Natural History | Documentary | Underwater
PRODUCER - DIRECTOR - DIVE SUPPORT
Russell Clark is a natural history and documentary producer and director based in British Columbia, with a specialization in underwater environments. His experience includes roles as Assistant Producer, Field Director, and Cinematographer for River Road Films’ Shared Planet series, and as part of the Emmy Award-winning cinematography team behind Netflix’s Island of the Sea Wolves. His accolades also include a Jackson Wild Award for his acclaimed film Tadpoles: The Big Little Migration.
A Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, Russell led the 2022 Great Island Expedition, which documented WWII shipwrecks, and served as Editor of Canada’s DIVER magazine for nearly a decade. He is also the founder of the Canadian Underwater Film Network, an initiative dedicated to enhancing safety and standards in underwater filmmaking. Russell’s lifelong mission is to inspire a deeper appreciation for Canada’s stunning coastline, freshwater ecosystems, and underwater natural history.
Initially captivated by the grandeur of Hollywood blockbusters in his youth, Russell has since come to recognize that the most compelling stories and epic visuals are found in the natural world. Currently, he is serving as Producer and Director for a landmark series for CBC and PBS with River Road Films. When not behind the camera or exploring the depths, he harbours a surprising fondness for rats.
Shared Planet
CBC / PBS / Arté / River Road Films
Assistant Producer, Director, Cinematographer, Dive Supervisor
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In Production
CBC / PBS / Arté
Passion Planet & River Road Films
Producer, Director, Dive Advisor
Currently in production
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Island of the Sea Wolves
Netflix / River Road Films
Cinematographer, AC, Diver
Winner of 4 Emmy Awards including best cinematography
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TerraX
ZDF / Wild Bus Films
Safety Diver
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Mountains on the Moon
Las Vegas Sphere
Dive Supervisor
Part large format, part documentary
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Secrets of the Octopus
Disney+ / Nat Geo
Dive Supervisor
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Islands: Natures Wild Laboratories
SkyTV / River Road Films
Safety Diver, AC
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Tadpoles: The Big Little Migration
Seaproof.tv
Writer, Director, Producer, Editor, B-cam
Jackson Wild Award winner
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Call of the Coastal Wolves
Seaproof.tv
Writer, Director, Producer, Editor
Award winning short
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Exploring Bell Island
Seaproof.tv
Writer, Director, Producer, Editor, Cinematographer
Award winning short
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Absolutely Canadian
CBC
Underwater Camera Operator
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Plus more random stuff...
Seaproof.tv
For over a 12 years Russell has operated a successful small scale production company focussing on ocean related organizations and businesses. Seaproof.tv produced the award winning minimentaries; Tadpoles: The Big Little Migration, Call of the Coastal Wolves, Exploring Bell Island, and The Great Bear Swim. Before shorts, it was one of the first companies producing HD underwater video for the scuba industry, tourism industry, competitive freediving, education and entertainment avenues - from concept to full delivery.
Diving Operations
Russell is a certified commercial diver, meeting CSAZ275 requirements. He works as a safety diver, dive supervisor, and dive operations & production management, as well as underwater AC and backup / B-Cam operator. Russell knows how productions operate and how to integrate that into safe and efficient diving practices. Russell started the Canadian Underwater Film Network. He is also a PADI Divemaster, and an experienced cold water diver. In fact, he favours a drysuit over a wetsuit. Weirdo.
Large Format
Russell has enjoyed the large format experience since witnessing his first IMAX movie in 1989. Since then he has worked on multiple productions for IMAX (including one he is currently developing), the Las Vegas Sphere, and various underwater 360 projects. He understands large format shooting and storytelling, often collaborating with BC filmmaker Maxwel Hohn - on large format productions.
RED Camera Rental
Russell has a RED Komodo camera package available rent, consisting of:
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RED Komodo 6K Stormtrooper
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Sigma 18-35mm, Canon 24-105mm, Rikinon 35mm and 85mm
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Canon RF to EF variable ND
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SmallHD monitor with camera control
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PortKeys EVF
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Diety shotgun mic
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4 x V-locks and charger
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Mutiny expander module for timecode
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Rails and accessories
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More rentals available here.
RCGS
Russell was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society following the success of the minimentary Exploring Bell Island, and his work in promoting British Columbia’s underwater environment through his Beneath Canada initiative. Russell was Expedition co-leader (along with Jill Heinerth) of The Great Island Expedition, a flag-carrying expedition supported by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, uncovering a sunken 1942 Liberator bomber that made international news, and documenting WWII shipwrecks around the coast of Newfoundland. Russell continues to serve the RCGS's mandate of "Making Canada better known.'"
Photography
While he's always been obsessed with movies, Russell has had a stills camera in hand since a young age. He has been published in tons of magazines and websites, including front covers and feature articles. He won the Top 100 Art Prize in London in 2008, and has work displayed in the Jealous Gallery, Christies, and private galleries across France, Canada and England. Russell's love for photography continued underwater after his move to Canada, where he focuses on submerged environments. He also has a very trendy street photography camera.
DIVER magazine
Russell was Editor of this glossy newsstand magazine for over 8 years. He was also Staff Writer and Art Director for 12 years. Founded in 1974, DIVER was North America's longest established scuba diving publication until its closure in the Fall of 2023, after the passing of Publisher and ocean legend Phil Nuytten. The magazine covered exploration, adventure and underwater wildlife content from all around the world. International contributors included Jill Heinerth, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Brandon Cole, Michael Menduno, and many more diving industry luminaries.
Publishing
Prior to natural history, Russell had a very successful career in publishing based in London, England. Starting on newspapers then moving into print magazines, before pioneering digital and iPad magazines. Russell was an Art Director working across all mediums; print, digital, video, interactive and UI design, and brand art direction for multiple titles. He had an iTunes number 1 app, an Adobe Max Award for a project with David Attenborough, multiple other awards, talks and university lectures, publications, and lots of beer. He also launched Earth Periodical - the world's first exploration and conservation digital magazine for the iPad.
Email: russell@seaproof.tv
5% of gross income is donated to wildlife rehabilitation centres, especially those without charitable status. Please consider donating to smaller family run organizations - even if they can't offer you a tax receipt.