As a nature enthusiast and underwater filmmaker, I've always been fascinated by the wonders of the ocean. So when I was asked to license my cephalopod footage for Episode 4: Octopus of Netflix's Animal series, I was thrilled!
Many of the underwater encounters were filmed during my years spent solo night diving around the World. These dives require a great deal of focus, concentration and even some sort of symbiosis with the nocturnal animals, as the sea floor can be quite dark and disorienting at night. But the reward is worth it - the creatures that emerge from their hiding places under the cover of darkness are some of the most fascinating and elusive in the ocean.
In episode 4 of the Animal series, we get to dive into the fascinating world of the octopus. These eight-armed creatures are known for their incredible intelligence, unique camouflage abilities, and complex social behaviour.
This documentary takes us on a journey through the life of these cephalopods, showcasing their incredible skills and habits. We see how they use their tentacles to hunt for food and defend themselves from predators, how they change color and texture to blend into their surroundings, and how they communicate with each other using a variety of signals and displays.
But the episode doesn't just feature octopuses. We also get to see other cephalopods such as Flamboyant cuttlefish, Wonderpus, and even my very first Stubby squid I spotted on Vancouver Island where I am currently based. These creatures are so fascinating and each has their own set of personalities that make them a joy to dive for.
Despite the incredible masterpiece combined with many talented cinematographers, one of my favorite things about this episode is that it is narrated by Pedro Pascal, who many know as the Mandalorian. His voice adds a special touch, giving the documentary a sci-fi vibe.
I feel incredibly humbled to have had the opportunity to contribute my footage to a documentary for Netflix. It's an honour to be able to share my love for the ocean and its inhabitants with a wider audience. More to come!
Marcelo Johan Ogata