 When you start creating your first films, editing is often a "home-based" process: simple editing, lightweight formats (H.264), and no anticipation of the final distribution. But from the moment you aim to sell a documentary, even a short film, everything changes. Here are the key evolutions to understand to move to a professional level. 1. Organize Your Editing in Final Cut Pro
 2. Anticipate Multilingual Needs and SubtitlesTo sell internationally:
 3. Clean Export with CompressorAdvantages of Compressor:
 4. Create a DCP for Cinema ProjectionDCP (Digital Cinema Package) is the standard format for cinema projection.
 5. Distribute Your Film Through Aggregators: Filmhub, BitmaxTo sell on major platforms (Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Tubi, etc.):
Main aggregators:
Conclusion: Transitioning from "home editing" to professional editing means understanding that every stage (editing, export, distribution) must be planned from the start for the final destination. It’s a demanding evolution, but incredibly rewarding. ✨ And it's also the key to having your films travel far beyond your computer screen.
Planning Nosy Be? This guide covers the real seasons, where to dive by level, the whale-shark window, currents and ethics—field-tested in the Indian Ocean. Need tailored advice? I reply within 24–48h.
Explore Nosy Be diving with underwater photographer Serge Melesan: Sakatia, Tanikely, Mitsio and Radama. Real seasons, whale sharks (Sep–Dec), mantas, dolphins, coral gardens. Safety, currents and ethical encounters. Field-tested advice for scuba travel, conservation stories and fine art collectors.
Nosy Be, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, is an unmissable diving destination for underwater enthusiasts. Located off the northwest coast of Madagascar, this island is home to exceptional sites where marine biodiversity thrives in spectacular settings.
A Forest of Gorgonians: A Stunning Underwater Landscape
One of the most impressive sights in Nosy Be is undoubtedly the vast expanse of its gorgonians. These fan corals, often compared to underwater trees, majestically spread across deep reefs. Unlike other diving destinations where gorgonians are of modest size, those in Nosy Be reach extraordinary proportions, creating an almost surreal landscape. Every dive through these gigantic structures feels like swimming through an underwater forest, a sanctuary for countless species of fish and invertebrates. 
Nosy Be on the beach
Nosy Be — whale-shark window (Sep–Dec). Gentle reefs at Sakatia & Tanikely; expeditions to Mitsio & Radama. © Serge Melesan
Encounter with the Juvenile Whale Shark :
Nosy Be is also one of the rare places in the world where juvenile whale sharks can be observed. These ocean giants, still young, peacefully roam the island’s plankton-rich waters. Unlike adult whale sharks often seen in other regions, those in Nosy Be typically measure between 4 and 8 meters and tend to be more playful, offering divers unforgettable encounters. The best season to observe them is generally from September to December when they come to feed in these nutrient-rich waters. While this encounter is exceptional, it is best experienced through diving, where a small group can truly appreciate the beauty of this giant in a respectful and non-intrusive way. Unfortunately, mass tourism has led to situations where more than five boats, each carrying 12 eager tourists, converge on a single whale shark, turning the experience into a chaotic chase for the perfect Instagram shot. A better regulation of boat activity and stricter guidelines on whale shark interactions would greatly enhance the quality of observations while ensuring the well-being of these magnificent creatures. 
The Mysterious Guitar Shark
Another fascinating inhabitant of Nosy Be’s seabed is the guitar shark. This rare and discreet species, appearing as a cross between a shark and a ray, blends perfectly into the sandy lagoons and coral bottoms. Its distinctive appearance and placid behavior make it an intriguing encounter for experienced divers. Not aggressive but difficult to spot, the guitar shark is a hidden gem of Nosy Be, requiring patience and a keen eye to find. 
The Elusive Omura’s Whale Nosy Be is also one of the few places in the world where the elusive Omura’s whale can be observed. This whale species, still little known to scientists, moves discreetly through Madagascar’s waters. Unlike the larger humpback whales, Omura’s whale is smaller, measuring between 10 and 12 meters, and exhibits more elusive behavior. It is distinguished by its slender silhouette and asymmetrical head markings. The species was named after Japanese cetologist Hideo Omura, who significantly contributed to marine mammal research. Observing one is a rare privilege, making each encounter even more precious for cetacean enthusiasts and researchers striving to learn more about this enigmatic species.
An Exceptional Biodiversity Beyond these emblematic species, Nosy Be boasts an incredible variety of marine life: manta rays, pygmy seahorses, leaf scorpionfish, sea turtles, and a multitude of brightly colored nudibranchs populate its reefs and dramatic drop-offs. Every dive holds its share of surprises, making Nosy Be a dream destination for marine life enthusiasts. 
