Behind the Scenes: Preparing for the December Shoot

It’s been an exciting and busy few months as we prepare for our shoot days in November. One of the most important parts of this process has been the incredible interviews Billy has been conducting with members of the Walsall community.

Community Interviews

These conversations are documented, and where permission is granted, recorded and also shared with Walsall Archive. Many of the people Billy has spoken to are among the last of a generation who arrived here in the 1960s, making it vital to preserve their stories as part of our shared heritage.

These interviews are not only a way to capture memories but also form the creative foundation of the project. The stories, themes, and emotions shared during these conversations directly influence the photo concepts, helping Billy craft meaningful and authentic images that truly reflect the community’s heritage.

From Interviews to Images

From these interviews, Billy begins developing ideas and creative concepts for the photographs he plans to capture. Locations play a big role in shaping these ideas, and recently Billy has been exploring potential sites with his location scout.

Some places help bring concepts to life, while others spark entirely new ideas. Wherever possible, we’re keeping the project rooted in Walsall and the surrounding areas, reflecting the local heritage and community.

The Team

We’re also thrilled to have brought on board local producer Deborah Aston, who has been working closely with Billy to plan and confirm the shoot schedule and other key elements of the project.

What’s Coming

Looking ahead, filming is set for December, and we’re excited to involve Walsall College students in various roles. They’ll be helping to document behind-the-scenes moments and shadowing different team members to gain hands-on experience in the creative process.

The next couple of months promise to be full of progress and creativity — stay tuned for plenty more updates and behind-the-scenes insights.