At work with Wildcat Films

Wildcat Films was formed in 1987 and began by pioneering independent news gathering from some of the most remote and dangerous places on earth. They now create longer form documentaries and dramas from their base in Northern Design Centre.

We asked Director of Photography, David Baillie, about what life has been like for the business during lockdown.

How has coronavirus changed the way you work?

We're having to alter the way we work in two ways. Firstly we're now changing our filming services to remote camera operation. So we're re-purposing equipment such as our motion control and stabilised systems to be used in both studio and exterior locations. This means we can offer directors the chance to put a camera close to an actor/presenter and still offer a full range of movement and control from a safe distance.

Our other major work has been an in-house funded documentary. This is proving more challenging to complete, as we have not received any revenues for our filming services for nearly four months now. But we're about to launch a Crowdfunding pitch which we hope will help us re-start production.

What's a working day like for you?

I try to spend two days a week in our office in the Northern Design Centre, working on the equipment that is stored there. The remaining days are spent at home and currently involve setting up the Crowdfunding operation, as well as researching various funding initiatives.

Your one top tip for getting through lockdown is?

Our one tip is be bold; we know that once filming gets under way again that new techniques and equipment will be needed so even though at present we have zero income streams, we've taken the plunge to invest in equipping ourselves for the new normal.

Have you accessed support (financial or other), if so how's your experience been? 

We've applied for the Gateshead Resilience Fund and hoping for a decision soon. We found the team to be really helpful, especially John at Weareumi. We also had a very useful call from Craig at the LEP who told us about the match funding they offer for Crowdfunding projects. As a result we've put together a Crowdfunding project which will go live soon, and we're still waiting confirmation that we are eligible for the LEP match funding.

Recommended podcast, webinar, book or blog?

I don't think I have favourite podcast, but I always listen to R4's The Bottom Line for enlightenment on aspects of the economy and business I haven't come across myself. Private Eye and The Economist keep me in touch with the world and free from fake news!

Will you continue any of the changes you have made to your business after lockdown?

Yes I think we'll have to keep to the 'new normal' until there's a vaccine.