Who we are
ABOUT US
Blue Ocean Productions is a full-service video production company based in Ventura, California, delivering professional video production services for businesses, organizations, and brands. We create compelling visual stories that inspire, engage, and leave a lasting impact.
Our Story
Telling Stories That Inspire
Founded by Jim Knowlton, Director of Photography and filmmaker, Blue Ocean Productions brings more than 25 years of experience in professional video production, cinematography, and visual storytelling. Jim’s career spans award-winning documentaries, national television productions, corporate and commercial videos, and films that explore the natural world, people, and the environment.
With a background producing content for PBS, National Geographic, Discovery, and Ocean Futures Society, Jim has developed a distinctive approach to filmmaking that combines compelling storytelling with exceptional cinematography. His work has taken him across the United States and around the world, directing and managing productions in diverse locations, from corporate environments to remote islands and underwater ecosystems.
Jim has worked on numerous award-winning documentary films that have received top honors at film festivals. Swains Island: One of the Last Jewels of the Planet won the top award in the People and the Sea category at the Blue Ocean Film Festival, while Our Ocean Heritage received the EcoDox Award at the San Pedro International Film Festival. Steve’s Chapel: Building a Sacred Space received Best Film and Best Documentary honors at the 2024 Western Canadian International Film Festival. These accomplishments reflect Jim’s passion for filmmaking and his commitment to creating compelling visual stories that inform, inspire, and connect with audiences.
As a cinematographer, producer, director, writer, and editor, Jim brings a comprehensive understanding of the production process to every project. His expertise includes underwater cinematography, aerial drone filming, documentary production, interviews, and commercial filmmaking. As an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot and experienced underwater cinematographer, he offers a unique ability to capture stories from land, air, and beneath the sea.
Through Blue Ocean Productions, Jim applies this extensive experience to helping businesses, nonprofits, and organizations communicate their ideas, showcase their work, and connect with audiences. Whether directing a commercial production, coordinating a multi-location international project, or creating an intimate documentary, his approach is collaborative, creative, and focused on delivering exceptional results.
Based in Ventura, California, Blue Ocean Productions serves clients locally, nationally, and internationally, bringing a passion for filmmaking and decades of professional experience to every production.
Our Expertise
TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
OUR MISSION
To help businesses and organizations communicate their message through creative, high-quality video productions that inspire audiences and drive meaningful results.
OUR EXPERTISE
Our experienced team combines creative storytelling, cinematic filmmaking, aerial drone production, and post-production expertise to produce exceptional visual content.
OUR PROCESS
We work closely with every client – from planning and production to editing and final delivery – ensuring a smooth, collaborative, and transparent experience.
What We Do
PRODUCTION SERVICES
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
We collaborate with you to shape a clear creative vision – defining goals, messaging, and story direction before a single frame is shot.
SCRIPT WRITING
Every frame is carefully graded for tone, mood, and consistency, giving your video a polished, cinematic look from start to finish.
STORYBOARDING
We map out every shot and scene in advance, giving you a visual blueprint of the final production before we go into pre-production.
PRE-PRODUCTION
Custom titles, lower thirds, and animated elements are designed to reinforce your brand identity and add visual polish to every project.
VIDEO PRODUCTION
Drawing on 25+ years of cinematography experience across TV, film, documentaries, and commercials worldwide, we bring your story to life on set.
POST-PRODUCTION
From clean dialogue to custom music and ambient sound, we craft an audio experience that adds depth and emotion to every scene.
MOTION GRAPHICS
Corporate films, brand storytelling, documentaries, and commercial content are elevated with custom motion graphics crafted with cinematic precision.
COLOR CORRECTION
With 25+ years of cinematography experience across TV, film, documentaries, and commercials worldwide, we grade every frame for a consistent, cinematic look.
SOUND DESIGN
Professional post-production including editing, color grading, motion graphics, and sound design that brings clarity and emotion to every scene.
