On Christmas Day I received an email asking me to DP a travel show; traveling through 12 countries for three months. Being Christmas Day and a dream job, I thought it was one of my mates pulling my leg. It wasn’t – I was leaving in two weeks. The producers organised a Skype chat with the team; a young international group shooting “run and gun” style on two Canon 5D Mark II cameras with a dedicated sound guy. We also took a Sony FS700 and a couple of GoPro cameras to compliment the 5Ds.
The show, Peeta Planet, would take us to a new country every 6 days. I was warned that we would be traveling through Mexico City and Johannesburg and things might get “a little hairy!” Lots of airplanes and unknown challenges, both as a filmmaker and as a traveller, meant I had to pack light and safe. I packed my 5D, batteries and lenses into two nondescript camera backpacks. The FS700 and GoPro cameras had separate bags so they could stay in the van unless needed.
Camera rigs vary wildly these days but I wanted something that worked and wouldn’t break. (Don’t we all!) Simple, reliable, and secure was my goal, so I came to Zacuto who hooked me up with a run’n’gun Marauder rig and a Z-Finder EVF Pro for the second camera. Packing thoughtfully and carefully up front was the best decision I could have made. By the second country we were working 18 hour days; the last thing I wanted to do at the end of the day was carry a heavy, bulky camera and rig set up to my hotel. The schedule settled down after a while but having trustworthy equipment that was actually fun to use helped keep us all happily working!
So here they are – my top six tips for traveling filmmakers. I hope they help you on your next adventure!
1. Anticipate
Try to anticipate every situation you could find yourself in and pack appropriately. Or do what I did and take everything!
2. Always be prepared
Take tools for when your equipment inevitably gets loose. A multitool, a dedicated wide flathead screwdriver, small magic arm and a flashlight will definitely come in handy.
3. Rain happens
Take lightweight waterproof clothes and waterproof covers for equipment. Take a spare/spare everything if you can carry it. On a road trip if you haven’t got three of something you haven’t really got it.
4. Take care of yourself
I know you’re tough, you’re a filmmaker. You have been doing what people said couldn’t be done for years, but don’t forget the sunscreen. Take a hat, mosquito repellant, and water. Stay as comfortable as possible when you’re working. Being comfortable helps keep your mind on the job.
5. Think like a backpacker
Small dry sacks like these from Kathmandu keep things dry and safe. They also allow you to put wet things (like shoes or socks) in your bag while keeping everything else dry. Plus they can double as pillows.
6. Just keep singing!
Download the lyrics to a bunch of songs you like. If you have someone on the trip who plays an instrument remind them to bring it on long journeys. Singing can lift spirits and energy levels and can make for some memorable moments. Singing Bohemian Rhapsody to thunderous applause in a cafe in Rio or smashing out Don’t Look Back in Anger on the Royal Jordanian airport shuttle can make everything seem OK and will stay with you forever.
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