Master Underwater Cinematography with the D.O.P. Behind the Oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher
Ocean Footage Mastery is a self-paced online mentorship program run by Roger Horrocks for underwater cinematographers looking to accelerate their development to world-class.
It's specifically designed to help you bridge the “apprenticeship gap” with field-proven systems, expert feedback, and direct mentorship, to empower you to craft world-class footage that delights your director, your editor, and your audience.
What Is The “Apprenticeship Gap”
Formal apprenticeships in natural history cinematography are rare and hard to secure. Roger Horrocks did his six-year apprenticeship under Didier Noirot, one of Jacques Cousteau's cameramen, Justin Maguire and Doug Anderson, who in turn was mentored by Peter Scoones and Doug Alan.
The Ocean Footage Mastery Program is Roger's way of continuing that tradition, giving aspiring underwater cinematographers access to the knowledge, systems, and critical feedback needed to consistently craft world-class imagery.
The OFM Promise
If you apply yourself to this Program and embody the theory, principles, and techniques taught through your own rigorous practice and self-critique in the field, you will be able to significantly improve the quality of your cinematography in six months and be in a position to deliver quality rushes that delight your director, your editor and your audience.
Meet Your Mentor: Roger Horrocks
Wildlife Cinematographer, Director of Photography
With decades of experience capturing some of the world's most challenging underwater sequences, Roger’s work has been featured in productions for Netflix, BBC, Apple TV, National Geographic, and Discovery—including My Octopus Teacher, Our Planet, and Blue Planet II.
The Path
OFM is built on three overlapping operating systems that together guide each dimension of your development.
The Decisive Cine Framework (DCF)
Cinematography is a decision-making process—designing visual messages that evoke emotions, guide audience perception, and enhance storytelling.
The DCF is a practical decision-making tool for unpredictable, high-pressure filming environments. It eliminates hesitation and gives you a repeatable framework to help you decide where to place the camera and consistently improve your shot execution.
SequenceCraftOS
A structured, recursive playbook and workflow you run on any shoot, from one day to six weeks - so your decision-making compounds over time. The goal of every cycle is the same: maximise the odds of returning with rushes that delight your producer, your editor, and your audience.
SequenceCraftOS is taught across four ocean modalities, each with its own approach based on the amount of time spent on the subject.
BlueWaterOS
Open ocean cinematography: clarity, adaptability, and execution under pressure.
FluidBenthicOS
Dynamic seabed environments: positioning, pattern recognition, and story-driven execution..
StaticBenthicOS
Controlled seabed environments: precision framing, behavioural observation, and stability.
TopSideOS
Aerial and surface cinematography: world-building, stabilised motion, and integration.
OceanLeverageOS
Technical skill isn't enough. OceanLeverageOS is a strategic framework for transforming your creative expertise into long-term professional value—helping you build a resilient career in the digital age.
01 Frame.
Clarify your vision, long terms goals, values, and personal brand.
02 Explore
Test your positioning in public and build signal-feedback loops
03 Craft.
Build scalable assets—stock footage, IP, or training products..
04 Leverage
Systematise and distribute your value so it compounds over time
OceanLeverageOS provides a practical framework for building a long-term creative career—helping you turn cinematic skill into a sustainable system of assets, visibility, and value creation.
What Program Members Say
Henley Spiers
Film director and underwater photographer“Having forged a career as an underwater stills photographer, I was determined not to underestimate the challenge of achieving competence in moving imagery. For those who join this program, you can expect unparalleled access and carefully crafted instruction from a highly inspirational teacher. Roger's masterclass gave me the confidence to embark on my first ever film project.”
Dr Shireen Rahimi
“I just did a shoot for PBS and another for an indie doc about coral, and both teams were super happy with the footage. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my work since taking the course, and I finally feel confident saying this is my speciality. So thank you, Roger, for everything.”
Photographer and Filmaker
Sara Banderby
“Starting out on the course, I knew I had a lot to improve, but Roger puts it into manageable pieces, easy to consume, plan and focus on. Going from being a hobby videographer jumping at every fish, I'm now thinking and working more like a cinematographer, focusing on story, emotion and presenting the underwater world in a wonderful way. Planning on how to capture scenes and how to build and work in productions. “
REVO Instructor and Cinematographer
Kellon Spencer
“In a career with an unorthodox trajectory, it’s easy to get lost in the maze of how to move your aspirations forward. The OF Mastery Program is the first program I’ve attended that actually gives actionable insight into how to develop and apply a strategy for advancing your underwater career goals. From crafting shot sequences to gear choices and business strategy, Roger’s insights gave me a huge amount of confidence in forging my path forward.
Cinematographer and Filmaker
Sarah Coote
“Roger’s underwater cinematography mentoring provides a rare combination of technical expertise and a deeply grounded approach to understanding the underwater world. His holistic approach elevates not only your footage but your entire understanding of high-level underwater cinematography. It’s the kind of program you revisit repeatedly, uncovering new insights each time and continually deepening your skills and perspective. It was a true privilege to be part of Roger’s cohort.”
Underwater cinematographer
Cory Fults
“The sheer volume and richness of information Roger provides in this course is incredible. On top of that, having a dedicated community to discuss everything related to diving, camera work, and wildlife has kept me deeply engaged far longer than I expected. For anyone passionate about this field, there is truly nothing else that comes close to this kind of learning opportunity”
Underwater cinematographerWhat You Get With The OFM
When you join the Program, you get two years of intimate access to Roger’s twenty years of experience as a wildlife cinematographer, delivered through three primary channels:
Self Paced Curriculum
Eight modules built from real professional experience, not theory. Each one distils the decisions, protocols, and lessons Roger has developed across two decades of high-end production work—organised into a step-by-step structure you work through at your own pace.
Live Coaching
Live group sessions run by Roger himself. These are where the curriculum meets real questions—your footage, your unique experiences, your challenges. You get direct guidance on what's actually limiting your work and what to do about it.
Global Community
A private network of serious underwater cinematographers from around the world. You learn from their questions, their footage, and their experience—not just from Roger. The community stays active long after you finish the modules.