Lights, Camera, Shippam’s: The making of the behind-the-scenes film.

By Katie Bennett, Producer and Videographer

In 2024, I had the privilege of being asked to document the behind-the-scenes journey of the brand-new Shippam’s exhibition at The Novium Museum.

As someone who has lived in Chichester all my life, Shippam’s is a name I’ve grown up with -closely associated with the city’s identity - so it’s been a real pleasure to be involved in this project. Often, the huge amount of work that goes into creating an exhibition goes unseen, so I jumped at the chance to pick up my camera and become a fly on the wall, capturing the process in a short documentary film.

Filming the Process

Filming began in May 2024, starting with a visit to the West Sussex Record Office, where I joined the museum team and volunteers during a research day. One highlight was being given a rare look inside their store - a real treat for both the volunteers and for me! Capturing this moment felt important; it reflected how vital the passion and commitment of volunteers is to bringing an exhibition like this to life.

Filming Shippam's artefacts

Since then, every day has brought something different. I’ve met former Shippam’s employees, volunteers, and members of the Chichester Camera Club, who have been digitising items from the collection - including a fantastic variety of Shippam’s jars.

At each stage, I’ve recorded interviews with people involved, gathering a wide range of voices and perspectives that help tell the story from many angles.

Behind the Camera

For this project, I’ve been filming using a Blackmagic Pocket 4K Cinema Camera, set up on a Ronin DJI RSC 2 gimbal. This equipment allows me to move around freely while keeping footage steady - a must when you’re capturing events as they happen, rather than setting up formal shots. Speed and flexibility are essential when documenting something so hands-on.

Filming a Shippam's focus group

Looking Ahead to Launch

Most recently, I filmed the exhibition’s final design meeting - a key milestone as the layout, text and artwork were being signed off ahead of print. By the time this blog is published, some of those elements may already be on the walls of the gallery!

Next, I’ll be documenting the installation of the exhibition itself, and of course the official opening. It’s hard to believe how fast the year has gone.

The hours of research, the creativity and energy, and the dedication of everyone involved has been so inspiring to witness. I’m really looking forward to sharing the finished behind-the-scenes film later this year.