Risk Assessment

Before filming our trailer for 'In The Shadows', we had to assess the risks that could happen during the process in order to avoid any accidents.

• The first risk that we had to be aware of was damaging the equipment. This was a threat because we needed to film in the rain and it was important the camera didn't get wet or it might stop working. To avoid this, we held an umbrella over the equipment and didn't film any shots that required moving the camera as it was safer to keep it still so rain couldn't get to it as easily under  cover. We also made sure someone was responsible for the camera and tripod at all times to look after it and ensure that it was safely put away into the bags the equipment belongs in when not in use.
• A second risk during filming was a shot that we had planned when one character pulls the hair of another character. This risked hurting her particularly as it was likely we would need more than one take to get it right so we decided to change the shot so that you only see a hand reach for the character and she falls backwards out of shot. This allowed her to be in more control by falling rather than actually having her hair pulled and although the audience can't see the attack, it is implied through this shot and therefore just as effective.
• Another risk worth our consideration before filming was a close up shot we had planned of a candle being blown out. This was a risk as it was important nothing/no one got near or touched the flame as it could burn or set something alight. To avoid this we cleared everything on the table first and were careful when lighting the candle. As we wanted a close up shot but didn't want any equipment near the flame we placed the camera further away and used the zoom to make it seem closer without any risk. When blowing out the candle we kept a fair distance away and put the candle on a plate in case of any wax dripping or even the candle tipping.
• The final risk we had to be aware of was filming in a public park. We wanted a shot of 2 characters on the swings and another shot of them swinging on its own. As it was a public place we had to make sure that nobody else was in shot or near in case of being hit or someone falling off which risked them getting hurt. To avoid this, we filmed in the park during the evening when nobody else was around so we could concentrate on filming and our safety rather than other people around.