Shot on Iphone 'THE REEF' Explained By Director Sven Dreesbach

Sven Dreesbach, The Director of ‘The Reef’ Shot On Iphone, shares a little bit of the Maldives experience with the MVHOTELS.Travel. He is also one of the editors & cinematographers of the Apple commissioned movie shot in the Maldives.

THE REEF was created by the devoted team of crews along with Maldives Whale Shark Research Program. MWSRP has been recording whale shark encounters in the South Ari Atoll region for over 10 years and part of their research is Whale Sharks. As an organisation MWSRP’s objective is to promote community-focused conservation initiatives and help the motives and raise money for the planned activities while encouraging and educating others.

1- What was your Maldives experience like? Was it your first time?

It was my first time. I met wonderful people and had a great time, particularly as I was on an exciting mission joining the research team.

2- How much of an advantage would it be to the destination Maldives, to be featured on the Apple’s #ShotoniPhone campaign?

I guess Apple’s reach is great for anyone being featured, Shot On Iphone, particularly for the Maldives as a potential travel destination for tourists. I am sure people will be interested finding out more about whale sharks and marine wildlife in the Maldives, thanks to Apple.

My name is Sven Dreesbach, film maker from Germany residing in Los Angeles, California. My work has taken me to places. I grew up traveling a lot with my family, so I am an explorer of new things for the most part.
Sven Dreesbach

3- How was Maldives chosen as a destination for this Apple commissioned video?

Apple chose to portrait the MWSRP due to their work in iOS app development.

4- Maldives is as we know an amazing destination to create contents? Any specific projects or ideas which you would love to contribute for video production?

The South Ari atoll of the Maldives, which i had the pleasure of traveling to, was definitely one of the most unique destinations I ever experienced. Being so remote from the next city, most of the life here happens around the reefs.

Not necessarily above, but rather under water it is where a plethora of wild life welcomes their visitors.

The island culture, traditions and history of the Maldive people would be an interesting subject to explore sometime as well as the local surf scene, being a surfer myself. Still bummed I didn’t have time to check out the northern atolls, that have a rich surf scene I hear.

Creative eye of Director Sven Dreesbach and Carglos Vargus, the team used Beastgrip Pro incorproated with the Pro Series 3X Tele Conversation Lens and 0.75X Wide Angle Lens as well as the DOF MK2 Adapter. AxisGo Water Housing were used in underwater Shots. Both the native capaera app and FILMiC Pro were used to shoot the whole project.

This was not the first #shotoniphone project by Sven.

The article was originally published in FIYA Magazine, Issue 10, Published by MVHOTELS.

In April, the idyllic resorts of the Maldives remained steadfast in their pursuit of perfection. With this, resorts worked on ushering in a wave of key appointments and promotions to elevate the guest experience to new heights. Committed to crafting unforgettable moments and personalized services, these appointments underscored the unwavering dedication of the industry to anticipate and exceed the expectations of every traveller. Here, we delve into the notable appointments made across the archipelago, showcasing the ongoing efforts to redefine luxury, sustainability, culinary excellence, and wellness in paradise.

Mahmoud Elkhouly Returns to Nika Island Resort & Spa as Assistant Director of Sales & Marketing

Nika Island Resort & Spa recently welcomed Mohmoud Elkhaouly as Assistant Director of Sales. Prior to working in the Maldives, Mahmoud worked in Egypt as a Reservations Sales Agent. His career started as a Reservations Sales Agent at Sonesta Beach Resort. From there, he worked his way up to Reservations Supervisor at Ayada Maldives Resort & Spa.

Sun Siyam Iru Veli Appoints Athif Ibrahim as Learning & Development Manager

This April, Sun Siyam Iru Veli also appointed Athif Ibrahim as the new Learning & Development Manager. Athif’s hospitality journey started at One & Only Reethi Rah, Maldives. From here on, Athif has worked in various roles. This includes a notable tenure in front-office management. His his current role, Athif will harness his expertise to drive innovative learning strategies and create tailored developmental programs. Through these programmes, he can ensure the empowerment of staff members at Sun Siyam Iru Veli.

Sun Siyam Resorts Promotes Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Sales & Marketing

Sun Siyam Resorts also announced the promotion of Ahmed Naufal to Group Director of Sales & Marketing. Prior to this role, Naufal worked as Cluster Director of Sales & Marketing at Sun Siyam Resorts. In his new role, Naufal will be responsible for developing robust sales and marketing growth strategies, fostering global partnerships, and driving business success for all of Sun Siyam Resorts. Naufal has been working with Sun Siyam Resorts since August 2021. He started his journey with the brand as Director of Sales and Marketing, playing a vital role in the global sales initiatives.

Chef Warren Moore Joins Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives as New Executive Chef

Chef Warren Moore, hailing from South Africa brings his wealth of experience as he joins Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll as the resort’s new Executive chef. With over 25 years of experience in the Restaurant and Hospitality industry, Chef Warren is set to elevate the culinary front at Seaside Finolhu Baa Atoll. Prior to this role, Chef Warren also served as the Executive Chef at Jawakara Islands Maldives. Additionally, he has also spent seven years working in various esteemed properties of the Crown and Champa Resorts Group.

Baglioni Maldives Announces Two Key Appointments in April

This April, Baglioni Maldives also announced the appointments of Ahmed Azeef as Front Office Manager and Mariyam Rishma Hameed as Sales & Events Manager. With this appointment, Ahmed Azeef brings his wealth of experience to Baglioni Maldives. Additionally, Mariyam Rishma also brings a decade of experience to enhance the sales and events aspect of the resort.

The Ozen Collection Appoints Maalik Abdul Qayoom as Sales Manager

Yet another important appointment was announced this April at The Ozen Collection as Maalik Abdul Qayoom takes the role of Sales Manager – Destination Management Companies (DMCs). With this appointment, Maalik brings over 8 years of experience in Reservations and Revenue management. Prior to this role, Maalik has worked with esteemed hospitality brands such as Jumeirah, Fairmont, and The Residence as well.

SO/ Maldives Appoints Narain ‘Nick’ as Sales Manager

SO/ Maldives also made an important appointment this April as Narain ‘Nick’ takes on the role of the new Sales Manager of the resorts. Before this appointment, Nick has gained over 15 years of experience in different fields. In addition to hospitality, Nick also has experience in airlines and travel as well.

Avani + Fares Maldives Appoints Thaaif Ahmed

The newly opened Avani + Fares Maldives Resort announced the appointment of Thaaif Ahmed as the new Director of Sales & Marketing as well. With nearly two decades of experience in the industry, Thaaif brings exceptional leadership capabilities to the role. Prior to this, he played a pivotal role in driving revenue and growth at NH Collections Maldives. He has also worked at Anantara Dhigu Resort Maldives, Anantara Veli Resort Maldives as well as Naladhu Private Island.

W Maldives Promotes Ahmed Zahir and Ismail Saeed

This April, W Maldives announced the well-deserved promotions of Ahmed Zahir, who transitions into the role of Rooms Division Manager, and Ismail Saeed, now assuming the position of Welcome Manager. Formerly excelling as the Welcome Manager, Ahmed Zahir brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. The promotion is poised to further enhance guest experiences and operational excellence within the Rooms Division. Ismail Saeed, previously serving as the Lounge Manager, steps into the pivotal role of Welcome Manager. In this new role, his exceptional leadership skills and dedication to guest satisfaction will undoubtedly flourish.