Three Things You Need When Filming on Location
When the pressure is on, what do you rely on?
Over the years, I’ve produced and directed programming on location in more than 70 countries worldwide. For everyone who spends lots of time on a film or video set, particularly in faraway places, there are certain things you don’t leave behind. Novices could learn what more experienced filmmakers consider “must-have” items during a shoot.
For me, the top 3 would probably be my laptop (I’m always writing), a raincoat, and a great bag. I’m a little obsessive about bags and have more than I should. But on location, a bag is my office, so I’m not afraid to spend money for one that does what I need. So I asked some other experienced professionals what the top 3 absolutely “must-have” items they took to every location were. Here are some interesting answers:
From Stu Hazeldine, Writer and Director, known for “The Shack,” “Exam,” and “Agincourt:”
Script in a leather binder.
Director’s Viewfinder.
Blundstone boots.
From Lisa Swain, formerly Production Coordinator on films like “Big Fish,” “Anger Management,” and “Face/Off,” and now Professor of liberal arts at the Savannah School of Art and Design:
Sharpie.
Swiss Army pocket knife.
Chapstick.
From Korey Pollard, Producer, First AD, and Second Unit Director. Known for “House,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Nashville,” “CSI,” “Chicago Fire,” “Seal Team,” and “What Remains:”
Charlie Peacock’s West Coast Diaries.
My Bible.
AA meeting list.
From Brad Knull, Director and DP, known for commercial clients like Lowe’s, Red Bull, Adidas, Under Armor, and the documentary series “Seeking Beauty:”
Two pairs of shoes and extra socks. I’m on my feet all day.
A Cinesaddle – It’s one of the most useful $400 items I’ve ever purchased. Use it for handheld, car rigs, and just a safe place to set the camera down. Super fast way to do shots “on the deck”. It’s basically a beanbag to set your camera on.
Rain gear – It sucks to be wet. Just a terrible way to spend the day.
Lastly, my luxury item I never go on location without is an artisanal coffee kit that includes a grinder, kettle, and a v60 pour-over setup.
And when I asked Ralph Winter, Producer of films like “X-Men,” “Wolverine,” “Planet of the Apes,” “The Promise,” and “Altered Carbon” from Netflix, as well as productions for “The Sphere” in Las Vegas, he couldn’t stick to three items. Still, since he produces $200 million-plus movies in all kinds of challenging conditions, I let him explain:
Through years of travel, I have developed several “go” bags that are always ready. Probably too much to explain here. But for instance:
Snow bag: heavy gear, sweatshirts, sweaters, hats, gloves, boots, various levels of socks, scarves, etc. Hockey-size bag, good to –20 degrees. Ready for FedEx with a manifest to any country.
Computer gear: backup laptop, updated exact copy of working laptop; backup drives (3); various cables, power supply for apartment, office, trailer; Apple TV; Blu-ray NTSC drive with USB for laptop (otherwise a problem in countries like Spain, which are PAL); computer repair tools (several packets).
Phone gear: a separate iPhone or the local SIM card (everything else syncs with iCloud and iTunes), phone repair tools, and various covers.
I have accumulated a passport, Global Entry, Nexus cards, and local currency over the years; you never know when you’ll need cash for a taxi or a favor.
Reduce wallet size: I take only the specific credit cards I will use on location, leaving others at home so they don’t get lost. I keep cards in my wallet, a copy in the office, and at home in case of loss.
Always carry a pocket knife (a good site for this is www.everydaycarry.com), but keep it in your packed luggage, along with a cigar lighter, cutter, etc.
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
