Hollywood Producers Option Rights to Book, Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving
LOS ANGELES, CA / BOURNEMOUTH, UK – 4 November 2025 – A trio of US-based producers, including George Linder, known for his work on the Running Man franchise, have secured the rights to develop a motion picture or television project based on the compelling non-fiction book, Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving, written by Howard Rosenstein and published by Dived Up Publications.
The deal grants producers Linder, Ziad Batal and John Ptak the rights to create a documentary that will explore the book’s narrative — Rosenstein’s remarkable first-hand account of pioneering the earliest discoveries and expeditions in the Red Sea. It details how he built an industry from scratch, attracted adventurous (and sometimes famous) guests drawn to pristine coral reefs, and navigated the complex political machinations in an area still technically at war to secure environmental protections for one of Earth’s most important ecosystems.
“This is a powerful, untold story of exploration and risk at the limits of underwater discovery,” said George Linder, Producer. “The historical depth and sheer adventure make it perfect for the screen. We look forward to translating this remarkable work into a visually stunning film.”
About the Author
Howard Rosenstein is a true pioneer – a one-off who was inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame in 2009. In this memoir, he shares the more surprising as well as his favourite stories from the early part of his long diving career.
Dived Up Publications
Based in Bournemouth, United Kingdom, Dived Up Publications specializes in books relating to underwater exploration and maritime history.
The Producers
George Linder, Ziad Batal and John Ptak are Los Angeles-based producers, bringing a wealth of experience in high-impact motion picture and television production.
The book
Published 11 March 2025 | RRP GBP £25 / USD $35/ EU €30 | Paperback | ISBN 978-1-909455-54-2 216 pages | Revised 1st Edition | 234 x 156 mm | Available from Divedup.com, online and from retailers
‘Endlessly entertaining… A vivid memoir packed with characters and anecdotes.’ SCUBA magazine
‘This is a fascinating story and one well told.’ Divernet(click for full review).
‘A great book… adventure, history, politics, discovery. It’s all there and more… Howard has lived an amazing life… his celebrity/ legend list is second to none and if you have been to the Red Sea and think you know it, think again.’ Scubaverse (click for full review).
‘A gripping tale.’ Undercurrent
‘For anyone passionate about scuba diving, underwater exploration, or simply a well-told adventure, Howard Rosenstein’s memoir is a must-read.’ Inside Scuba(click for full review).
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‘Once in a great while a book comes along that combines masterful storytelling, riveting adventure, charismatic characters, and meaningful messages that will continue to haunt you long after the last page is turned. For me, Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving is that book… I urge readers to dive into this book for vicarious adventure, for insight into a life well lived, for reasons why you, too, should succumb to the urge to submerge, and for unbelievable stories that are most wonderful because they are true.’ Sylvia Earle, Oceanographer, Founder of Mission Blue (from the Foreword)
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‘It is an extraordinary book. Howard achieved so much, and he makes it look so easy, as if everything just happened right. But I know the world is not like that. He worked like hell to make everything happen.’ Dr Nic Flemming (ex-National Oceanography Centre, UK)
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‘A rollicking fun tale… scuba divers worldwide are indebted to them.’ Kathy Sullivan, history-making astronaut and oceanographer
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‘A fascinating story. Howard’s diving life took him from ancient history, to being among the first to see sharks mate in the wild, to world politics as his pioneering efforts helped make the wonders of the Red Sea available to divers from around the world.’ Marty Snyderman, underwater photographer, author and photojournalist
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‘A captivating voyage through the exotic wonders of the Middle East, above in the Sinai desert and beneath the cobalt blue waters of the fabled Red Sea. His ability to traverse cultures and disciplines while remaining true to his vision is inspiring. This book records one man’s adventures pioneering scuba diving during high politics in the Middle East and is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity, determination, love for the ocean and the desert, and respect for the world around us. I urge you to pick up a copy and embark on this thrilling journey’. Amos Nachoum, award winning nature photographer and diving travel pioneer, BigAnimals.com
