‘Silent witness’ set gets a services makeover
The new set for the BBC’s ‘Silent witness’ programme is much more comfortable for the cast and crew than the previous set. That set was so cold in Winter that the actors’ breath was visible during indoor scenes, and it was also very hot in Summer. Those problems led to costly delays and interruptions. Design engineering consultant Maleon was asked to investigate the problem and advise if a new heating and cooling solution could be designed to work around a new set design.
Maleon project director James Cottee, said, ‘We found the building was poorly serviced and that the existing plant could not cope, so we worked with the set designers and producer to integrate air-conditioning services into the new set. The set has moveable internal walls to allow filming from different angles, so we had to work out a way to make the ductwork flexible and to conceal most of the services.’
A large number of carefully placed grilles was required to provide conditioned air to counteract heat from the set lighting. Plant and equipment was located so that maintenance activity would not affect the set or require props to be moved while filming. The improved working environment enables the cast and crew to work for much longer periods. The set required significant investment, but Maleon estimates that the solution will pay for itself through reduced energy and filming costs.