Scuba Diving Travel — Nosy Be, MadagascarNosy Be is a diver’s paradise in the Mozambique Channel, where encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles are part of the adventure. Coral gardens and drop-offs shelter a remarkable variety of marine species, making every dive a unique experience. Serge Melesan’s fine art photography brings the underwater beauty of Nosy Be to life, blending artistic vision with conservation storytelling. Discover more ocean destinations: Mayotte | French Polynesia | Bahamas
A Fragile Ecosystem to Protect
While Nosy Be is a paradise for divers, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of its conservation. Responsible tourism and coral reef protection are essential to ensuring the longevity of this unique ecosystem. Several local initiatives, such as marine protected areas and diver awareness campaigns, aim to minimize human impact on this natural wonder. Nosy Be remains an extraordinary destination where nature expresses itself in all its splendor. Diving into its waters is like entering another world—one where wild beauty reigns supreme, and each immersion unveils a new treasure from the depths. Nosy Be — Frequently Asked QuestionsShort, field-tested answers. I don’t sell trips or take commissions — this is straight advice. When is the best season to dive Nosy Be?April–December is generally stable. The whale-shark window is ~September–December. January–March can bring wind/rain and lower visibility (cyclonic season). Which sites suit my level (beginner / intermediate / advanced)?Sakatia & Tanikely — gentler reefs, great for beginners & macro practice. How to see whale sharks responsibly?
Are currents dangerous in Nosy Be?Mostly mild to moderate, but plan for drifts. Check incoming/outgoing before each dive, agree on SMB use and pickup plan, avoid down-current zones along walls, and follow the guide’s briefing. Photo basics for clear water (wide & macro)?
Can I combine forest & diving in one trip?Yes. Many travelers pair Nosy Be diving with Andasibe & Pangalanes (forest/wildlife). Optional extension: Sainte-Marie for those who want extra diving/logistics comfort. Do you book trips or take commissions?No. I don’t sell trips or take commissions. I provide honest, ethical guidance and reply personally within 24–48h. Still have a question? Fill the form below — I’ll reply within 24–48h. Need tailored Nosy Be advice?I don’t sell trips or take commissions. I reply personally within 24–48h. Join the Nosy Be 10-Day Underwater Photography WorkshopSmall group, daily dives, in-water coaching, and evening editing with Serge Melesan. More places to dive: Mayotte · French Polynesia — Rangiroa vs Fakarava · Bahamas · Baja California 
This book took ten years of my life.
A decade of diving, dreaming, drifting. Of carrying my camera across oceans — from French Polynesia to Wallis and Futuna, from New Caledonia to Mayotte, Nosy Be, La Réunion and Zanzibar… even to the Sea of Cortez, in search of the great white shark I once thought to be the ultimate predator — until I met the orcas in Mayotte’s lagoon. This book is not just about the ocean. It’s about the people I’ve met along the way: scientists, volunteers, photographers, travelers, and all those whose love for nature and the sea helped shape my path. 
The Role of Encounters
First of all — I just love being in the water. Watching animals move in silence. Observing how fragile they are — and how our behavior as humans, especially in isolated regions, often makes or breaks their survival. Like the time I saw a Filipino trawler fishing illegally in Fijian waters, chasing sharks to fuel China’s appetite for “aphrodisiac” fins. Nothing is ever black or white. Without ecotourism, these places would be left to poachers and drift nets. But with the right resources, locals can protect what feeds them — both economically and spiritually. 
Why This Book Was Born
At first, I didn’t want to make a book. I’ve always preferred video — movement, sound, immersion. (You’ll find some links to my underwater films in this digital version.) But over time, I started collecting moments. Frozen fragments of encounters that seemed to speak louder than words. Turtles nesting in Mayotte. A blacktip reef shark gliding through shallow coral. A pod of dolphins at sunset. And with it, a sense of urgency grew — to protect what I was witnessing. So I made this book. Not to tell my story, but to share these encounters — brief for you, perhaps. Just a few pages. But for me, they were months, sometimes years of waiting, returning, trying again. Until the perfect moment finally came. How to read this book?After your purchase, you'll receive an instant download link. The book is delivered as a 204 MB EPUB file — easy to open and read on most devices.
Need help? You can contact me anytime — I'm here to guide you through. A journey that starts with a simple click
Stories from Beneath the Surface
There was this time my dive partner and I descended onto a familiar reef — or so we thought. After a few minutes searching left and right for a coral block that usually serves as a landmark, we found… nothing. We surfaced, puzzled — only to realize we had been caught by a current pulling us far from the coast. We drifted… for hours. Five of them. Every kick seemed to push us further. Until a fisherman, returning from the open ocean with a massive sailfish on board, spotted us and brought us back to safety. That was the first time I saw a sailfish. And let me tell you — I had no complaints that day. Another time, I was fixated on photographing a clownfish between the tentacles of its anemone — carefully waiting for the perfect alignment. When I surfaced, the other divers laughed: “You missed it!” They showed me a video of four manta rays swirling right above me for over fifteen minutes… and I hadn’t noticed. But that’s the thing: as a photographer, you must know what you’re looking for — and stay with it. That day, I had a macro lens. The mantas were stunning, but not the image I came for. The clownfish was. 
