Project Overview
When Canadian Defence Review (CDR) needed high-quality video production to document the launch of HMCS Protecteur, a Royal Canadian Navy Joint Support Ship, they brought us in to handle the production. The filming took place at Vancouver Shipyards, British Columbia, where the vessel had recently been launched by Seaspan Shipyards.
This wasn’t just about capturing footage—it was about telling a compelling story that showcased the ship’s engineering, operational significance, and role in Canada’s defense strategy.
For this project, CDR needed:
• A guided tour of the vessel, highlighting its design and key features.
• Interviews with industry experts, providing insights into the ship’s development.
• Cinematic B-roll of the ship’s interior, exterior, and operational areas.
• A structured collection of footage that would ensure a seamless post-production process.
With a tight filming schedule, strict security protocols, and technical challenges, this project required precision, adaptability, and expertise in corporate and industrial video production.
Challenges & Considerations
Filming in an Active Shipyard:
Vancouver Shipyards is a busy, high-security industrial environment, with ongoing shipbuilding operations. Filming had to be strategic and efficient, ensuring we captured high-quality visuals without interfering with shipyard activity.
Capturing High-Quality Audio in a Noisy Environment:
Naval vessels and shipyards have constant background noise, including machinery, radio communications, and ship operations. Ensuring clear, professional-grade audio for interviews required strategic microphone placement and directional wireless audio solutions.
A Tight Filming Schedule:
The production team had only a few hours on-site to complete all filming. There was no room for delays or reshoots, so every moment had to be carefully planned.
Lighting Challenges in Interior Spaces:
The ship’s interior featured mixed lighting conditions, from bright control rooms to dimly lit mechanical areas. Portable LED lighting was essential to balance exposure and maintain a clean, professional look across all footage.
Security & Restricted Access:
As a military vessel, certain areas were off-limits, and all filming had to comply with defense sector security guidelines. Our team worked within these restrictions to capture compelling visuals while ensuring compliance with all security protocols.
Our Approach: High-Quality Video Production in a Complex Environment
Pre-Production: Strategic Planning for Efficiency
1. Site Research & Shot Planning – We worked with CDR and Seaspan Shipyards to determine the best filming locations, access points, and key moments to capture.
2. Tailored Equipment Selection –
• Dual-camera setup for interviews, providing professional framing and depth.
• Steadicam and gimbals for smooth, cinematic tracking shots during the ship tour.
• Directional wireless microphones to filter out background noise and ensure crisp dialogue.
3. Safety & Compliance – Crew members followed all shipyard PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements, including steel-toe boots and high-visibility gear, to meet compliance standards at Vancouver Shipyards.
On-Site Execution: Precision in Action
• Multi-Camera Interview Setup – Professional lighting adjustments and multiple camera angles ensured a high-end, dynamic interview presentation.
• Dynamic Ship Tour Filming – A Steadicam setup allowed us to capture fluid, immersive walkthroughs, making viewers feel like they were aboard the ship.
• Strategic B-Roll Capture – Key shots included command stations, engineering rooms, and shipyard activity, building a visually rich narrative.
• Adaptive Lighting Solutions – Portable LED lights helped maintain consistency in areas with harsh or low lighting, reducing post-production challenges.
• Security-Compliant Filming – We worked closely with on-site personnel to ensure every shot adhered to military security protocols.
Post-Production Contribution: Structured Footage for Seamless Editing
While StreamCity did not handle the final editing, we ensured that CDR’s team received well-organized, structured footage to streamline their post-production process.
• Cinematic Shot Variety – We captured multiple angles, wide shots, and detailed close-ups, giving editors maximum flexibility.
• Optimized Audio Capture – Interviews were recorded with isolated, high-quality sound, reducing post-production editing time.
• Balanced Lighting & Composition – Every shot was framed and exposed correctly, minimizing the need for extensive adjustments in post.
The Outcome: A High-Quality Video Asset for CDR
• A professional, documentary-style video showcasing the HMCS Protecteur, delivering an engaging and authoritative feature for CDR’s audience.
• Clear, high-quality audio despite the challenges of an industrial shipyard setting, ensuring all interviews were crisp and professional.
• A well-structured collection of footage that made for an efficient editing process, allowing CDR’s team to craft a polished final product with ease.
The final video provided a powerful visual representation of the HMCS Protecteur, giving CDR exclusive, well-produced content to share with their audience.
