Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment

Myself and my group created a risk assessment as it is important to consider risks before filming so we can ensure we are safe throughout the filming process and can eliminate any hazards that could have possibly occurred and ensures safety.

 Our first potential hazard was that wires could be leading from the plug to the camera if it was on charge, meaning would could trip or fall over them and end up with one of our group hurt or injured. To prevent this we decided that we will lay mats over the top of the wires to prevent any tripping or falling. Also we will ensure the camera is charged fully so we do not have to repetitively charge the camera with more chances for an accident to occur. 

Another hazard we could encounter is the uncertainty of the weather. The weather is very unpredictable and we can not have one scene with clear skies, then the next seen with raining, thunder and lightening as this would not be continuous and would be obvious to the audience that the scenes were filmed on different days. To avoid this, we decided filming when it was dark out would avoid the problem as there would be no sun, and if it was raining then it would not matter as it would add to the eerie overall effect and could make the opening sequence better with more sound. Another problem we could face regarding weather is that if there is any rain it could land onto the camera lense, damaging the camera. To prevent this from occurring we will take an umbrella out with us whilst we film to hold over the camera.

Another hazard that could be dangerous whilst filming is the amount of light we have. For example, if we are filming in the pitch black, or very dark lighting it may be difficult to see what is on the floor within the forest floor or uneven pavement, which could lead to a injury of one of the group members. To prevent this hazard from causing any danger we will bring extra sources of light such as a torch to help find our way round and watch out for any objects on the ground so we do not fall over.

In addition to this another hazard we may encounter during the filming process in the forest may be the amount of branches hanging from the trees or falling randomly, which may hurt if they were to fall on one of the members of the group. Furthermore, if branches have already fallen onto the floor this could be a hazard as they could be sticking out in different directions and could have someone tripping up over them. This relates back to my last point of lighting. If where we are filming is lit well, the issue of falling and hanging branches will not be an issue. However, if the setting is in darkness where we are filming, such as the forest it may be a possibility of not seeing the branches. Therefore we will use our extra sources of light such as a torch to help us see any hazards in our way.

Another hazard may be a risk of burns from the fire that we will be using for a scene of the victims pictures being burnt, or setting alight objects that are surrounding this scene. To prevent this hazard from harming or destroying anything, we will have a water source nearby to put out the fire if it somehow spread. If anybody was to catch any part of them in the fire, we will then  immediately place any burns that may have occurred in the freezing water so it will not leave damage and begins to bring down the wound immediately.

Weaponry that we could possibly use is a hazard that we could encounter and could be a problem when using in a public area. This is because the public do not realise that the purpose of the iconography is to create an effect for the

audience, creating suspense and tension to enhance our thriller opening sequence and may not altogether realise we are filming for an opening thriller sequence and think we are carrying weapons. To prevent any fear for the public, we will carry around the iconography sensibly and discreetly , and try not to use in front of anybody. However, if this is the case and the public do see the weapon we will politely explain to them why we are using the iconography so they will not feel any sense of threat and can continue on without worry that they haven't reported the situation.

Furthermore, another hazard could be the wildlife and animals in the forest late at night or in the darkness. We do not want to scare or cause the animals harm within the forest, so if they come near to us we will keep well away from the wildlife as this is their habitat.





The hazards listed above are what myself and my group have thought of which could set us off task whilst filming or could prevent us from filming specific scenes. These were the only hazards we could have encountered whilst filming. They are also what could happen when we begin filming so we have come up with ways which we can deal with the situation but also prevent the situation before it occurs. Planning ahead for any hazards is important as it helps us to prevent any potential hazards early so we can get on with filming. During filming we did not encounter as many hazards as we thought we were going to. One main issue for us was the lack of light we had available as when we began to film it was very dark and was barely visible on the camera. However, we used extra light sources such as a torch, however this was not a major issue as when we came to the editing phase we could alter the brightness of the scene. However, another issue that we encountered with the darkness is not being able to see obstacles such as hanging branches, or uneven surfaces on the pavement and forest floor, we used the torches to guide us when it was total darkness on our path to ensure that we did not trip or fall. Apart from the minor hazards we encountered this was all that could obstruct us from filming our opening thriller sequence.