Author: Kevin

Whilst the weather was kind to us this week for the Eden Project shoot for Eiger Safety it wasn’t the same story for the Clifton Suspension Bridge or Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford.  This was a pain – but hey ho, Ben Hur wasn’t shot in a day either!

Though far from its busiest time of the year it was interesting to see everything coming to life outdoors at the Eden Project.  Most of the filming was on the testing of the man-safe systems on outside roof structures (both metal and “green” roof systems) and I think I got my first slight suntan of the year.

We also had to film the systems installed inside of the upper reaches of the main biosphere – which was roasting hot and extremely humid. Climbing up the steps with all the kit is hard enough in those conditions but it got a whole lot more difficult at the top as we had to climb over the safety barrier, latch on, and clamber round the narrow ledges at the top of the rain forest.  It took the camera about 20-mins to acclimatise and stop misting up – but I eventually got the shots I needed.

The following day we headed off to Bristol but with little hope of getting up on the bridge after having listened to the weather forecast.  And as suspected, with occasional showers and a bluster of wind every now and then, the Bridge Master said that the conditions were not good enough.  We did however take the opportunity to walk the bridge and talk about the shots I’d be able to get of the guys checking out the latch-way systems that run the complete length of the chains.  We also managed to shoot a long establishing shot of the entire span.

I have to admit, having stood next to the bridge I’m really glad the decision to scrub came.  Though I don’t need to get out on the chains themselves it is still going to be pretty hairy climbing the ladders and filming out of the chain holes and from up on the roof.  Conditions are going to have to be near perfect for video production work!

With another trip to Clifton needed in a week or so it seemed only logical to scrub our visit to Christchurch Cathedral too.  The view from the cathedral roof is supposed to be so breathtaking and having nice weather is going to be a real bonus.

I never like to abandon shoot – but at least its given me time to get the first draft of the Supadance video completed.

Heading down to the West Country tomorrow for two days filming the Eiger Safety guys at the Eden Project at St  Austell in Cornwall.  I should get some amazing images of them – and might even get on the ropes myself at some point.

From there we are going to the Clifton Suspension Bridge (don’t look down) to walk the chains – subject to the weather

Finally its on to Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford to film the guys testing the man-safe systems up on the roof.

Its not “all play” and “no work” you know!

I completed my first day of filming for the Supadance promotional video last week – the world’s leading manufacturer of dance shoes for Ballroom, Latin, Salsa and Argentine Tango.  They have an amazing range of ladies, gents and children’s shoes for professionals, amateurs and social dancers alike.  I have to admit I was gob-smacked at the volume of sales this company processes from their warehouse in Buckhurst Hill, Essex – which are shipped to every corner of the world.

My second day filming is this Thursday at their factory in Loughton – which is about a mile from my studio.  I have already carried out my recce and its going to take a full day to do justice to the process which sees raw materials in at one end of the factory and completed shoes out the other.

Supadance are very proud of their ‘Made in the UK’ heritage and the quality and reputation of their shoes – which is something I’ve got to illustrate within a couple of minutes on video.

Its great to be working with such a successful company.  I’m really looking forward to getting this one into the edit suite!