinct culture, language, and traditions. The variety and distinct traditions found in different regions are inspirational for storytellers. From the Javanese, Sundanese, Balinese, and Batak cultures to the Dayak, Minangkabau, and Papuan tribes, Indonesia boasts one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world.

Traditional Arts and Indonesian Culture

Traditional arts and dance are integral components of Indonesian culture. The mesmerizing beauty of Javanese court dances, such as the graceful Legong and the energetic Kecak are intricate and fascinating. Balinese dance dramas, with their vibrant costumes and wonderful stories Indonesian filmmakers have adeptly incorporated these traditional art forms, using them to tell stories, convey emotions, and immerse audiences in the richness of Indonesian culture.

Religion and Indonesian Culture

Bali Hindu Ceremony

Indonesia is a land of enchanting folklore and captivating mythology, brimming with tales of heroes, mythical creatures, and supernatural beings. These stories, passed down through generations, offer inspiration to create new narratives for modern cinema. Film makers can find inspiration throughout the archipelago simply by speaking with the local population and listening to their histories. As a country made up of many different islands there are a large variety of distinct cultures, each with its own legends and myths.

 

Traditional Village

Indonesian culture, with its incredible diversity and rich heritage, has found a dynamic expression through the lens of cinema. From traditional arts and dance to folklore, mythology, and historical epics storytellers have a plethora of stories to tell. Enterprising film makers can work together with local talent to shape a compelling narrative to tell their story. If you are interested in learning more about filming in Indonesia then please Contact Us today.

18 Mar 2023
Behind the Scenes Permalink
Zebra Shark Leopard Shark
A large freshwater fish swimming near submerged wooden structures in an aquarium setting.

StAR Project – ReSharking the Ocean

March 18, 2023

StAR Project – An Innovative Conservation Initiative

One of our favorite issues in the world is marine conservation. We spend a lot of time in the ocean and are in awe of all its inhabitants. We are proud to work on environmental projects whenever we have the opportunity. One such project we have been working on over the last 8 months is the StAR Project by ReShark.

 

Reshark Release Raja Ampat

The StAR Project is a collective effort by conservation groups, aquariums, and the Indonesian government to reintroduce native shark species to Indonesian waters. Sadly, many once common species of sharks are now almost non existent in many areas of the world. One charismatic species that was once common in Indonesia is Stegostoma tigrinum, commonly known as either the Leopard or Zebra shark. These shy sharks are known from all across the Indo Pacific region but are an endangered species. In many areas where they were once common, they are no longer found.

ReShark Baby Leopard Zebra Shark StAR Project

Raja Ampat – The StAR Project First Destination

Raja Ampat is one area where these sharks were once found in abundance. However, due to fishing pressure in the 20th century their population dwindled. However, for 20 years this area has been a successful Marine Protected Area with active patrols. This is where the StAR Project comes in. The goal of the StAR Project is to repopulate Leopard sharks in the area by sourcing eggs from aquariums throughout the world. Two purpose built aquariums have been built in the central and north areas of Raja in order to house the eggs. The plan is to release up to 500 leopard sharks in the next 10 years in order to kickstart the redevelopment of the species. If you would like to read more about the program you can read all about it on the ReShark page.

Wayag Lagoon

StAR Project Media Partner

Indo Pacific Films is happy to be the media partner for the ReShark program. Our team as accompanied the ReShark team throughout the process off building, receiving eggs, monitoring baby sharks and finally releasing the young into the wild. January 2023 marked the first time ever that one of these sharks has been released into the wild. Our team was able to capture photographs and footage of the event from the beach, underwater, and in the air. There were a total of three sharks released so far and more will follow soon.

We are looking forward to capturing the ongoing process of these incredible collaborative effort. The aim is to not stop with just leopard sharks; other endangered shark and ray species will be reintroduced throughout the world. For more photos and video of this amazing project please check out our Indo Pacific Films Instagram Page for more. For more of our recent projects stay tuned and bookmark our Blog page.

Measure Shark Size StAR Project

Listening for Pings StAR Project

13 Feb 2023
Behind the Scenes Permalink
Dolphin Project
Innovative dolphin conservation documentary by Indo Pacific Films focusing on marine wildlife and environmental preservation.

Dolphin Release – The Dolphin Project

February 13, 2023

We recently worked on a project with The Dolphin Project in North Bali. This was a cause that was very dear to our hearts and the heart of anyone who cares for animals. Three former show dolphins named Rocky, Rambo, and Johnny were finally released back to the sea following a few years of rehabilitation in a sea pen.

