videography

Editors notes: The above movie clips are an alternating sequence from both sides of the boarder, which makes more visual continuity to the narration. The scene shows mainly still images on the US side of the boarder, chosen due to the low activity and eerie stillness on this side of the boarder. On the Canadian side (in the following scene) there are many video clips, and many that have been omitted in this version, in order to fit in within the time guidelines.

The final scene’s sequences were chosen for their natural visual power towards a conclusion that few words can significantly convey. Its central geographical location between the two cities is the very heart of their existence, and it offers both a visual taste to this natural wonder, and an open-ended conclusion towards the “wonder” in regard to two different local government perspectives and their significant location.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities, Book 1, Chapter 1

Editors Notes: Gently pressing down on the dispenser of this liquid nectar of eternal youth with one hand, a foam like mound of pure white brilliance erupts into her other waiting upward-facing open hand, fingers stretched outwardly with the intention of preserving every last precious drop. Slowly zooming out to a MS shot. With delicacy she puts the product down on the dresser table, next to the white bone China plate with two thin slices of fresh English cucumber positioned side-by-side. All the while her eyes remain fixed upon the heavenly mound standing proudly in her open hand.

Cut to LS: Erthereal rays of sunlight flow through the gossamer curtains and dance around the room creating their own celestial choir. Cut to CU: Minute orbs of purity sparkle against the pure white pyramid of magical foam which our wanting user gently presses down in a revolving direction with the index finger of her free hand. The cream feels soft and firm as she creates a solid pool in the cup of her hand. Cut to MS: Her eyes motion to the mirror in front of her at the same time as her hands move towards her anxiously awaiting face. Slowly and with purpose she revolves her cream laden fingers of both hands onto both her corresponding cheeks. Gradually her rubbing motion spirals outwardly covering the remaining parts of her exposed facial skin.

Cut to LS: An instant heavenly tingle is felt all over her body as she steps back and placidly lowers herself into her waiting reclining chair. Her left arm reaches out and her fingers tap-touchingly navigate to the plate and cucumber slices. Finding them her fingers firmly take a hold of both slices and while her left hand returns to her face it is met with her right hand that blindly takes a hold of one slice. Cut to ECU: Then both hands place both slices of cucumber directly over the closed eyes.

The Mumbles DeRail

One of my first college/documentary movies was created using a DVC format camera, and included both analogue and non-linear editing in post production. The final production for my "City and Guilds" certification, was a 7.5 minute documentary on the history and current situation of the world’s first-recorded passenger railway, "The Mumbles Rail."

Mumbles Rail Timeline

In the year 1807, the Swansea & Mumbles Railway began to carry passengers. It was the first railway in the world to do so. The first passenger carriages were made from the mineral wagons used on the tramroad. The man responsible for this was Benjamin French, an initial shareholder in the railway.

Horse drawn trains remained on the Swansea & Mumbles Railway until 1896. The change from horse-drawn to steam trains did cause anxiety. It was thought that the idea of a noisy, speeding steam locomotive through the streets would frighten people and horses.

The 1920’s was the last decade when the Mumbles Train was hauled by steam locomotives. Steam locomotives ran on the railway until March 1st 1929. Electric trains took over the following day.

In October 1958, 90% of the shares of the Mumbles Railway Ltd. passed into the hands of the South Wales Transport Company (SWTC). The Swansea and Mumbles Railway finally closed on the 5th January 1960. The last train entered the Rutland Street terminus at 12:20 am.

The End and a New Hope

The Swansea "Mumbles Rail," which was taken out of service in 1963, against public opinion. There have been many ongoing talks between local government and local residents, about reinstating some form of railed public transport along the Swansea coast to aid traffic congestion along this popular tourist attraction and the natural beauty of the Gower coastline.

To date there have been no confirmed actions towards reinstalling a rail system, and all actions have been geared towards the ongoing traffic congestion and its inherent effects on the air quality on Oystermouth Road between Swansea City and the Mumbles.