Commission Unit- Potential Filming Locations

This project will be the first project where I have had people from the outside of the project working with me to create a piece of film. As such, it is important that I am organized and have a professional approach towards my work and one of the things I have to consider for myself and Andy is locations where we can film for our project.

It is important that I research the laws on photography and videography carefully and take care in abiding by said laws, otherwise there is a possibility our documentary may be removed from YouTube, or potentially even a chance we may be sued for capturing the image of someone or somewhere we are not allowed to. It is also paramount that we provide our cast and crew to our documentary film pieces safe, un-hazardous environments to work in, so it is very important that I research these film spots and perhaps even visit them ahead of time so that I can be sure there are no potential dangers and health and safety risks.

When it comes to actually thinking up ideas of where to film, it can be quite difficult, especially when a restricted to filming in and around Medway. A lot of our transitional shots (such as shots of the presenter talking alone or providing a commentary on what is coming up) will probably take place outdoors in areas such as a street or park. I did a quick Google search for places in Medway that specifically allow film crews to work there, and one place I found was Medway Port.
Medway Port allows filming as long as it does not interfere with the everyday running of the port, but unfortunately charges a service fee for filming there. The fee is dependent on the type of filming, the size of the crew and the duration of the shoot, and so unfortunately it might not be feasible for us to film there.

If it comes to it, we can possibly seek permission from Maidstone Studios for us to film some interview scenes inside one of their studios, but this will require any interviewees to travel from outside of Medway to
Maidstone (around an hour by bus), which may be a deal-breaker for some interviewees.

Filming locations is something we will seriously have to consider and confirm before we plan to begin shooting, otherwise our film will look rushed and unplanned, which is never a good thing. We also have to make sure our entire shoot is thoroughly planned so that we can appear to be professional to our interviewees, in case we need to return to them at some point for more material or to work with them again in the future.

Chatham High Street. Potential Film Location?