BBC1 Imagine: This House is Full of Music
Date: 2023-10-26 Category: Portfolio
Project
As the country found itself suddenly thrown into lockdown in 2020, the television industry needed to quickly adapt to continue entertaining the population. Limitless were delighted to help Swan Films find an innovative solution to shoot a stunning new project featuring the world-renowned Kanneh-Mason Family.
Mission
BBC Young Musician winner Sheku Kanneh-Mason and his exceptionally gifted siblings spent lockdown isolating together in their family home. The time together was used effectively; streaming their music to fans online, performing in the street to neighbours, and lifting spirits with the wonder of music. The family decided to stage a glorious and eclectic concert from their own home, and gave the BBC exclusive access.
Swan Films were able to offer viewers an intimate look into the lives of the musical family during lockdown, whilst working within very strict health and safety protocols. Limitless were delighted to offer Swan Films a bespoke package; including a remote camera rig, wireless lapel microphones, with OB, remote streaming and SkypeTX. We safely installed robotic cameras in the main rooms of the house, capturing candid moments and then topped it off with a classical concert.
Alan Yentob hosted the film and interviewed the family from the safety of his own home. We were able to send a sanitised remote recording kit to him, bringing his feed into our OB over SkypeTX. Alan was able to interview the family in real-time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Challenge
Ensuring everyone was safe whilst filming through the pandemic was paramount, we sent a skeleton team of two with our OB vehicle. One engineer entered the house in full PPE when the family had left the room and all kit was fully sanitised before installation, with cables neatly hidden. Our robotic cameras enabled Swan Films to be across every angle and follow conversations easily throughout the home. We deliberately chose to install a mix of white and black cameras to blend in with the different decor across the house.
Result
The film was a great success, offering an uplifting, joyful and moving reminder that music can carry us through difficult times.
