Filming older people for Re-engage was a great experience: amazing life stories, old school humour and humility, real talk... and I mean zero filter for better or for worse ! I wish we could have focused on an actual series of these, giving a voice to people who are too often isolated. But the pandemic struck soon after we started and everything was put on hold indefinitely.
Patience, curiosity and compassion is the word when it comes to filming older people. It's definitely applicable to all video production situations, but here I'd say plan to double or triple your usual shoots. It might go the way you expect, it will very likely go on for much longer. Best is to just sit back and enjoy the experience.
For a more in-depth look into the lives of those wanting to retain their independence, check out our video made for Bluebird Care Camden & Hampstead and the beautiful relationships built between the carers and the people they look after.