In the Press

OceanFootage Dives into Rare Footage of Giant Squid!
New High-Def Collection of Giant Humboldt Squid
Now Available from Acclaimed Cinematographer Bob Cranston

Pacific Grove, CA. January 26, 2004 – The giant Humboldt Squid is a legendary denizen of the deep – elusive, fierce, and beautiful – and notoriously difficult to film. Now OceanFootage (the world’s most extensive online collection of ocean footage) offers a brand-new, extensive collection of footage of this creature that is as visually striking as it is rare – thanks to acclaimed underwater cinematographer Bob Cranston.

Celebrated for his extraordinary underwater camera work in print and in documentaries for The National Geographic Explorer, Bob Cranston has spent more time with the Humboldt Squid at depth than anyone else in the world. And over thirty minutes of his select material with the fierce and beautiful creatures is now available at OceanFootage – including some of the most recent and exciting yet captured in High-definition (HD24P format).

“ The HD video footage of the jumbo squid at OceanFootage was the completion of a long-time goal for me,” says Cranston, who spent countless nights of shooting in order to get close to the creatures, and who is now considered one of the world’s foremost experts in filming their activities. “They’re challenging to shoot, as the large squid move around a lot, they stay deep, and they’re very fast. They come up from the deepest water only at night. But it’s also incredibly exhilarating, fun, and satisfying work.” Some of the exciting footage now available for purchase at OceanFootage (including incredible close underwater encounters) appeared recently in a documentary aired on National Geographic Television (Entitled “Devils of the Deep”).

“ We’re extremely proud to be able to provide direct online access to Bob Cranston’s outstanding and rare jumbo squid footage to OceanFootage customers,” comments founder and president Dan Baron. “Bob’s work is a great example of the kind of exceptional and superb footage we’re seeking out, to add to the OceanFootage collection and place online for immediate preview and purchase.” Visitors to the OceanFootage site can browse and preview this unique footage online, in addition to Cranston’s equally breathtaking giant octopus footage (as well as the entire OceanFootage collection).

The Humboldt Squid, also known as the jumbo squid or “Red Devil,” is still a mystery to scientists in many ways – due in part to its habitation in depths of 660 to 2300 feet, and to the fact that the animals do not survive for more than a few days in captivity. The Humboldt Squid is an elusive, aggressive predator that can reach six feet (two meters) in length, with exceptional underwater vision, powerful arms and tentacles, and a deadly razor-sharp beak, as well as more unique abilities, such as the capability to change its skin color at will. Scientists still do not understand exactly how or why the squid changes color, but the ability is just one more aspect of the creature’s mystery. The squid feed upon lantern fish and sardines, and are preyed upon by sharks and swordfish, as well as most famously serving as the main staple of the diets of pilot and sperm whales.

With over 20 years experience as a camera operator and director of photography, Bob Cranston is one of the most respected experts in his field. For more information on Bob Cranston, and to immediately browse and view his footage of the Humboldt Squid, please visit Bob Cranston’s Profile URL at OceanFootage (www.oceanfootage.com/sellers/bobcranston).

About OceanFootage

Founded by a team of accomplished ocean video producers and marine experts, OceanFootage provides the world’s largest and finest online collection of ocean stock footage. The people at OceanFootage have gone to great lengths - and depths - to provide the most diverse and visually stunning footage collections available anywhere. From DV to HD video and film, OceanFootage’s large collection and industry-leading e-commerce interface offers clients the best in search, preview, purchase, and delivery for rapid and easy access to ocean footage.

For more information on OceanFootage and its new look, capabilities, and services, please contact the company’s founder, Dan Baron, toll-free at (866) 375-2313, or e-mail him at dan@footagesearch.com.

For a media kit, magnificent stills from some of its collections, or additional background information on OceanFootage, please contact publicist Angela Mitchell, at (904) 982-8043 or angela@footagesearch.com.

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