Pedro Furtado Costa Rodrigues | Filmmaker | Marine Biologist | Divemaster | Brazil
Marine Biologist Pedro Furtado has been exploring wildlife through cameras since a very young age, with a particularly passionate for the ocean. After working as a professional underwater videographer & photographer in Asia for 2 years, completing over 1100 dives with a camera in hand, he studied his Masters in Bristol, the world capital of Widllife filmmaking. Through his degree he gained experience working with some of the biggest production companies and people in the industry. Presently in Brazil, Pedro is now filming for production companies, dive centres, and working on personal projects.
What is a typical day like for you?
Editing and filming stuff (topside and underwater).
When did you first start documenting your ocean story?
When I got my first camera, a Canon G12 with an Underwater Housing. I was 15 years old so that was 12 years ago!
What are the fondest memories from your upbringing that you feel impacted your life choices and lifestyle today?
On every family vacation, we used to go to a beach called Saquarema which became the most special place on Earth for me. There I saw my first Whales, Orcas, Stingrays, and many other marine species. I would wait the whole year for this trip, just hoping to see something special in the ocean. That love grew over the years and made me appreciate the ocean like no other. Using images is the way I found to share that passion with people that aren’t able to be in these places and witness the beauty of these animals.
What path did you choose after leaving school?
I graduated in Marine Biology and started to work with Marine Protected Areas. Published a few Papers and a book that can be seen here (in Portuguese). I didn’t want to persuit the academic life because I thought I would be better telling stories through a camera. So I moved to Thailand where I worked as an underwater filmmaker/photographer for 2 years and got accepted on the MA of Wildlife Filmmaking at Uwe/BBC, in Bristol UK. After the Masters I have worked in the production of wildlife series and working on personal projects. The latest one has been already been awarded in a few film festivals and it’s the final project of my Master’s with BBC.
What do you value most in life?
Special moments with special people and animals. My happiest moments in life were with people I love and diving with them. From showing my mom how diving is amazing in Curacao to seeing 3 Whale Sharks during a Dive in Koh Tao with my best friends. I live for these kind of moments.
Who/what currently inspires you?
I have witnessed how great documentaries and amazing photos can change people`s perceptions about something. For example Blackfish... it changed how people see the activities on SeaWorld. The results of these kind of projects it`s what pushes me to keep doing what I do.
What would you most like to change in the world/environment today?
People`s mind and how they relationship with nature.
Are there any books/documentaries that have guided your thinking?
I have watched pretty much all the BBC classics ( Blue Planet 1 & 2, Frozen Planet, Wild Africa, Planet Wearth) but lately, I have been more inspired by documentary-style such as "My Octopus Teacher", "Virguna" , "Seaspiracy", "Mission Blue" and many others.
What legacy do you hope to leave?
I would like that my work has changed some people's perception but mostly, really helped in the conservation of a specie, doesn`t matter which one. If I could help significantly with at least one I would be happy already.
What advice would you give to anyone looking to follow their dreams as an ocean Storyteller?
You don`t need the best equipment in the market or a complete film crew to tell a good story. You really just need to find a good story!
