Description
Digging Up Britain’s Past is a Channel 5 programme where presenters Helen Skelton and Alex Langlands explore some of the most fascinating periods of British history. In one episode they visited the Peak District National Park village of Hathersage. They also visited the famous local gritstone outcrop Stanage Edge.
We were asked to undertake a technical support role offering pre-filming consultancy and support for a climbing section. We initially met the producer and undertook several site visits to Hathersage Church and Stanage Edge. From this we compiled risk assessments and planned appropriate support.
Planning
Presenter Helen Skelton would be visiting Stanage Edge to talk to a local historian about the legend of Robin Hood. She would also be undertaking a climbing session at the crag. We also c0-ordinated with the Peak District National Park Authority to ensure the correct permissions were in place.
Film Crew Safety
It was particularly important that the film crew could gain suitable vantage points and we also took responsibility for the film team and support staff.
Drone Footage
The shoot also involved the use of a professional drone pilot. We co-ordinated with the pilot about suitable take off points and provided support to move equipment.
Fully Qualified Instructors
We provided three fully qualified and insured Mountaineering Instructors. One of this team became the main point of contact with the production team. This team member was fully involved in the whole project to ensure continuity. The instructors are all full members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors.
Safety Management
On the day of the Digging Up Britain’s Past shoot we provided pre-shoot briefings for all participants. We then managed all aspects of the safety during the shoot and co-ordinated with the production team after the shoot finished. Everything went well with the shoot and the finished footage is excellent. As far as we are aware there isn’t an online copy of this available. If you want to hunt around you need Series 1 Episode 3.
