How we’ve risen to the challenges of COVID-19 with innovative and safe filming practices.
By Hûw Steer, Family History Films
COVID-19 has affected everyone’s work, including ours at Family History Films. But we’ve spent the months of lockdown coming up with new ways to carry on with our work, researching your fascinating histories and even resuming filming. With our innovative strategies we’re able to get stuck into more exciting projects than ever.
Our research team continues to construct fascinating stories. Many archives are providing digital access to their huge collections, and institutions like the National Archives are reopening their doors, so we can keep delivering exemplary research.
And thanks to our use of services like Zoom, social distancing is no barrier to engaging with our clients. We’ve recorded dozens of interviews to gather the crucial first-hand information which we build our films around. We’ve filmed some of our most high-profile interviews yet - for a very special project we’ve interviewed Olympians, generals and some of the world’s leading businessmen - and we’ve done it all at a distance and in complete safety, with no risk to anyone involved.
A recent COVID-safe filming session
Our priority in these difficult times is always the safety and comfort of our clients. We’ve developed new ways of filming interviews and other shoots that comply fully with our comprehensive COVID-19 safety policy. Not only have we used video-conferencing services to conduct remote interviews, but we’re also liaising with local crews to direct remote shoots. Our directors can manage proceedings from thousands of miles away, reducing the need for international travel while still producing high-quality footage.
We’ve also returned to the field to film interviews in person. In the last few weeks we’ve filmed across the country, in locations from Liverpool to Felixstowe. As we often work with elderly or otherwise vulnerable interviewees, we’re making sure to take every precaution: on indoor shoots we’re all in gloves and masks, and when outdoors we’ve been maintaining social distancing. Our COVID-19 safety rules are strictly enforced on all our shoots, allowing us to tell your family’s story with as little risk as possible.
A socially distanced outdoor shoot
We intend to continue filming in person with these new precautions in place - we’re already planning further trips to the US, Africa and India. We won’t do anything that makes any of our clients uncomfortable - your safety and peace of mind are always at the top of our list of priorities, and especially so in these troubled times. But by taking these precautions, we can continue to deliver our bespoke, high-quality service. We haven’t stopped delving into our clients’ histories - and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t get in touch so we can start doing the same for you.
If you’d like to get started on your own family history project, contact paul@myfamilyhistoryfilm.com for a free, no-obligation consultation.