Bronson Film’s Deep Dive: Helping the narrative of FREEDIVER

Mar 14, 2025



It almost didn't happen

In December 2024, Paramount Pictures unveiled FREEDIVER, a documentary that immerses viewers into the captivating world of freediving through the journey of world champion Alexey Molchanov. The film, inspired by Daniel Riley’s GQ feature, showcases Molchanov’s quest to reclaim his world records amidst geopolitical challenges.  As the documentary production was looking to wrap up the film at Vertical Blue in the Bahamas, the main character of the film, Alexey, is unable to complete all the world records he has set to do at the beginning of the film. The production team, head by Nan Sandle, got to work in finding the next stop in the circuit where Alexey would compete, and that was the beautiful island of Roatan, Honduras. Bronson Film, a local production company headed by experienced Producer Franco Garuti, helped them find the support logistics to make the trip to Honduras a reality.


Navigating Complex Production Logistics

For the final interview of Alexey, the production needed grip and lighting support. With all the equipment avaiable on the island, the Gaffer was able to assemble a full lighting setup to shoot at night in an exterior, taking almost every single box, case, c-stand and gear box available in the Bronson Film depot. But hey, that's how we get stuff done. Packing 2 vehicles with all the grip, fabrics, lights, stands, we pre-lit for a few hours and got the scene to the liking of the DOP. 

Ask about our film equipment for rental at Bronson (https://roatanfilmservices.com/film-equipment)

At Bronson Film we assembled an experienced local crew, including production assistants, fixers, and dive safety personnel, all familiar with working in Roatán’s unique marine environment. Our team handled the on-the-ground logistics, allowing the FREEDIVER production team to focus on capturing the emotional and physical challenges Alexey faced in his final competition of the film.

A Collaborative Triumph in Documentary Filmmaking

Partnering on FREEDIVER was a remarkable experience, underscoring Bronson Film’s capability to deliver high-quality production services in the small island of Roatan. As FREEDIVER continues to captivate viewers, Bronson Film remains committed to bringing ambitious stories to life. For productions seeking expert logistics, specialized crews, and unparalleled on-location support, Bronson Film stands ready to dive into new storytelling adventures.