THE BRIEF

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Firecracker approached The Complete Camera Company to facilitate a brand new fixed-rig documentary series set in a Doctor’s Surgery with TV expert Dr Christian Jessen, and The CCC were

delighted to get on board. The new series would look at wide range of medical issues that are generally difficult to discuss, to both help the patient and educate the public. The fixed-rig would allow the audience to see Dr Christian and his team diagnose, treat and support various patients through their conditions and not miss a single moment of the consultation.

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THE CHALLENGES

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It was a challenge finding somewhere that had the required space and quality. Firecracker wanted a particular look that matched the high standard of treatment the contributors would be receiving.

It was also important that they chose a registered medical facility for all of the tests, treatments and medication to be administered, and after 3 recces with the CCC we settled on a location in Kent.

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There were many different specialists brought in, depending on the case, so we needed to make sure to capture every expert interaction. The CCC installed remote PTZ cameras in the surgery location, which included 2 consulting rooms, 2 specialist’s rooms, the reception area and a corridor.

There was little space inside for a production gallery inside, so we built

a bespoke space outside for the gallery team.

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We rigged and rehearsed over the course of a week, with the production team ensuring  the consultations ran smoothly and efficiently, and the CCC team guaranteeing good coverage.

Personal microphones were used for the contributors, doctors, nurses, specialists and the receptionist,

and we rigged atmospheric microphones throughout the surgery.

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It was very important during the rig and shoot to take special care to prevent any damage as the space was a private hospital. Thankfully the team at Firecracker were able to use an entire wing

of the hospital itself so that filming was not disturbed.

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One of the most important things about this project was to make sure the medical team were able to work professionally without any interruption. Dr Christian is very passionate about his work and the quality of care he and his team provide, so we needed to work with Firecracker to produce a genuine, truthful programme that was sensitive to the various difficulties his patients were facing and were not sensationalised for the purposes of entertainment. The CCC were keen to provide a service that was as unobtrusive as possible so that the doctors and patients could focus completely on each other.

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THE RESULTS

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The final show was an amazing look at unique medical and personal concerns with the added bonus of a first-class medical team and time to delve into the possible treatments and solutions.

Viewers were touched by the individual stories and the care with which they were handled.

The feedback was very positive and the team were extremely proud of the outcome.

We filmed the series over a period of 3 weeks and Firecracker produced

10 x 60 episodes for UKTV and airing on W.

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Facts & Figures

Filmed: November/December 2016
Aired: March 2017
Channel: W
Location: Orpington, Kent
Cameras: 18

 

CRITICAL ACCLAIM

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"Life changing stuff."

The Guardian

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"Embarrassing Bodies with the look and feel of First Dates."

Total TV Guide

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"There's a warm positive feeling to this series, in which Dr Christian and his team help those whose physical conditions are having a serious impact on their relationships."

Daily Mail