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.

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.