Charles Maxwell
Underwater
Video Services

I have been working with tiger sharks for many years and, while they can become a bit aggressive near the baiting station, I have found them to be remarkably docile for a shark with the reputation of a dangerous “man-eater”.

There is a place in False Bay, conveniently positioned in the protection of the rocky coastline, called Pyramid Rock. Here a pointed rock protrudes through the thick kelp to the surface. This is a great place to dive with sevengill sharks as they cruise through the kelp forest.

Now, as I sit in front of my computer, attempting to put the experiences of the past week into writing, I know that I will fail dismally in capturing the crazy excitement of being part of one of nature’s most impressive climatic events.

Cape Point is situated at the southernmost point of the Table Mountain National Park. This impressive sandstone headland, sculptured by the sea over millions of years, represents the theoretical boundary between the cold Atlantic and temperate Indian Oceans.

Article by vianne Venter

Published in The Callsheet - September 2008

CAPE Town-based underwater cinematographer, Charles Maxwell, has worked on numerous marine documentaries over the past 21 years, including the Emmy Award winning episode of The Blue Planet, Seas of Life; Planet Earth: Shallow Seas; and Air Jaws, which captured spectacular footage of great white sharks breaching in False Bay. With more than 40 years of diving experience, he is the first port of call for clients from the BBC, National Geographic, Discovery Channel and Mythbusters when it comes to marine wildlife on the South African coastline. Charles surfaced for a chat about his underwater adventures.

Its been a winter season of mixed outcomes. The work has been interesting with. Besides the normal short shoots I have been on three big and challenging shoots.

Sun., July 29 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT (Encore Presentation)
Will punching a shark deter it? Can you use sharkskin as sandpaper? Are sharks really scared of their own image?