Why This Book Matters
Over the years, I went from travel photographer to underwater photographer, then to wildlife photographer and now, I feel it’s my duty to focus on conservation. To tell stories that matter. Because the planet is changing. Fast. And thanks to your support, I can tell the story of the last humpback dolphins of Mayotte — vanishing, blending, hybridizing with other species out of desperation. I can give my photos to local NGOs like Oulanga Na Nyamba, who work tirelessly to protect sea turtles in Mayotte. I can write for media outlets who raise awareness about coral bleaching, plastic pollution, ocean acidification and warming seas. Yes — thanks to you, these images travel. Thanks to you, these stories take shape. And it’s to make sure these encounters between nature and people keep happening… that I’ve spent the last ten years underwater. 
Why Sound of Silence ?
I didn’t even like that song in 6th grade. I didn’t understand it. Now I do. Because I took the time to listen. And that’s how we change. When we’re finally ready to hear. Sound of Silence – The Ocean QuestA 139-page book about what’s really happening in the ocean. Facts, images, choices. This is a statement. This is what we stand for. □ A digital gift for the first 100 readers. 
In the mysterious depths of the ocean, every species has had to adapt to the relentless laws of physics to survive. Among the champions of hydrodynamics, dolphins and sharks dominate the waters, reaching impressive speeds and navigating with an ease that defies comprehension. Behind their performance lies an evolutionary secret: the structure of their skin.
The Dolphin's Secret: Intelligent Skin
Dolphins, true acrobats of the ocean, can slice through the water at speeds exceeding 50 km/h (31 mph). The common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), for example, is known for its bursts of speed and ability to surf the waves. Its secret lies partly in the dynamic structure of its skin. Composed of an elastic outer layer and a deeper layer of collagen, their skin absorbs and dampens water turbulence. This phenomenon, known as drag reduction, allows them to minimize resistance and conserve energy. Studies have shown that dolphin skin contains microscopic folds that adjust according to hydrodynamic forces, reducing vortices that would otherwise slow them down. Some researchers are now drawing inspiration from this structure to design anti-friction materials for the naval and aerospace industries. One notable example is the development of dolphin-inspired coatings for submarines and ships. Engineers have tested flexible hull materials that mimic dolphin skin’s ability to adjust to water pressure, leading to reduced fuel consumption and increased speed. This technology could revolutionize underwater transportation by making vessels more energy-efficient and maneuverable. 
The Living Armor of Sharks
While dolphin skin is flexible and dynamic, shark skin is a true microscopic armor. Covered in tiny dermal denticles—small rigid structures similar to serrated scales—it plays a crucial role in their speed and maneuverability. The great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), for example, can reach speeds of up to 56 km/h (35 mph) thanks to this adaptation. The dermal denticles create a textured surface that channels water into fine layers, reducing drag and increasing swimming efficiency. This unique coating also limits the growth of algae and parasites, an evolutionary advantage that allows sharks to maintain optimal hydrodynamics without being slowed down by unwanted organisms. Inspired by this adaptation, engineers have developed biomimetic coatings for ship hulls and swimsuits. In fact, some shark-skin-inspired swimsuits were banned from the Olympic Games after it was proven that they provided swimmers with an unfair advantage. 
Sharkskin: The Banned Technology
In the 2000s, sports equipment manufacturers designed swimsuits inspired by shark skin, called sharkskin suits. These suits were covered with micro-relief structures mimicking the dermal denticles of sharks, reducing drag and improving buoyancy. They allowed swimmers to shave off crucial fractions of a second in competition. Their effectiveness was so remarkable that at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, over 90% of medalists wore these suits, breaking numerous world records. In response to this disparity, the International Swimming Federation (FINA) decided to ban these swimsuits in 2010, arguing that they provided an artificial advantage beyond the athletes' natural abilities. However, while based on the concept of shark denticles, these suits did not perfectly replicate the complex structure of real shark skin. Shark skin functions not only through its texture but also through the flexibility and dynamics of its denticles, which adapt to water flow. Despite its biomimetic inspiration, sharkskin technology remained an approximation of nature's perfection. 
Why Can't Humans Compete?
Unlike dolphins and sharks, the human body is not designed for optimal hydrodynamics. Our smooth skin creates more friction with water, and our muscles are not optimized for efficient propulsion in this element. Even with cutting-edge equipment, we remain far from the natural efficiency of these marine predators. 
Two Strategies, One Goal
Dolphins and sharks have taken different evolutionary paths to achieve the same result: fluid and efficient navigation. While dolphin skin adapts in real time to turbulence, shark skin stiffens and channels water flow. Two fascinating biomechanical solutions that highlight nature's ingenuity. In laboratories worldwide, these natural marvels are inspiring innovations in fields ranging from maritime transport to sports equipment. Prototypes of dolphin-inspired submarines are being developed, and biomimetic underwater drones based on shark skin could one day revolutionize ocean exploration. Once again, the ocean proves to be an infinite reservoir of solutions for the future. And beyond dolphins and sharks, other marine creatures hold secrets of hydrodynamic perfection. From the streamlined bodies of orcas to the undulating propulsion of cuttlefish, the ocean continues to challenge our understanding and inspire the next wave of human innovation. |
Serge Melesan
Underwater & Fine Art Ocean Photographer Specialist in Fine Art Ocean Photography. Published in Oceanographic Magazine & Earth.org. National Geographic Traveller – Portfolio Winner (2023). Archives
Novembre 2025
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