Footprint Productions is a small group of amateur film-makers based in South Bromley,
Kent (UK), who initially came together to create a movie of historic interest about
one of the area’s many past authors, ‘commissioned’ by the local History Society.
During researches, a number of reels of old 35mm and 16mm film dating back to the
1930s were discovered in the local Library’s archives. It was virtually impossible
for the general public to view these films which, from their titles alone, obviously
depicted pre-World War 2 life in and around the Borough. As a result of this find,
the group was formalised and funding sought in order to have this invaluable material
digitally transferred to miniDV tapes, enabling us to then create DVDs which could
easily be watched by anyone interested.
A considerable amount of work was involved - thankfully helped by members of the
Local Library - to determine not only the stories behind the content of the films
(most of which are silent and depicting uncaptioned events), but also to ascertain
ownership of the material. This took nearly two years. At the same time, funding
was sought to supplement the group’s own investment in the project, to help with
the very expensive exercise of having the films professionally transferred to digital
tapes and of course, the cost of professionally duplicating and printing the resulting
DVD movies. Happily this was achieved with the help of the Bromley Borough Local
History Society, and the Bromley Arts Council. Once the projects are ‘rolling’
it is anticipated they will then be self funding, any excess income over outlay being
used to finance the next movie of historic interest, and thus obviating the need
for further outside funding.
The team ...
Brenda Troughton - researcher and coordinator for the group - and author of the booklet
accompanying the first movie to be released.
Richard Troughton - cameraman for much
needed additional film material
Mike Shaw - editing, and group founder.
Enquiries can be emailed to footprintproduction@googlemail.com
