PRE-PRODUCTION: Risk Assessment & Test Shoot 1

Following the feedback about changing the name of our sitcom, we've decided to call it just VET-MAN. 

As producer for this project, I am in charge of creating the risk assessments and making sure everything can be done practically. Risk assessments are essential during the planning of a television show because they help manage the health and safety by outlining the possible risks and how we can control them. Our show, VET-MAN will have some risks as we will be working with animals, who are very unpredictable. I will need to create a risk assessment for each location and each test shoot that we decide to do. So far, the plan is to carry out two test shoots, one testing the cameras and deciding what one we want to use, and the other will be filming the animals as we already know this will be difficult. 

Test Shoot 1 - Risk Assessments

Location - The Owl Academy

After assessing these hazards and control methods, I decided this was a low risk shoot and was acceptable to go ahead, I had the risk assessment signed by Simon a couple of days before the test shoot, and he agreed this shoot could go ahead. Alex and Katie are aware of the risks involved with filming at the Kent Owl Academy and they know how to control them to prevent injury to themselves and the staff and animals at the academy.


Location: Private House

Again, I decided that this location was low risk and was appropriate to film at. I gave the risk assessment to Simon a couple days before the dates we wanted to film on, he agreed and signed the risk assessments. Alex and Katie are aware of these risks and know how to control them to prevent any injury to themselves or any family members.


Test Shoot 1

Alex and Katie started the test shoot by filming at a private house, they were simply testing out the different cameras (JVC, Panasonic, Sony EX & DSLR), to see which one was best for handheld work and how they coped in different lighting. They did a couple of profile shots with each camera to keep it as a fair test.

The following day, the three of us went to The Kent Owl Academy. Alex's sister was able to show us round the enclosures and she had a lot of information on the animals, e.g. what owls are best for static shots and what ones are obedient enough for flying shots. This was very helpful because I didn't have all the information when I visited for the location recce. Alex's sister told us what areas we are allowed to film in - which was pretty much anywhere we wanted. 

Today was primarily about getting a feel of the location and spaces that could be used in our film, along with again testing the different cameras in and around the wooded area. It's my job to make sure the location is safe to film in, so I informed both Katie and Alex of where was a good place to film. We were surrounded by uneven ground but we found a patch that was flat for Katie to stand on with the equipment. Mollie, the owner and managing director, was very helpful and said we can literally do whatever we wanted for the animals, they want the publicity and it's not the first time the animals have been used for films and photography. 

This information basically answered my questions:
- In terms of dates, are there any days you know you won't be available on or any times we cannot have access to the site or animals?
They are closed to the public in January 2019, but we are still welcome to film. This might actually be a better time to film because we won't have large groups of the public around us.

- How much access can we have to the animals during filming?
We are allowed to enter any enclosures and film any of the animals we want, as long as we let Mollie know in advance.

- Are you and the staff available for more test shoots?
As long as I inform Mollie in advance, her and the staff will be available for us to use with the animals. We will work around their animal displays and experiences in order to keep their business running like normal.

- How are the animals around cameras / equipment and small groups of people?
The animals are fine in front of cameras and equipment, they have their photographer who has never had a problem. As long as we don't purposely frighten them, the animals will be fine with groups of people, they perform shows everyday so they are used to crowds. 

While we were here, Mollie asked if we would like to try and film the owls, static and moving. As I had stated in this risk assessment that we would be working with the animals we thought this was a good idea, instead of waiting until next time to try filming the animals incase it's impossible and in the worse case scenario we need to change the idea.

Katie stood quite a distance away from the animals so they wouldn't be spooked or get in the way of the equipment. This was good practice for her as Director of Photography to film the owl while it's flying.

Capturing the owls moving

Capturing the owls moving 

Mollie was very helpful and said that we would be able to film pretty much any time we want to, as long as we contact her with the date and time in advance. This makes things easier for our production because as we can film whenever we want, it will make it easier to arrange with our cast once they're onboard. 

Our next test shoot will focus on filming more of the animals and filming them closer up, as this time we may be able to get in the enclosures with the equipment. My next job before this second test shoot is to produce another detailed risk assessment, focusing more on the risks and control methods using the animals and being in their enclosures.