In the previous post I discussed finding the perfect venue for filming a MOOC. It was exciting that we managed to find a venue that made the instructor happy. We scheduled two weeks during the university vacation with hopes that campus would be calm and quiet for the duration of filming. Unfortunately, things didn't go the way we had hoped. We experienced countless distractions which made filming near impossible. We knew that there would be noise, we just didn't realise how bad it would be. We booked the room at times we thought would be quiet, but that didn't work out as planned.
Sometimes unforeseen circumstances happen and no one is really to blame. It's all part of the learning experience. I mean, there was a trial shoot for the venue which went really well and had no distractions. This really wasn't anticipated! But like with all situations - we just have to adapt to the situation as quickly as we can and carry on.
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| Jammie Steps and Hall - Adrian Frith CC BY SA 3.0 |
One major issue is that we were located near Jammie steps and the hall. This meant people were always lurking outside making a ruckus near the room we were filming in. In another downfall the room was filled with huge windows with rustling windy trees against it. If it was not people packing chairs, it was someone talking really loudly or someone drying their hands in the bathroom. It got to the point where a colleague and I had to guard the doors and ask people to keep it down. All these distractions made filming difficult, with the instructor having to stop numerous times. This became really frustrating for the crew, instructor and the team.
Eventually, a decision was made that filming could no longer happen in the classroom and we needed an alternative solution. The instructor had a clear vision what he wanted the videos to be, but due to circumstances that vision had to be altered. We decided on an option that was more accommodating for the instructor regarding time and location. It may not have been what he originally wanted but it was the next best thing.
Sometimes unforeseen circumstances happen and no one is really to blame. It's all part of the learning experience. I mean, there was a trial shoot for the venue which went really well and had no distractions. This really wasn't anticipated! But like with all situations - we just have to adapt to the situation as quickly as we can and carry on.
