The Challenge
Colas Rail UK and the Permanent Way Institution (PWI) partnered to support the volunteer-run Llanelli & Mynydd Mawr Railway — a heritage line working hard to restore and protect a historic piece of Welsh railway infrastructure.
The aim of the volunteer day was to give industry professionals, apprentices and PWI members hands-on experience with track work, while supporting the heritage team with essential maintenance.
Our challenge was to capture the day in a way that felt authentic, human and close to the action. Colas Rail UK wanted a film that:
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Showed the value of volunteering and community involvement
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Highlighted the partnership between Colas Rail UK, PWI and L&MMR
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Demonstrated real railway skills being shared and developed
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Reflected the heritage setting and the passion of everyone involved
The onsite environment was busy, fast-moving and outdoors — demanding a flexible, lightweight filming approach that would let us move with the teams and capture moments as they happened.
The Approach
To create a film that felt intimate and grounded, we adopted a handheld-first shooting style, keeping the visuals organic and immersive. Most of the ground footage was captured using our:
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Canon R5 and Canon R6 mirrorless cameras
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Prime 35mm lens for a natural, “right-there-with-them” perspective
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DJI Mics for clean, reliable dialogue
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DJI Mini 4 Pro drone for contextual aerials of the heritage site and working teams
The 35mm focal length allowed us to stay close without being intrusive, giving the film a warm, personal feel. The handheld movement added a sense of energy and realism that matched the nature of the volunteer day.
We interviewed volunteers from PWI, Colas Rail UK and the heritage railway team, focusing on:
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Why they chose to volunteer
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What they were learning
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The importance of preserving heritage railways
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Their reflections on teamwork, skills development and industry collaboration
These stories became the emotional backbone of the film. Combined with candid action shots of track work, tool demonstrations and mentoring moments, the final piece captured both the technical and human side of the event.
The Result
The final film delivered a genuine, people-focused portrayal of the volunteer day. Colas Rail UK and PWI were able to showcase:
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The positive impact of industry volunteers on heritage railways
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Real skill-sharing between experienced engineers, apprentices and newcomers
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The commitment to supporting local community projects
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The enthusiasm and passion that define the rail industry
The heritage railway also gained a visual asset that highlights its ongoing restoration efforts and the importance of continued volunteer support.
The film has been well received across all parties, helping amplify the message of collaboration, education and preserving railway heritage. By using a natural, handheld style and intimate lensing, we created a piece that feels warm, honest and true to the spirit of the day.