THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT 

The client 

Juniper Lodge is a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) that provide help and support for those affected by rape and sexual assault in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. 
The brief 
In 1999 a planning authority was sought to develop a house (named St Bernard’s) to provide a relaxed and homely atmosphere for child victims and witnesses of crime. It was a ground-breaking and pioneering venture which totally changed the approach to dealing with vulnerable child witnesses and victims. 
 
Plans were drawn up, assessed and altered until a final version was agreed and building work could begin. 
I was approached by Millie Gant, Juniper Lodge SARC Manager to produce a film highlighting the planning, building and updating of the facilities at the child SARC. 
 
Millie was going to be presenting on the development of the child SARC at the National Witness and Justice Awards and wanted to show the video. The launch of Lighthouse and subsequent film would be heavily promoted as it is the only one in the country 
The Main Considerations 
There were quite a few considerations that had to be overcome during the filmmaking process and these were highlighted at the planning stage. There had to be flexibility with filming schedules because part of the filming was to be done at the Juniper Lodge SARC where clients would be using its services. Disruption has to be kept to a minimum. 
 
There was also a section of filming at a local school who were providing artwork for the newly updated Lighthouse and therefore all parental permissions had to be provided. Also, the film had to be completed within a short time. 
Principle Objectives 
The main points to highlight in the film were the name change from St Bernard’s to Lighthouse and the installation of the remote Court, where children can provide their evidence direct to the Court. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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