Megan James, from St Lenoard's Rodney Stoke reports back on some filming at the church:
On a blazingly hot day in July, the film crew arrived at St Leonard’s Church at 9 am just as arranged. The church had been contacted by someone beforehand to see if we would be willing to allow them to film for a day in both the church and its surroundings.
On the dot, the caravan of white vehicles filled with film equipment began to arrive. Doors were flung open and out came a series of silver instrument cases which were carried into the churchyard. With lots of clicking of clips, they were opened and briskly emptied of their contents. Amazing pieces of very expensive looking technology were scattered all over the ground in the churchyard.
Cameras were erected, computer screens put up on stands, large black umbrellas opened as sunshades, water drinking stations put in place and chairs set down. The crew settled themselves into shady spots, many wearing headphones, awaiting their calls. Suddenly incomprehensible shouts prompted chosen people to leave their chairs to perform their allocated tasks – to apply make-up, tweak a costume or prompt a forgotten line. Most of the filming took place under the umbrella-shaped tree in the centre of the churchyard (where we think the plague pit used to be). The film crew wanted to capture the spectacular view across the fields to the hills beyond.
Inside the church was cool, calm and almost empty, but for one other person sitting in a choir stall. After a while I asked if he was a member of the film crew. He replied that I had probably never heard of him but, oh dear of course, I put on my glasses and recognition was instant.
So the day wore on, and after six or seven takes the filming came to an end. The clicking of the silver transit boxes began again as the equipment was packed away, and within minutes it was all over. There was not a blade of grass out of place to show that anything had happened. Like a flock of birds the entire crew flew off to continue filming the countryside from the Draycott Sleights. Back in Rodney Stoke silence had descended once again on the church and churchyard. It had been a fascinating day watching 60 people work together with such concentration and enthusiasm. So be patient and watch this space to find out what happened next and where to see it.
This article originally appeared in the Parish Churches of Rodney Stoke and Draycott, October 2022.
If you are approached about filming at your church do contact the Communications team for help and guidance.