21st Century technology brings history to life
FILM-MAKERS have taken to the air to capture footage promoting a new ‘digital age’ history trail around Newark which is centred on the 17th Century English Civil War.
A specially devised drone – armed with a camera – took off above Newark’s Castle grounds yesterday to gather exciting new imagery which will be used for a ‘teaser’ app when the National Civil War Centre augmented reality trail is launched next year.
The films are revealed at eight sites around the town via a free special app, by holding up a smartphone or tablet camera to a so-called ‘trigger scene’ with historical characters coming to life on screen.
Last month, a crew from Spool Films UK which filmed dramatic costumed scenes in the town district and beyond for the trail throughout the summer, returned to Newark to gather pictures using Airwheels technology.
This enabled the camera operator to carry easily, at speed and at ground level, a camera rig through the streets and elsewhere to capture smooth and exhilarating footage. The trail will be launched next spring at the same time as the new £5.4m National Civil War Centre.
Project Manager Deborah Johnson, from Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “When the films are finished, the viewer will be able to see aerial (drone-filmed) and street-view (Airwheels-filmed) shots of present-day Newark which will zip through and zoom into the key locations – the Castle, Sconce, Market Place, and show a scene from history from that location.
“So using the app and trigger image the viewer will quickly move through 21st century Newark, moving back in time for a few moments at each location to see what was happening there more than 300 years ago.”
Storylines will also be refreshed ensuring there is always something new to discover. A traditional hard copy town trail leaflet will also be produced.
The films feature a cast of more than 100, led by professional actors, recalling episodes from Newark’s pivotal role in the 17th Century English Civil War, adding eye-witness reflections on a turbulent time.
The trail uses wi-fi, and the video capabilities of smart devices to produce an amazing effect. Key to the project is free wifi technology being piloted in Newark by communications firm O2 Telefonica as part of a ground-breaking partnership with Newark and Sherwood District Council.