Continuing from last weeks blog this is the second instalment. I will provide a few more videos and photographs of what was happening behind the camera whilst making the program.

I have been employed by NHK, the Japan state broadcasting corporation. NHK are the equivalent of the BBC but in Japan. I have been working as a location manager for the broadcaster as they plan, produce and film a television documentary in the Peak District. They wanted to focus on the Peak District as a tourism destination. NHK have made several other walking programmes around the world (France, Spain, Italy et al..) and now it was the Peak District’s turn.

I was contacted months ago to plan a multi day walking route in the Peak District that will sell the national park in an appealing way to a television audience. Encouraging the Peak District as a tourist destination. Millions of people will be watching this programme. No pressure then!

I worked for the BBC whilst i was studying my degree at Manchester metropolitan university. That was ten years ago. I remember a lot of long days working hard. I had an idea of what to expect.

We walked around fifteen kilometres each day up hills and through valleys. An aspect of my role was to carry filming equipment to support the crew. All seventeen kilos of it. Tripods, spare batteries and crew clothing. That part i will not miss.

As the director and producer were keen to use flying drones to film scenes of the walk i met and worked with The Aerial Picture company. A professional, well organised business that has assisted the BBC with filming on programmes such as Doctor Who, Citizen Kahn and Songs of Praise to name just a few. The Aerial Picture company are a preferred BBC provider of filming and lovely folks.

These are just a few parts of my role. Extensively planning, producing and supporting filming of the Peak District programme was an twelve to sixteen hour day.

If you are interested in exploring the Peak District we offer a range of activities. You can hire me as your private guide, join one of my group walks, enjoy a short break or holiday throughout the UK and go trail/fell running are other alternatives. I also teach map and compass navigation skills so you can be self sufficient in the hills and mountains and provide support to people going through the Duke of Edinburgh award. Have a look around my website. Email or phone me and i will respond the same day.