The Producers

Karl Taylor – Director and Principal Underwater Photographer

Karl is as an award winning photographer primarily known for stills and TV commercials work. He is commissioned by leading global companies for his precise attention to detail and his exquisite control of light.

"The Hunt for Lady Olive & The German Submarine" is his first feature length documentary and is derived from his other passion as a qualified technical diver and shipwreck hunter. Using specialist low light video cameras, Karl is able to reveal the hidden world of shipwrecks in great clarity at depths of up to 75m (250ft), the very limit of natural light levels in temperate seas.

David Harewood OBE – Narrator

David is a British actor and the current president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He is best known for his roles as CIA Counterterrorism Director David Estes in Homeland (2011–2012) and his highly acclaimed performance in ‘Blood Diamond’ alongside Leonardo DiCaprio.

David was appointed an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2023 for his services to drama and charity.

Making The Film

To successfully complete this project has been an absolute privilege and testament to the tenacity of the entire team.

My work in studio commercials and stills is far removed from the often eerie and ominous process of filming underwater shipwrecks, it’s a unique experience of exploration and discovery that is truly spellbinding. As a passionate wreck and technical diver, filming lost shipwrecks, far offshore, at depths of over 75m is as exciting as it gets and working with the right team is essential. There are of course risks and it’s the dive team and surface crew who are their to support each other if there is a problem.

On this project we were fortunate enough to discover and dive the location of the missing U-boat ‘UC-18’. Working with a group of dedicated professionals we were able to capture haunting underwater images and build the story that revealed the truth of this incredible naval battle. A battle that had been contested by historians for decades.

– Karl Taylor, Director