Reading Film and Video Makers

Phil Bryant - our unflappable projectionist is an equally steady camerman regardless of what he is asked to do.

During the shooting of the video 'The Girl who wasn't there' a near motorcycle accident was required on the slip road around the back of the Rntish Rail car park in Vaslern Road This required careful handling because wc wanted a dramatic incident involving two actors and a motor cycle narrowly missing each other. Tricky timing and problematic bearing in mind thcre were other road users as well, so safety wa.s a real issue.

In order to build the scene up, a variety of shots were needed including both high and low shots from the moving motorcycle. So one Thursday evening in July the crew consisting of Brian Hibbitt [camera 1] Phil Bryant [camera2] Don Currie [sound and lighting] Neil Hodgeson [clapper board and part actor] Brian Sargent [goffer] Mike Stephenson [motor cyclist] plus myself and one actor assembled on Reading Station.

Time was tight so whilst most of the crew were busy filming the supposed arrival of the main character off a London train, I took Phil and Mike to one side to discuss the motor cycle scene.

Now Phil - I said - we need to get some dramatic shots from the motor cyclist's vicwpoinL you know holding the camera low down whilst the bike speeds around the bends. How do you feel about it? About what? - said Phil. Well you getting the shots from a moving bike. Phil's face was a picture. What bike? he said. Well that one, pointing to Mike's pride and joy - an 800cc BMW ex police bike that had been lovingly restored. Have you ever ridden pillion before?. I enquircd. Well, said Phil I did once but that was a long time ago. I think I was 12. Good said I. I am glad you are experienced!!!
You are not gome to go too fast, said Phil ncrvously. No of course not, said Mike with a wicked grin. How is the bike going I asked? Fine, Mike replied although I had to change the front tyre and it is not on properly so there is a bit of a wohbe. WHAT! said Phil. Don't worry said Mikc, here let's try on a full face crash helmet, take your glasses off. The helmet fitted tightly around Phil's head. It fits! Come on climb aboard.

Now listenr, I said - if you are not comfortable, or you don't feel safe forget it, and we will manage without it. I don't want any risks to health or equipment. With that Mike opened the throttle and they were gone.

Because of the one way system they had to drive down and then up Vastern Road to reach the slip road leading to the car park entrance. Time ticked by. After about 10 minutes waiting for them, I began to worry. Was I asking too much? Had there been an accident? Just when I had almost given up they roared back down the road. Everything OK? I asked. Yes fine, Phil grinned back. There was heavy traffic. Lets go for a take. Phil look hold of his Sony digital camera holding it down by his knees. OK let's go! And they were off again. Another three or four times around the block and the dramatic low and high level shots were safely in the can.

When Phil eventually got off the bike and removed his crash helmet the look on his face was a picture. With a grin from ear to ear he looked like someone who had successfully completed their first parachute jump - elated.

I think it needs a special sort of person to climb on the back of a powerful motor cycle having ridden once before as a child. Add to this anned to hang on with one hand, whilst dangling their two thousand five hundred pound video camera from the other hand whilst the bike leans to the bends and weaves in and out of traffic takes nerve. I consider myself very fortunate to have such members in my crew.

1 have not told him yet, but I am thinking of writing a story about a guy who decides to have a go at bungy jumping. PhiJ - I just need a few action shots, - it's perfectly safe - we will secure you and the camera with gaffer tape. Don't worry you will love it!!!