Queensferry Crossing

This was a hugely complex project delivered in a tight schedule (4-5 weeks) on what was still a live construction site. The brief was to create a visual spectacle that would attract international media attention; celebrate the work of the contractors involved and mark the handover to the Scottish Government.

Speakeasy’s creative involved staging a dramatic night time light show that would be filmed by drones and helicopters and would showcase the bridge at its most striking. This involved installing more than 100 light fittings across the bridge and getting more than 80 crew on and off the bridge at different stages – including specialist lighting and projection mapping teams, audio-visual specialists, camera crew and events teams. With construction work still in its final stages, there were many logistical and health and safety challenges.

Speakeasy managed the project by liaising closely with the contractors – Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors – as well as Transport Scotland, Police Scotland and bridge managers Amey. To avoid disrupting ongoing construction work, much of our set up was done overnight in the run up to the launch event. Issues that arose include Police Scotland declaring a no-fly zone across the whole bridge area two days before the launch event. To ensure we could still film the launch light show by drone and helicopter, we had to secure additional clearances very quickly. We also had to work around the removal of four cranes on top of the three bridge towers – a job that involved 40 helicopter lifts and was weather dependent.

On launch night, Speakeasy had eight camera crews at strategic points across the site, as well as two aerial crews.  We delivered seven films in total, including two overnight edits to provide footage for international media syndication. Six of the films were specifically for social media. Our main 1-minute launch film attracted 25,000 views within three days of the launch and supports the #LoveQC social media campaign. Speakeasy was also responsible for hosting the press photocall on launch night. This involved accompanying broadcast and press crews including the BBC, ITV, Sky and Reuters, to key vantage points and maintaining health and safety compliance at all times. We also delivered VIP and ‘VVIP’ launch parties for more than 100 invited guests and dignitaries. This involved working closely with Police Scotland and the First Minister’s protection team.