In this e-mail interview, we quiz Lauren Smith on her time as an underwater videographer with Oceans Below on Koh Tao...

What University /college course are (or were) you studying?

I studied at Shrewsbury Sixthform College, Shropshire, UK. I took Geography, Politics, Art, General Studies, Media Studies and Film Studies. This September I am going to Cardiff University to Study Journalism, Film and Media.

What year had you finished before your training with Oceans Below, Koh Tao? How long have you been working and what was your job before coming to Koh Tao?

I had finished year 13, A-levels before going to Koh Tao.

How does the content of the Oceans Below videographer training compare with what you learn at University or with what you do for a living?

It fit into the practical elements of my media and film course. Having already used Adobe 2.0 editing software in college it set me up for the internship at Oceans Below. However, in regards to it being underwater, it is a skill that only I, in my college, possess. Not only that but it backs up what I already had learned about narrative structure, introduction of protagonists and following their journey. Also, camera language and shots, thinking about construction of mise-en-scene.

What do you plan to do after you graduate?

My future plans involve either doing a post graduate in the USA learning about the production of films, moving to London and trying to get a place within the BBC, or coming back to Koh Tao for a few years and continue working as an underwater videographer.

Do you think training with Oceans Below helped your future prospects? If so how?

MOST DEFINITELY!!! It has showed that at only 18 years old I have been working in a professional setting- making money for myself and my company. It will show future employers that I am reliable and motivated, as well as show my passion for film as I moved to Thailand to pursue it!

Did you show any of your underwater video footage to people back at home - colleagues, professors? What was their reaction?

As soon as I was home I was asked to teach an entire class on it to all the A Level classes in Film and Media Studies, showing them about what I did with Oceans Below. My college professors are all thoroughly impressed and are encouraging all other students to follow my example. He asked whether I wanted to go into business with him in the Middle East after university...

What would you say to someone thinking about taking an underwater videography course with Oceans Below?

JUST DO IT!! It is an unforgettable experience; I plan to go back every summer in between university, that’s how much I loved every second!! You meet so many wonderful people and work with some of the most talented minds in the industry. It will change your life :)

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