|
If anyone had said to me before I retired two years ago that I would be back making television programmes, but this time for a community website, I would have cast a disapproving eye upon the person concerned. However, this is exactly what has happened, though I am pleased to report it's turned out to be one of the most rewarding uses of an old career skill I could have imagined.
In July we introduced video production features called iMEDIA Presentations to Crowland Links, the community website. Using video recording techniques and YouTube channels we were able to broadcast our first video presentation - Crowland Show 2009. This three-minute video helps to publicise the show event for 2010 and to present a behind-the-scenes story telling how much more there is to our local events other than just turning up on the day. And, of course, showing that Crowland is a town where good things happen afforded by and through the generosity of local people. Similar too is our most recent video, the Crowland Abbey Flower Festival.
Arriving at about 10am on the morning before the festival opening day, the abbey was already bustling with men and women making their preparations, installing or helping with what looked to me like creative masterpieces. Clearly a great deal of planning had already gone into this year's theme, Shakespeare - The Bard of Avon.
From my own point of view, embarking upon this particular project would exercise a different creative style, more so since I would be using a new camera with all its associated technology. In fact the day would be a learning process for all concerned, as having someone push and point a broadcast camera in your direction can be intimidating, especially when it's being perpetrated by a complete stranger. But, I am pleased to say, many simply went on with their work, although I did find that some repeatedly apologised for thinking they were getting in MY way when the reverse was often true.
During filming, it was interesting to see people giving creative instruction in what appeared to be that of a master-apprentice relationship, with those more experienced pleased to instruct while others less experienced were eager to learn. The outcome of all their hard work was a series of wonderful and imaginative displays set amongst the backdrop of the abbey interior. In reality it was often difficult to separate the two as flowers and abbey became entwined within each other, making my job much easier than I had first imagined.
I sincerely hope that I have done justice to those very talented people, and sincerely hope they will ask me back next year to document their next festival project.
Claire B.
This story first published in the October edition of the Crowland Town Magazine.
|
