Train Strike

One of our recent films Train Strike, required shooting the film on a train. We discussed the possibilities at a group meeting and decided that we should like to shoot the film using a coach at a Kent station, Spa Valley Railway in Tunbridge Wells. Communications started with writing to the Manager of the station who was only too pleased to accommodate our request.

First, we organized a rehearsal at one of the group member's houses. There we went through the script paying particular attention to how we wanted the actors to sit, react and how we wanted to deliver the punch line 'It's A Dream Come True' - the film theme for a forthcoming competition.

We hired a complete coach on the train for the morning and we all set off really early on the day of the shoot. Timing was important, car parking permits were organized and arrangements were set to meet at the station. Cars, crew, actors, equipment and of course, refreshments were all organized.

Filming wasn't easy as we had to deal with getting the cameraman and crew set up in a corridor - each compartment only took 8 passengers (no open carriages which would have made our filming easier) and even though we only had four actors/actresses, the cameraman often had to squeeze in along with the Director who had to be within earshot for the actors/actresses to be able to hear those magic words 'lights, camera, action!!' A monitor for other members of the group was set up in the next carriage to check the continuity for each take.

Lighting had to be adjusted and our sound crew found themselves grounded in the corridor too. At one time our cameraman was seen to be crouching in the corridor just to be able to pick up the expressions on the actors faces!

Coffee and lunch breaks found us all taking turns to form an orderly queue in yet another carriage containing plates of food which had been set out on cloth draped on the seats. Members of the group all contributed to the supply of the food, making the buffet fit for passengers of the Orient Express!

Up and down the track we traveled until we heard once more those magic words 'It's a wrap!

What a great day, all the planning, rehearsing and filming ....... was it worth it? We think so, but why not check out the trailer and see for yourself!

Wendy Empett

On behalf of Valley Films