Health and Safety Video - Tumelo Coal Mines

We were tasked with the production of a Health and Safety Induction training video for Tumelo Coal Mine. Tumelo operates an underground coal mine in South Africa. They are a leading South African coal mining company that forms a part of the Exxarco Coal Centre (ECC), based in Mpumalanga South Africa. The mine has been active since 2009, and has played a significant role in the economy of the country, especially when you consider the widespread application of coal in so many different industries. For this project we collaborated with Sound Idea Digital, who has decades of experience filming in hazardous environments. This combined experience put us at a massive advantage as it means our teams were experts at such a specialised form of video production. Additionally multiple members from both agencies had experience filming underground, which comes with its own set of challenges.
Safety
The most important consideration when filming underground is safety. Underground environments are often cramped, poorly lit, and have limited ventilation. This can create hazardous conditions for crew and cast members. Before filming begins, it’s essential to do a thorough safety assessment and ensure that everyone involved is aware of the potential hazards. Protective equipment, such as helmets, gloves, and high visibility clothing, should be worn at all times.
Lighting
Underground environments are often dimly lit, which can make it difficult to capture footage that looks good on camera. Bringing in additional lighting can help to overcome this challenge. Consider using LED panels or spotlights to illuminate the scene. Be mindful of the direction and intensity of the light to avoid casting unwanted shadows. It’s also a good idea to use reflective surfaces, like white or silver fabrics, to bounce light around and improve overall lighting conditions.
Sound
Sound is another challenge when filming underground. The acoustics of underground environments can vary widely, from echoing and reverberating to muffled and dampened. To capture clear audio, it’s important to choose the right microphone for the job. Lapel microphones, which can be attached to clothing, are often a good choice, as they can pick up sound without picking up unwanted background noise.
Logistics
Filming underground can pose logistical challenges as well. For example, it may be difficult to transport equipment down to the filming location. It’s important to plan ahead and ensure that all necessary equipment is available on site. It’s also important to consider the number of crew members that will be needed and plan accordingly. Underground environments can be cramped, so it’s important to ensure that everyone has the space they need to work safely and efficiently.
Permissions and Permits
Finally, when filming underground, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary permissions and permits. This may include obtaining permission from the owner of the property or securing permits from local authorities. It’s important to do your research ahead of time and be aware of any regulations or restrictions that may apply to your filming location.