The Challenge
Create a piece of media capturing the vital maintenance and renewal of tram track works taking place in Sandilands, Croydon. This joint venture by Transport for London and Balfour Beatty will ensure the continued reliability of the tram service.
Balfour Beatty acting as the principal contractor on the project reached out to us. They initially requested just the installation of our high specification timelapse systems to capture a basic overview of the works. However, upon further discussion they decided to incorporate drone flights as well as on the ground filming.
They wanted the video to showcase the challenges that arise from the unique nature of a tram track renewal such as:
- The complexity of the tightly curving track
- Access and egress for materials
- Multiple site compounds
The main themes of the video would be the problem solving nature of the project and the success of the established programme of works.
The Approach
At the beginning of the project, one of our engineers installed three of our high specification timelapse cameras providing plentiful coverage of the track works. Furthermore, we dispatched a filming operative at two different points across the project. Our filming operative recorded both aerial and on the ground footage using the DJI mini 4 pro and Canon R5 mirrorless camera.
The drone flights help to show the scope of the works and establish the geographical location of the project. In this particular case, the drone was ideal for showcasing the multiple site compounds and access locations. The Canon R5 allowed our operative to get up close and capture details of the track works.
Whilst on site our operative also recorded some interviews of the project team. Interviews are always a great way to add context to a video and put a face behind the project.
The Result
We quickly began the edit once the work was completed. On of our talented team members put together a punchy edit. They used all the footage at their disposal; chopping up bits of timelapse and video, inter-spliced with interview segments.
We fired off a first draft to Balfour Beatty to which they replied with a few subtle changes to hone in on their goals for the video. After the minor amendments, we rendered a full quality version in stunning 4k. Balfour Beatty were ecstatic with the final product.
“It was an absolute pleasure to work with Inside Out Group at Sandilands. We were asked very late by our client to setup timelapse cameras for our works, and within a few days’ notice of approaching your company, you were ready to mobilise and get filming. Right from the first Teams meeting to getting you onto track on the first day of our blockade was seamless. The pre planning enabled the team to setup with no issues. The shots taken especially with the drone was amazing work, and a fantastic way to fully show the extent of our project and compounds. Then to the actual output video, again extremely professional video, a few minor tweaks that I requested was dealt with by your team with no issues. The final output was complemented by all on the project.”
Privan Hirani – Renewals Manager – Balfour Beatty Rail