PRESS RELEASE

TheUnderwaterChannel.tv
New on-line underwater TV show launched in 2007

The world’s first underwater internet channel, driven by the passions of those dedicated to the underwater world. Mavericks has been involved from the start…..

TheUnderwaterChannel.tv launches on the world wide web on Monday January 29. Created by Emmy award winning producer Nicholas Claxton, whose documentaries have been screened by BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Discovery and National Geographic, this is believed to be the first venture of its kind. Nicholas intends the show to be topical and to have a magazine format.

Nicholas has already brought in some of diving’s top names to help launch the Underwater Channel. Included are Neutral Buoyancy author, Tim Ecott, adventurer and broadcaster, Monty Halls and Peter Scoones, the cameraman celebrated for his work on the blockbusters, Life on Earth, Blue Planet and Planet Earth.

Of special interest to us is an interview to be screened with Anne-Marie Kitchen-Wheeler. Anne-Marie will be discussing her research into manta rays in the Maldives. She is also leading our own Whale Shark Manta Safari in 2007.

It was at Peter Scoones’ suggestion that Nicholas first contacted Mavericks Diving. Nicholas wanted a diving-themed backdrop for recording the links that will introduce the footage and interviews that will make up the pilot show. The Mavericks showroom proved to be perfect.

Mavericks also helped out the Underwater Channel by introducing Nicholas to the two individuals who he has chosen to present the pilot. Amanda Ursell is a tv broadcaster and journalist who will be known to many divers for her work with Diver magazine. She is also the author of the book Going Down - Reflections of a Reluctant Diver.

Andrew Pugsley 25, has worked part time with Ocean Optics / Mavericks Diving for nearly ten years. He was the recipient of the first Our World Underwater Scholarship Society award for a young underwater photographer in 2002 and has had numerous images published. AJ, as he is known, is also a shark enthusiast who has worked with South African specialists Andy Cobb and Andre Hartman. Currently he is designing the Mavericks Scuba Courses.