The Sea
Week of December 3, 2022
Drama in the Sea
Emmy-winning cinematographer Paul Atkins has filmed some of the most extraordinary natural events above and below the sea. Using stunning film clips, he takes you behind-the-scenes in an exciting exploration of ocean giants, underwater volcanoes, and Cape Horn storms.
Brains in the Sea
Hi-speed and underwater photography reveal the remarkably intelligent hunting strategies and complex social lives of humpback whales, dolphins and killer whales. Prepare to be surprised.
Myths of the Sea
Are sharks our enemies? Are dolphins our friends? Using film clips, Paul Atkins discusses emotion vs. logic in the media and how it shapes our perceptions about the sea and its creatures.
Volcanoes in the Sea
Filmmaker Paul Atkins explores how volcanoes have created unique opportunities for life in the Hawaiian Islands.
Paul Atkins, ASC, Director/Cinematographer
From Antarctica to the tropical Pacific, Paul Atkins has filmed the world’s cultures and natural history for National Geographic, for BBC including such acclaimed series as PLANET EARTH, for IMAX screens, and for Oscar-winning feature films. His cinematography and directing have earned numerous awards including Emmys, British Academy Awards and a prestigious Telluride Film Festival Tribute.
Paul’s groundbreaking documentaries have challenged our myths and inspired protection of the natural world. HAWAII: STRANGERS IN PARADISE (Nat Geo/BBC) dramatized the history of alien species invasion in Hawaii. GREAT WHITE SHARK (BBC/Nat Geo) was the first film to reveal the natural behavior of the iconic predator, inspiring the best-selling book, THE DEVIL’S TEETH. DOLPHINS: THE WILD SIDE (Nat Geo) put to rest forever the “Flipper” myth. Paul was director of photography on Jean-Michel Cousteau’s VOYAGE TO KURE, the film that persuaded President George W. Bush to declare the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands a National Monument in 2006. As a cinematographer in feature films, Paul has collaborated with the most respected and innovative directors in the business, including Peter Weir (MASTER AND COMMANDER), Alejandro Iñárritu (THE REVENANT) and Terrence Malick (THE TREE OF LIFE). On a 40-day epic voyage around Cape Horn, he filmed the storm sequence for MASTER AND COMMANDER, which won the 2004 Academy Award for cinematography. His stunning visuals in THE TREE OF LIFE contributed to an Oscar nomination for cinematography, and Paul has continued to work with Malick on TO THE WONDER, KNIGHT OF CUPS and the legendary director’s most ambitious film to date, THE VOYAGE OF TIME. Paul resides in Hawaii with his wife and partner, producer Grace Atkins.