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Over the past few months, traveling to our studios or having large crews on set might not have been an option. But, us traveling to you might be. In the past two years our crews have shot in 18 states. From Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where the temperatures were so cold we taped hand warmers to the camera batteries; To un-air-conditioned factories in Texas and Virginia, where we had to prepare for the opposite problem. We’ve even shot Grand Central Station and the New York City subway system, where moving safely and efficiently was key.
Every location shoot is different and comes with its unique considerations. You must plan around the weather, the permits, the gear, the time of day, and a whole assortment of variables that shooting in a studio allows you to bypass. While these considerations might add additional steps to the preproduction process, they also open doors for spontaneity and creativity to happen organically. Having a plan is incredibly important, but being able to adapt and pivot is what makes location shooting so interesting.
Don’t get us wrong, we love shooting on sets, where we get to build a controlled world to play inside. However, location shooting has its perks. It can be more cost-effective than constructing sets, and the illusion of reality can also be stronger. On location, you have to play within the confines the actual world provides. This can add to the believability and realism of the story we’re telling. They both have their unique characteristics and both need to be thoughtfully considered.
Here are some helpful things we’ve learned over the years:
Always take the time to do a proper scout.
Know where the sun will be, when it will rise and set.
Know where your power sources are.
Know where you can and cannot put gear.
Know where you can park vehicles.
Take notice of potential audio issues. AC Units, Trains, Airports, etc.
Be aware of any PPE Requirements.
Meter the color and quality of the available light.
Know the working schedule of the facility, and staff.
And of course - know the location of bathrooms.
All of these details will help ensure a more successful shoot and better communication amongst the crew.
When it comes to gear we pack, we often opt to bring our own. If traveling by truck or van is an option, we take it. While we have had plenty of success renting gear and working with local crews, there is something to be said for the efficiency of knowing where things are packed, how we prefer things built, and the shorthand between our trusted crew members. We try to optimize our use of space and limit our gear to whatever can be easily wheeled on as few carts as possible.
Production is all about the planning, and although this year has thrown some obstacles at us that we couldn’t fully plan for, that’s where adapting and pivoting comes back into play. Production doesn’t have to stop just because studio shoots are logistically more complicated than they were before. So while we continue to take safety precautions such as temperature checks and contact tracing - Sometimes the solution might be to take the show on the road.
For more information on how we can bring production to you, let’s talk! Call us at 717-435-5030.
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