GL events - Race to the Games
The Brief
In early 2022, we were approached by GL events UK to direct and produce an ambitious feature length documentary that would showcase their delivery at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
From the outset it was apparent that the scale of the project was huge, and the story-telling opportunity unique, therefore it would require great care and attention.
After a large research and data gathering process, we produced a shooting script and storyboard before developing a large video network who could shoot the material over a nine month period.
Production
Early on in the process we asked ourselves ‘what filming methods would help make GL’s product really shine?’. From here we developed a shooting language that would bring a high-end look-and-feel to proceedings.
As a result of this, the finished film utilises almost exclusively stabilised shots, as opposed to more standard documentary filming techniques ie. handheld, run and gun. We felt that this style would help us clearly communicate the quality and scale of what GL were delivering. This added an extra layer of complication and committment during the shooting phase, but gives the final film greater clarity.
The production schedule was intense, culminating in over 70 days of multi-format shooting. To communicate the size and scale of the project, we relied heavily on drone footage, which we acquired through our local video network. Timelapse footage was captured over multiple months to help us showcase various key builds.
Echo-ing the subjects of the film, we navigated the production through periods of extreme weather that hit Birmingham and the UK, including Storm Eunice and 40+ degree heat-waves.
Editing & Finishing
We tackled editing, colour-grading, and finishing of the final documentary in-house using our 4K work-flow.
We were able to provide GL events UK with Cinema DCP packages for special screenings of the documentary, as well as versions formatted for the web.
The final film was mixed by our chief sound operator Jason Nightall.
As you can tell by the credits, this film was the result of the efforts of a lot of people. We’re really proud of the outcome!
