The Phoenix has risen from the ashes.: NCAR North Clwyd Animal Rescue

Documentary

This was a great opportunity to be a fly on the wall, so to speak! To be able to see the working cogs behind whatever topic was chosen. The 4 members of the team had a discussion about what we could document. We didn’t want to be held back by the red tape of conditions such as Health and Safety and a long line of people to go through to get permission. It was also important not to be a one sided documentary with us all having preconceived ideas.

One of the team members came up with the brilliant idea of filming in an animal rescue centre that they used to volunteer in. We then asked them if they would be willing, as they knew staff members, to see if it would be possible to set up.

We all wanted to do the documentary justice so it could be possible for them to use it as a promotional video for the centre. The day arrived and we were warmly helped by all the staff. They were all willing to help in any way they could and divulged any information that we wanted. The atmosphere was so friendly it felt like we had known them for longer than a day. It was clear to see and feel that all who worked and volunteered were very passionate about what they were doing. All areas of the centre were open to us - some that wasn’t to the public and I felt very privileged and taken aback by their hospitality.

The centre had dogs, rabbits, cats and stray dogs. It also doubled as a boarding kennels for people to leave their pets if they were going away. Many people were interviewed for the documentary such as staff, volunteers and visitors to the centre. Filler shots were included and voice- overs on the film. It was a great experience and an excellent opportunity to have as a learning curve.