Pre Production Brief

For this topic we have been asked to produce a series of documents, showing knowledge and understanding of the planning that goes in to creating a media product such as a short film, trailer game or animation. As a group we went to Bodiam castle and the Smugglers caves in Hastings, to analyse these places as possible filming locations. We were first asked to produce a RECCE report based on one or both of the locations. I chose Bodiam castle. While I was on site I made quite a few pages of notes as I went along listing all the noticable hazzards and problems that might occur. I used this document to help me write my risk assesment chart. When I was walking towards the castle from the car park, I noticed that the ground was rather uneven in parts and particularly muddy. I felt that Elderly people or those with a disability may find it difficult to pass this area safely. Just as I began to think of ways around this problem, I saw a Natrual trust transportation buggy fly by with several passengers on board. I then noted the possibility of hiring out a couple of these buggies for our project. Other solutions included filming in stable weather conditions, providing protective footware, and placing boards over the muddy areas. As I made my way to the gatehouse I began to feel excited about the prospect of using this location in my project. The gatehouse itself was very atmospheric and reminded me instantly of the temple of time in Zelda, Ocarina of time.
As I climbed the spiral staircases to reach the roof, to survey the view, I felt a little uneasy as the walls seemed to close in on me. I have always been fine with heights, but I do tend to feel quite clausatrophobic at times, and panic when having to use lifts or the underground. I felt that it might be necessary to employ extra staff on location to offer assistance to those who are unsteady on their feet, or scared of heights or enclosed spaces. Perhaps some reflective material could be placed in areas of the corridoor which may help create an illusion of space to help those prone to panic attacks.