Research - Lesson One

The best was to research is to see first hand how big production companies actually go about filming. 

Our A2 media class were fortunate enough to go down the the Being Human film set to watch them film and meet people from every different department. We were lucky enough to meet Phil Davies,  the director, wardrobe mistress, make up artist, sound, lighting and camera man and also the main person in charge of everyones safety. We were able to ask everyone different questions and get good advice in all areas. The area which most shocked me was the Health and safety as i wasn't aware how detailed it had to be and how responsible the company has to be over everyones well being. In order for us to gain a greater understanding of the health and safety officer's job she gave us copy of her portfolio so that we can see all the main aspects involved in keeping everyone safe and all of the different procedures you have to go through when someone has an injury. If these procedures weren't in place the company could be sued for thousands. v

 I gained a lot from this experience which i can now carry on to my Soap Opera advert such as, care for the environment i am shooting in, ensure everyone is safe and not at harm, don't stick to the same shots, be careful with the props you use as they all have a meaning and are there for a purpose and lastly, even when you think you have the perfect shot still go back and do it again for a final time. 

I also saw how they would film senses such as someone jumping out of a window using a green screen.  After being shown around all areas of the set the director explained to us how the camera can fool us and said that they were originally looking for a hotel on Barry Island see front but couldn't find a suitable location and that is why they chose the Mardy Hotel in Pencoed instead. In order to keep their continuity they have built a 20ft wooden replica of the hotel lobby on Barry Island sea front, this allows them to shoot shots of characters entering and leaving the hotel giving the allusion that it is all at Barry Island sea front.They also put a fake front on the Mardy Hotel so that people can see clearly that it is Barry based.

Actionmedics
Actionmedics are a team of nurses which work on film sets but instead of waiting around to report accidents they are more active and prevent them from happening. They have to always we aware of what is going on and filling detailed risk assessments in order to minimise risks. There are also certain things that the team have to carry one them from first aid kits and dressings to medical drugs.