The Challenge
In 2024, Abergavenny Station underwent a major transformation with the construction of a Beacon Bridge, a striking new footbridge designed to enhance safety and accessibility. While the construction of the bridge was impressive, capturing the project presented a different kind of challenge. The goal was for us to create a compelling film for Network Rail that documented the technical milestones and the significance of the project in the context of modern infrastructure development.
The production team needed to showcase the construction process creatively and tell the story of progress through captivating visuals. This required innovative filming techniques, detailed planning, and state-of-the-art equipment to ensure no moment was missed.
The Approach
To bring the story of the Beacon Bridge to life, we used a variety of tools and techniques to capture the complexity and scale of the project:
- Canon R5 Mirrorless Camera: The Canon R5 played a central role in filming detailed close-ups of construction work, capturing everything from intricate metalwork to workers’ precise movements. With its 8K video capabilities, the R5 ensured that every shot had unparalleled clarity and could later be cropped or reframed without losing quality.
- DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone: Aerial footage was critical for giving viewers a full appreciation of the project’s scope. The DJI Mini 4 Pro provided smooth, sweeping shots of the bridge being constructed, offering perspectives that were impossible to achieve from the ground. Drone shots showcased dramatic moments, such as the installation of the main span, and illustrated how the new structure integrated with the surrounding landscape.
- Bespoke Timelapse Camera: A fixed-position timelapse camera was set up on-site to record the bridge’s transformation over weeks and months. This technique condensed months of construction work into dynamic sequences, capturing the gradual progress of tasks like assembling the lift towers, installing the main span, and finishing the lantern-topped towers. These time-lapse shots added an engaging narrative element, visually demonstrating the project’s evolution.
- Dynamic Stabilisers: Portable stabilisers ensured that even handheld shots taken on the busy construction site were smooth and professional. This allowed the team to film up close without disrupting the work being carried out.
The Result
The film not only captures the technical achievements of building the Beacon Bridge but also told a visually captivating story of progress and innovation. Key results included:
- Cinematic Storytelling: The combination of drone footage, timelapse sequences, and high-resolution close-ups created a cinematic narrative that immersed viewers in the construction process. The use of advanced equipment like the Canon R5 and DJI Mini 4 Pro ensured that every angle of the project was explored in stunning detail.
- Engaging Visuals for All Audiences: The film struck a balance between technical detail and visual appeal, making it engaging for both professionals in the construction and engineering fields and members of the public interested in infrastructure development.
- Legacy Film: The film serves as a permanent record of the bridge’s creation, celebrating the technological, architectural, and human achievements involved.
Network Rail were very pleased with the project and have since used the film to promote the their work across Wales and Borders.