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‘Howard Rosenstein had a dream that he made a reality – he built, and they came.’ David Doubilet (from the Foreword)
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‘A fascinating story that, if it was not the real-life of Howard Rosenstein, it would make a first-class adventure novel. The book details Howard’s work with the top underwater photographers and marine scientists in the world as they dived, photographed and researched some of the most pristine marine environments in the world. Howard’s love for the marine environment went well beyond science and involved bringing the world and all its varied and sometimes contentions partners together for the sake of tourism and conservation. This is not only a story worth reading, it’s a story worthy of sharing with everyone who loves the sport of scuba diving and the underwater world.’ Dan Orr, Diving Industry Consultant
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‘After a dozen trips to dive with groups of my firm’s clients at Howard’s Red Sea Diving Center, I know that there is no other person who could have written this authoritative book–with these dramatic, and sometimes-wild stories. Howard was Red Sea Diving at its most dramatic at unspoiled dive sites around the tip of the Sinai Peninsula. He hosted groups of overseas divers like mine, celebrities, researchers, politicians and traveling international vacationers with the same competence and resourcefulness in a demanding, primitive area. This is the man to tell the story of Red Sea Diving!’ Carl Roessler, diving tourism pioneer, Scuba Diving Hall of Fame member, owner of See and Sea travel
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‘If you are like most divers, you’ve probably dreamed of that once-in-a-lifetime dive trip, exploring some far-off, exotic ocean on reefs that have never been dived before, walking on deserted, white sand beaches where there is no sign of another human being and of sailing, day after day, never seeing another vessel…
In 1993, a small group of us – photographers, writers and film-makers – had this rare opportunity, in an utterly audacious venture that only the most confident and competent leader, Howard Rosenstein, and his crew, could accomplish. We explored and dived a virgin area spread out over 650 miles of the western Indian Ocean between Mahe, Seychelles and the near-mythical Aldabra Atoll, in what was thought to be the first large-scale diving expedition in this area since Cousteau’s famous discovery-voyage in 1954.
We were to quickly discover why Howard had emerged as one of the pioneers of live-aboard and Red Sea diving. Having participated in this near-unimaginable dive voyage with him, and others to follow, there simply seemed to be no realistic limits to the dive adventures that he and his crews could envision, organize and safely produce.
Howard’s personal dive story, as chronicled in his new book, “Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving,” is the amazing recapture of dive-stuff that seems only possible through fantasy, as if he and his boats had fully known just where they were headed, and the incredible dive experiences they would bring to so many.‘
Al Hornsby, Executive VP for International Affairs, PADI
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‘Howard Rosenstein’s book is a beacon of inspiration, a testament to the power of passion and perseverance. His narrative is not just a collection of memories but a compass that guides us through the rich tapestry of his life’s adventures. As a friend and confidant, I have witnessed Howard’s unwavering dedication to his craft, and this book encapsulates that journey beautifully. It’s an honor to endorse a work that will ignite the explorer in all of us, beckoning us to dive into the pages and emerge with a renewed sense of wonder and ambition. Howard Rosenstein’s story is a must-read for anyone who dares to dream big and explore the vastness of our world and beyond.’ Rick Tegeler, Oceanographer, photojournalist, author
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“Pioneer: a person who is among the first to explore or settle a new country or area.”
‘Howard Rosenstein is a true pioneer in every sense of the word. Not only did he introduce the exquisite Red Sea underwater paradise to thousands of people worldwide, he also became a true fellow explorer and lifelong friend to me personally–bonds forged underwater are unbreakable! The adventures we shared in the early days of Red Sea diving set a high bar for my professional life and are chronicled in his highly anticipated memoir.’
Anne Doubilet, Underwater Explorer, Writer, Photographer
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Treasures, Shipwrecks and the Dawn of Red Sea Diving
