Behind the Scenes: Preparing for December’s Shoot

It’s been an exciting and busy few months as we prepare for our shoot days in November. One of the most important parts of this process has been the incredible interviews Billy has been conducting with members of the Walsall community. These conversations are documented, and where permission is granted, recorded and also shared with Walsall Archive. Many of the people Billy has spoken to are among the last of a generation who arrived here in the 1960s, making it vital to preserve their stories as part of our shared heritage.

These interviews are not only a way to capture memories but also form the creative foundation of the project. The stories, themes, and emotions shared during these conversations directly influence the photo concepts, helping Billy craft meaningful and authentic images that truly reflect the community’s heritage.

From these interviews, Billy begins developing ideas and creative concepts for the photographs he plans to capture. Locations play a big role in shaping these ideas, and recently Billy has been exploring potential sites with his location scout. Some places help bring concepts to life, while others spark entirely new ideas. Wherever possible, we’re keeping the project rooted in Walsall and the surrounding areas, reflecting the local heritage and community. We’ve included a few photos of potential locations that could feature in the final project.

We’re also thrilled to have brought on board local producer Deborah Aston, who has been working closely with Billy to plan and confirm the shoot schedule and other key elements of the project.

Looking ahead, filming is set for December, and we’re excited to involve Walsall College students in various roles. They’ll be helping to document behind-the-scenes moments and shadowing different team members to gain hands-on experience in the creative process.

The next couple of months promise to be full of progress and creativity, so stay tuned for plenty more updates and behind-the-scenes insights and Billy has been briefed to take more photos so we can share the project journey in more detail. 

22/09/2025

In November 2024, Billy visited Walsall College's creative department, marking the beginning of an exciting collaboration as part of our Paths You Walk project, funded by The National Heritage Lottery Fund. With a strong passion for expanding young people’s career aspirations, Billy is committed to encouraging students to think beyond traditional paths and explore new creative opportunities.

As part of this initiative, Walsall College students will play an integral role in bringing the project to life. A student panel of six members will be formed to select transcriptions for interpretive materials and illustrate chosen segments for display at launch events and exhibitions. 

Additionally, 18 students will receive training and skill development, including hands-on experience on a production set. Exciting new opportunities have also emerged in areas such as website creation and marketing support, further expanding the scope for student involvement.

A key milestone in this collaboration was presenting the project to Walsall College's creative departments. This one-day session, designed for both students and lecturers, highlighted the significance of heritage preservation, provided an in-depth look at the project’s goals, and outlined the many ways students could contribute through volunteer roles.

By engaging the next generation of creatives in this heritage-focused project, we aim to inspire, educate, and provide invaluable real-world experience—empowering students to take bold steps toward their futures.

In July 2024 Billy took the first steps on an inspiring journey to uncover the untold stories of the Caldmore Community, a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood in Walsall which is also a hub of creativity and connection.  Incredibly, students at the local primary school speak an astonishing 88 different languages, a testament to the rich cultural tapestry that defines this community. 

During the Summer Garden Party event I had the privilege of meeting local residents, many of whom have lived through remarkable experiences of migration, resilience, and transformation. These stories provide the background for the project funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. We will create three large-scale, cinematic photographs that will bring to life the personal and collective histories of these people. We aim to visually capture the essence of migration preserving the heritage of these histories for future generations.

The warmth, generosity, and depth of the stories shared with me were nothing short of extraordinary. It is clear that Caldmore is a place of hidden histories waiting to be told, and we are honored to play a role in bringing these narratives into the spotlight.

We look forward to continuing this journey, collaborating with the community, and revealing these powerful visual stories in the coming months. Stay tuned as we document the process and share glimpses of this evolving project—one that wouldn’t be possible without the support of National Lottery players and the incredible people of Caldmore.

July 2024