Here’s a question I get asked a lot when people see my setup: is that a solar panel on your roof? Yes. Yes it is. And no, I’m not about to launch into a lecture about saving the planet — though that’s a solid bonus. This is about something much more practical: keeping batteries charged, kit running, and not getting caught short on a location in the middle of South Yorkshire with a flat drone battery and two hours of shoot left.

Let me break down how I’ve got things set up — both in the office here in Doncaster and out on the road with my mobile Jackery rig.

My partner watches me wander around Doncaster with my phone out, framing shots with my hands like some sort of directorial mime, and asks the eternal question: "Are you actually working or just avoiding real work?"

The answer? Yes. Both. Absolutely.

Location scouting is the unsung hero of filmmaking—and it's where most amateur projects fall apart. You can have the best camera, the most talented actors, and a brilliant script, but if your location is fighting against you, you're in for a world of pain.

The Car Park Incident

Documentary filmmaking rewards planning, patience, and curiosity. Done well, it turns real life into powerful stories that stay with your audience long after the credits roll.​

Whether you are starting your first film or refining your craft, these practical tips will help you move from a rough idea to a compelling finished documentary.