Working with access case study:

Surgeons: at the edge of life (Colin’s Recovery) - 3min watch

The hardest thing about filming present tense documentaries is knowing when to stop rolling, committing to the moment until you feel you have what you need. This filming took place in a hospital ward during a pandemic, a particularly sensitive place. The access was solid but the urge not to overstay our welcome was strong.

We stayed by Colin’s side until his surgeon returned to his bedside - and it gave us an ending that made the rest of the day’s action feel complete, with the bonus of his emotional discharge from hospital.