Unit X Install DAY 4

Final day of the installation, we had until 4pm to complete our work before the show began at 5pm. 

We still faced the problem of the lights as this was the priority of the install, as well as the missing flag. As mentioned in my previous post, I had purchased lights to be used for the install however they still needed to be PAT tested despite being brand new. We had spoken to multiple electricians from our accommodations and they all said the same: that it wouldn’t need PAT testing if it is brand new. However the PAT test was required because it was MMU policy which could not be by-passed even with legal documents.

Georgianna continued to call the company until she got through, luckily we were able to meet an electrician later that afternoon. We spent the time between this to clean the area as it was messy with fishing line and scraps of stuffing and card. Therefore I borrowed a hoover from reception and cleaned up as Sam added ceiling lights to create the floor shadows. We used some ceiling lights given to us from the Tutors which were also being used by other students for their work.

After the call from the electrician we planned to split up as Georgianna and I would meet the electrician at the University, Sam would find a flag in town as Lucy had not received the flag she ordered online, Lauren and Jake would add items to the structure as well as watch everyone’s bags at the space until we got back. Unfortunately Sam had bought a material when Lucy’s flag had arrived, this was only discovered as we returned to the space after the lamps and extension cord had been PAT tested.

Once we placed all of the lights in place, taped the cords down for safety and added parts of the flag we were ready for the show. Jenny, one of the film-making tutors, came over and found that the ceiling lights made the overall structure less dramatic. This was due the ceiling lights ‘dampening’ the harsh shadows cast by the lamp, as well as lighting the top of the structure. This did cause debate between our team and the tutors as there was no wrong answer, both ways had their benefits and flaws. As time was running out, I said the ceiling lights did not compensate for the dramatic effect and dangling wires leading to extension cords; ultimately the ceiling lights were removed.

Overall, today has been very stressful considering we were lucky enough for our lamp and extension lead being PAT tested just in time. I also took the responsibility of cleaning the area by hoovering twice and prompting the team to move their belongings. The show opened later to the public and many people attended, more details can be found on my next post.