PRODUCTION. MY LIFE
CUED UP The Format Factory specialises in unscripted filmmaking and has scored contracts with many of the UK’s major broadcasters
“We were told from a very early stage that we wouldn’t get access to film at all,” Field recounts. “But then we proposed the idea of remote filming without even being in the room – and, surprisingly, that was agreed upon.” However, there were more obstacles to overcome. The team had to cover multiple snooker tables, as the competition format consisted of 16 simultaneous matches – and they didn’t know which table Moody would be playing at. “So, I needed two angles on 16 tables,” Field goes on. “I needed to be ready to shoot with 32 cameras at any one point. But CBBC budgets aren’t exactly big, so hiring 32 cameras wasn’t an option. Instead, it became a question of how we cover 16 tables with just two cameras!” Field and his team built a mobile rig for sound equipment and a ceiling-mounted fixture that used GoPro cameras – as they were lightweight and small enough to work for the set-up. “We had to invent rigs that could suspend from ceilings, but without actually being completely invasive to either put up or take down,” Field establishes. “And we needed to set them up within five minutes because that was the turnaround on the tables. That was probably the biggest challenge – and GoPro was the camera of choice.”
“We were told from an early stage that we would not get access. But then we proposed remote filming – and, surprisingly, that was agreed upon” Thanks to their innovative approach and collaboration with event organisers, the crew managed to capture a pivotal moment in Stan’s journey to becoming a professional snooker player. Upon completion of the film, Field reflected on the rewarding aspects of creating children’s TV content – and particularly filming with Stan. “He shared in the joy of seeing young people’s stories come to life on screen – and the positive impact the show has on its audience is immensely gratifying.” My Life not only entertains, but also inspires and educates young TV viewers – making all that hard work worthwhile. My Life is available to watch on BBC iPlayer
BREAKING THE MOULD At age 16, Stan ‘The Man’ Moody is one of English snooker’s rising stars
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