Life of a Narrator/Presenter

I would like to share my experiences as a guest narrator/cum presenter for an ongoing project by Valley Films which is based upon the history of our local Parish of Boxley in Kent.

I fondly imagined that I need only learn my lines and speak to camera and that would be that. How wrong.

Getting the sound right was a big requirement which included me being fitted with a microphone and this involved groping about my person to find a suitable hiding place.

The lighting had to be right at all times. The director had me in different postures. When I was to be standing still, walking at the correct pace and not mincing, making gestures now and again, now stopping, now starting etc. etc.

I listened to debates as to whether I would be in close up, would the camera zoom in, would I be talking over, etc. etc.

Eventually we started filming at Boxley Church and my first take. Not bad, thought I, but sorry, there was aeroplane noise, let's do it again. During another take the tractor appeared.

On one take I turned carefully, as directed, walked and talked, remembering when to gesture, struggling to remember my lines and then being aware that the camera was on a running track and beginning to run out of track. Should I slow down before he topples over? or speed up? My lines were to end with reference to Roman tiles on the Church porch. Having navigated my way down the path and seen the camera man remain upright I delivered my final words. Unfortunately, I ruined the take by referring to "the Church perch"!! and on a retake the director said, "No pressure, but I think it's going to rain soon".

Throughout all this I was aware of ladies bustling around in the interest of continuity and even a degree of make up by way of unmanly hair spray as the English weather ruffled my locks. What with sound problems, camera angles, lighting etc. etc. this filming business is serious stuff. I can't wait to get going again.

Robin Ambrose