Dolphin Project

Rescued dolphin Johnny with Argos satellite tracking device moments before release from Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center in Banyuwedang Bay, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

In conjunction with the Ministry of Forestry and other local and national government organizations, The Dolphin Project has been working on behalf of dolphins in Indonesia for many years. The story of Rocky, Rambo, and Johnny is a long one as they spent many years confined in small pools in north Bali as circus attractions. They were rescued in late 2019 and moved to a seapen only a few months before the lockdown hit in 2020.

For two years the Dolphin Project team looked after the dolphins and helped train them to eventually live on their own. As they had been in captivity for so long, each dolphin had to learn to hunt on their own. Through a long process and much love from their trainers and the whole Dolphin Project crew, the dolphins were considered independent enough to release into the wild.

Dolphin Project

The team celebrates a job well done! Credit: DolphinProject.com

Dolphin Project 2022 Bali Dolphin Release

In September of 2022, with all of the proper permits and releases from the necessary authorities the dolphins were set free. Our team was on hand to record the process on land and underwater. The process was an interesting one as any project with animals can be. No one knew what the dolphins would do once the nets were opened. The dolphins inspected the opening for around 45 minutes before they decided they would inspect the outside world. Once Johnny decide to leave, the other two joined him and they swam toward the open water of NW Bali. This is one of the most emotional projects we have been involved in as most conservation projects are.

To read more about this project and the release date please visit the Dolphin Project web page. If you are interested in supporting their cause you can find more information there.

09 Sep 2021
Filming, Locations Permalink
Dolphins Raja Ampat
Graceful dolphins breaching the ocean surface, showcasing marine life in Indo Pacific waters.

Raja Ampat – Ultimate Cinematic Destination

September 9, 2021

Indonesia boasts many wonders when it comes to filming and photography. There are an endless amount of landscape, cultural, natural history, travel, and scientific subjects to choose from. With an archipelago of over 17,000 islands stretching 5000 square kilometers, the diversity of the natural attractions are seemingly endless. One of the most unique areas for shooting in nature is the Raja Ampat area of West Papua province.

Raja Ampat Karst Landscape

Raja Ampat

Beautiful Beach on Kri Island

Raja Ampat is located at the western edge of the “Birds Head Peninsula” of Papua. This small archipelago consists of hundreds of small islands spread over an area of 8000km2. The islands are karst limestone and covered in vibrant green jungle. The jagged peaks and sheer cliffs of the islands create a dramatic backdrop to the beautiful white sand beaches. With a beautiful blue sea surrounding the islands, Raja Ampat boasts endless landscape photography opportunities.

Home Stay Raja Ampat

Exotic Home Stay

With a very small population of only approximately 40,000 people in such a large area, the region is pristine. The villages are spread out and small with only a few hundred on average per village. The people live a mainly subsistence living from fishing and local produce. Everyone is friendly and welcoming and it’s possible to stay a few days in most villages throughout the area. They have strong traditions and many stories to tell. They are a proud people willing to share their knowledge and skills and often have a confident presence on camera.

Raja Ampat Wildlife

Bat Cave

Entering the Bat Cave

 

The wildlife in the area is unique with many exotic species of birds and marsupials. The only true native mammals in Papua are bats, and there is a large population of them in the area. Caves full of bats and small islands with a population of thousands of flying foxes dot the archipelago. Sunset is always a favorite time of day for filming as these flying mammals head out en masse to hunt during the night. The islands of Waigeo and Batanta are home to two endemic Birds of Paradise. The Red Bird of Paradise and the Wilsons Bird of Paradise cannot be found anywhere else in the world. These beautiful birds boats amazing colors and their mating dances are incredible to film.

Incredible Marine Life

Not to be outdone by their terrestrial counterparts, the marine life in Raja Ampat is a sight to behold. With the highest fish and coral biodiversity on the planet, there is a never ending variety. Underwater film makers and photographers consider the area one of the “holy grails” as the ocean boasts so much life. Schools of mating sardines invite large groups of sharks and other predators such as trevally and devil rays. These scenes create magic for the camera. The colorful soft corals and sea fans that dot the area are a wonderful backdrop throughout. If that is not enough, there are over a dozen species of whales and dolphins found here. From transient species such as orcas and Bryde’s whales to more resident species such as spinner dolphins.

Marine Life

Rich Marine Life

Overall, Raja Ampat offers such a wide variety of stories and personalities it’s impossible to cover it all in one trip. Months are needed to explore the intricate history of the people and their relationship with the area. The wildlife is so diverse, it would take years to document the terrestrial species alone. Underwater the filming and photography opportunities are never ending. If you are considering a film or photography project in Raja Ampat please get in touch, we have many years of experience in the area. Our team spends months each year in the area and have been doing so for over a dozen years. It is one of our favorite locations on the planet and one we are proud to help preserve and protect for years to come.

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