06 Jun Venom: The Last Dance – From Spanish Rapids to Heated Tanks
Whether navigating fast-moving rapids on location in Spain or recreating high-stakes action in the heated tanks of Leavesden Studios, Marine Department’s recent work on Venom: The Last Dance highlights the scale, precision and adaptability required to deliver seamless marine support on a project of this scale.
LEAVESDEN STUDIOS: RECREATING RAPIDS
Much of the film’s close-up and performance-led water work was shot first at Leavesden Studios. A bespoke heated tank was constructed on site with water temperatures as high as 37°C to allow for extended cast performances during the UK winter.
“While the divers were in board shorts, the rest of the crew were in puffer jackets trying to stay warm,” the team recalls. “It was surreal – winter outside, but inside the tank, it was tropical. That warmth gave us the flexibility to deliver complex shots without compromising comfort or performance.”
Marine Department managed all aspects of water safety and diver logistics during the shoot, coordinating with the stunt team and 1st ADs to keep the fast-paced schedule on track.
ON LOCATION IN SPAIN: RAPIDS AND STUNTS
All of the wide shots were filmed on location in Spain, where the natural energy and unpredictability of real rapids became a key visual asset. “Spain gave us a wild, textured backdrop that just can’t be replicated on a backlot,” says the team. “But that realism comes with logistical and safety challenges.”
Marine Department worked closely with a local Spanish team as well as the stunts and camera departments to manage all in-water operations, providing safety cover and on-the-ground solutions for filming in moving water. The team ensured that safety and efficiency were maintained at every step.
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS: MASKS AND CREATIVE COLLABORATION
To support the film’s vision of specialised rebreather systems, Marine Department used Dräger full-face masks for underwater sequences. While these were open-circuit units for safety and functionality, the team collaborated with costume and props departments to visually transform them into bespoke rebreather units.
“It’s always a balancing act – keeping things operational and safe while helping sell the fiction,” they explain. “We’ve done this kind of kit adaptation before, but every film has its own aesthetic. It’s about integrating technical know-how with creative requirements.”
LOOKING BACK, AND FORWARD
Venom: The Last Dance was a project that demanded agility across vastly different environments. From wild rivers to purpose-built tanks, the Marine Department team brought a consistent approach to planning, safety, and on-set execution.
With several global projects already on the horizon, Marine Department continues to be the go-to marine support team for complex, water-intensive productions. From feature films to episodic drama, they remain focused on delivering solutions that blend safety, realism, and creative flexibility – wherever the next current leads.