Production Room
In the week that marked the 67th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki we officially began production on the live action drama scenes, for “All That Remains” (working title).
Hair, Wardrobe and Make-Up department, courtesy of F.A.T.T.S (Film, Television and Transport Services).
Newest member of the team, Nigel found himself thrown right into the deep end with helping us to organize what is without question, the largest film shoot- in terms of scope and logistics, we’ve ever attempted, Nigel’s risen to the challenge. We are indeed lucky to have him on the team.
Nigel on set “Sorted!”
Weeks of preparation went into organizing the ‘atomic bomb shoot’, which is the first of the drama scenes to be filmed. A derelict industrial site in Birmingham (UK) was turned into a set piece depicting atom bombed Nagasaki. It was a perfect location, a football pitch sized land full of rubble and debris.
The site manager and owner were incredibly generous in allowing us free run of the property for the two days. They handed us the keys to the gates and basically said, “It’s all yours!”
A corner of Oldbury Birmingham UK was turned into atom bombed Nagasaki
It was a great shoot thanks to a great crew; everyone was willing to get their hands dirty- just the sort of crew we like to work with! They all did an outstanding job!
It’s a dirty Job at times
Lilian, the youngest assistant camera operator in the history of film
We had a great Special Make-Up FX team who worked from artwork created by directors Ian & Dominic Higgins and archive photos to re-create the “Walking Ghosts” – the victims. We do not intend to make this film in anyway gratuitous, but want our audience to glimpse the horror of that day, the snapshots that are seared into the memories of the survivors.
We also have to give a special mention to the wonderful supporting cast drafted in from the Local Japanese community. They were patient with us and threw themselves into their parts like true professionals. We captured some beautiful performances that at times were very emotional. One of the cast, a lady named, Kikuko Wall, grew up in Hiroshima just after the war and explained that while she was holding the hand of a girl who was playing a ‘dying victim’, she was connecting with the past. Tears filled her eyes as our cameras rolled.
Preparing for a take
During a short coffee break, Kikuko presented us with a piece of paper that had the lyrics to a song about Hiroshima and Nagasaki and then gave an impromptu performance for the entire cast and crew. It’s a beautiful song and she sung it beautifully, you can see Kikuko‘s performance in the video below .
“No more Hiroshima No More Nagasaki”
Below are some photos from the two day shoot. All of the photos on this page were taken by local filmmaker Phil Pugh- he took some great shots, enjoy!
Kikuko talks about growing up in Hiroshima after the war
Ian gets an actor ready for a shot
Ian & Dominic and Joel plus assistant on set.
Wardrobe wiz Monica turned out to be very handy with a pair of scissors
Two of the supporting cast- they were still smiling at the end of two very long days.
Bad Hair day? Another supporting cast member takes it all in her stride.
One of the Make-up team at work. They did an excellent job for us.
Filming with a supporting cast member
Hair stylist Nikki sets to work on a cast member’s hair
Ian and Joel on set
Joel and Dominic persevering in the rain
The youngest cast member at just 6 months old
Joel on camera, while Ian gets ready to shout “action!” on the first of the drama scenes to be filmed…
Three supporting cast members wait patiently for us to set up a shot
Ian and Nigel discuss a shot
Nigel, Dominic and Ian share a joke with cast
Some of the cast and crew
Photo credits Phil Pugh (c) Major Oak Entertainment Ltd
The shoot attracted the interest of the local press, so it was a great opportunity to generate some free publicity and good timing as we are about to launch a new crowd funding campaign.
You can read the local story here http://www.stourbridgenews.co.uk
Now it’s back to the storyboard… as we prepare for the greenscreen and studio based shoot in London, which will take place during the first two weeks of September!
