THE BRIEF

​

999 What’s Your Emergency was on its 3rd series when Blast Films approached The Complete Camera Company to take care of the fixed-rig element of the show. They needed an upgraded, full HD multi-camera system which would greatly improve the viewing quality. The decision was made to follow the police and paramedics in Cheshire, a very busy location in the UK, over a 10 week period at the end of 2015.

It was decided that HD Mini-Cameras would be rigged across 4 ambulances and 4 police cars.

Each vehicle would have a Producer/Director who would travel to each crime scene, supported by CCC crew to handle any on-site technical issues.

​

THE CHALLENGES​

​

One of the most challenging issues when filming 999 is rigging a fully-functioning ambulance with camera equipment. To cover the action fully, 4 cameras were rigged in each ambulance, working around a significant amount of lifesaving equipment that was already present. Leaving enough room for the ambulance crew and the patients meant that we had to be very creative and resourceful with our filming positions, which included cameras, cables, batteries, recorders and lights.

The equipment needed to be mounted safely, and remain accessible for any potential troubleshooting. Bespoke mounts, camera triggers and storage boxes were fabricated to facilitate this.

We also needed to ensure that the hand-held element of the shoot was as simple as possible for the shooting PD’s on location. We supplied user-friendly PSC kit that was easily operated and maintained by the Producer/Directors who were in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.

​

THE RESULTS

​

The nature of the content was so varied and potentially distressing, it was important that the team remained sensitive to the people on both sides of the story, and it was an incredible insight into the lives of people of the North-West. The show received an enormous amount of support from viewers online and on social media, and many viewers seemed keen to have Episode 2 in particular – centred around legal-highs - shown to teenagers in schools.

​

​

FACTS AND FIGURES

​

Filmed: Winter 2015

Aired: July 2016

Channel: Channel 4

Location: Crewe & Warrington.

Cameras: 27