Recce in Moelfre, Angelsey

For this Documentary Unit, our Group (P) will be looking into a film about the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institute) with particular attention going to the lifeboat station based in Moelfre, Angelsey and it's Operations Manager, Rod Pace. We will look into the relationship between Rod and this station, smothered in rich history and pride; with the added emotion of the station being demolished and replaced for a newer model.

To get an idea of visuals and to have a chat with Rod in person before the main interview, myself and Jason drove up to Moelfre on Saturday after i'd finished work. We left at about 5pm, arriving at Jason's house in Warrington at about 8:30pm. We stayed there for the night and Sunday morning we headed off to Moelfre. The journey from Jay's house took just under 2 hours, reaching the lovely seaside village of Moelfre at 10:15am.

It was a brilliant day; blue sky, warm, sunny and hardly any breeze made for a perfect impression of Moelfre. We started off by parking at the RNLI Museum then walking to the RNLI Station a few metres down the road. I took a Nikon D90 with me and took pictures relating either to shot ideas or useful information people absent from the recce might want to know. A lot of it was observational research and by taking photos and some videos I was able to get a great scope for the type of landscape and it's features had to offer. I could only hope for such a brilliant few days for the shoot!

At 11:30am myself and Jay went to meet Rod Pace at the RNLI Station. He took us upstairs, past the Lifeboat and into what seemed like the upper deck of a ship! Wooden decor on the walls and a huge window accompanied by a large, covered telescope. The atmosphere in this upstairs hideaway/ office was warm and entertaining. There were about 7 or 8 people chatting, having a laugh and drinking tea and scoffing biscuits. We were offered tea as we sat down at the table in the middle and Jason began chatting to Rod about the Documentary.

During their chat, I began taking pictures of the masses of memorabilia and decorations scattered across the walls of this vast hideaway. From this room alone, it was evident this Lifeboat Station had a lot more to offer than first meets the eye! Riddled with History, I was fascinated by some of the achievements on display, with a great degree of pride and respect for everyone who volunteers to save lives. 

When Jay and Rob had finished their chat, Rod took us both on a tour of the station (Click Here for more Pictures - navigate left on the photostream) Firstly on the lifeboat then onto the slipway. 




It was then that Rod told us that he would release the smaller lifeboat whenever we wanted and that the main lifeboat only goes out on exercises every 13 days. We decided that we needed the shot of the lifeboat launching so we're going to extend our stay to accommodate the film.

Rod then took us round the rest of the station; through the offices and back around to the lifeboat again where Jason asked him some more in-depth questions and I had the chance to get some Interview Style Pictures. It was during this chat in which Rod told us we would pretty much be allowed full access to the lifeboat station.

We clarified a few dates then said our goodbyes before myself and Jay walked down to the village centre and took some more pictures. Jay rang Mike and told him what we'd found out and all in all it was a very successful trip! 

Now we've got the recce out the way and the pitch to the lecturers and year group went well, I'm really looking forward to getting back up to Moelfre and making a brilliant film!

We'll be leaving on the afternoon of the 23rd after we've picked up our equipment, be camping out for 6 days whilst shooting during the day. It's a laid back schedule, but one in which will allow us to focus on everything closer as we have so much time to perfect anything we do.

The lifeboat is being launched on the 29th so we'll stay for that before heading back. 

I'll be driving everyone;

Mike, Jason, Tom and Claire as well as all the camera equipment, sound, lighting and tents. We'll be travelling light as well so getting everything to fit will be interesting!

I'm really looking forward to shooting this documentary with a great bunch of filmmakers about a really interesting subject!