In April 2021 we were commissioned by Newcastle Castle to create a number of videos for them. Like the cast majority of heritage sites, the castle had been unable to open to the public during the Covid 19 pandemic. The team at the castle were eager to make the public aware of their re-opening but also remind people of the many uses the castle presents to members of the public.
The first time I went to Newcastle Castle was to watch a screening of Nosferatu, the second time, was to attend a reading of ghost stories (you’re seeing a pattern aren’t you) so I was really excited about working at the castle, but even more excited to know that they were bringing back all these events.
Don’t touch anything… that’s a phrase you hear a lot when visiting heritage sites. Making a video in any historical building is a challenge because you’re constantly worried about old walls, furniture and artefacts and how they can be impacted by lighting and camera equipment. So we decided to keep things quite light and nimble to minimise the impact our crew would have on the various spaces.
The team at the castle were really collaborative and gave us lots of advice and information about all the things people can find at the castle. They were especially eager to dress up in various costumes and share their research with us. We had to deliver videos that sold the castle as a wedding venue, a corporate event space, and arts and culture events space, and make videos about the educational tours and general tours around the castle.
Flying a drone in Newcastle City Centre…
One thing that we felt was absolutely imperative to the style and scope of the video brief was to capture the castle from the air. But flying a drone in a busy city centre is not something you can do without proper planning or permission. As the Castle is close to, not one but two railway bridges, we needed to get permission from Network Rail who were really helpful and eager for us to fly safely. Next we needed permission from the flight control tower at Newcastle International Airport as the city is in an aerodrome which means drones can affect aircrafts and have to be flown under certain restrictions. Finally we needed to discuss our plans with Newcastle City Council and get feedback from them. Every drone flight we undertake involves a great degree of planning, preparation (before and on the day) but its worth all the effort when you capture great footage - and Newcastle Castle looks great from the air! You can see for yourself by watching the video.