Some productions move people emotionally, while others offer knowledge. Then there are the productions that take viewers on a ride and get their hearts pumping.
Great examples include Free Solo, which tracks a climber making his way up mountains with only his hands. Or how about nature documentaries? Crews often have to get up close and personal with dangerous animals.
Movies and TV shows might also shoot in extreme environments, and production companies have to consider the safety of each cast and crew member.
In this post, we’ll cover how to stay safe in extreme environments, so you can protect your team and ensure nothing gets in the way of your film.
Avoiding extreme environments might seem like a good idea, but doing so could impact your production. Some of the most beautiful shots take place in extreme settings, and they often become award-winning productions.
Playing it safe doesn’t always offer any benefits – especially when considering what you might sacrifice for your film.
Also, some productions require you to film in an extreme setting. For example, you couldn’t film an Everest documentary without going there.
Yes, there are always risks associated with filming in extreme settings, but the rewards can include a more profitable production, better recognition, and you being offered bigger projects in the future.
The key is to weigh the risks and develop a strategy that protects your crew but doesn’t sacrifice the film in any way.
Here are our top tips for a seamless – but safe – production.
If you’re filming in an extreme environment, you need to think about why you’re doing it and whether it’s worth the risks. You need to be absolutely sure that it’s the right location for your needs and weigh up the pros.
None of this means you should settle for a bad location, but keeping your goals in mind will help you through the production process and motivate your crew.
If any viable alternatives don’t pose the same risks, you could opt for the safer location – but only if it offers similar results.
Before even thinking about anything else, you should ensure you’re mentally and physically prepared for the production. Planning ahead lets you understand the environment you’re shooting in, including how it might impact you.
Research the weather conditions, look for any warnings in place and get up-to-date information from locals.
You can also check travel blogs and reviews from people who have visited the area because it helps you understand what you need to watch out for.
If you’ll be doing a lot of hiking or climbing, you should take some time to prepare your body and get in shape.
An emergency plan is essential to any production, especially ones taking place in extreme environments. When you have an effective strategy in place, you can relax and know that whatever happens, you’ll be prepared.
The emergency plan should factor in the shooting location and include an effective communication device, insurance policies, a first aid kit, water, food, and anything else you might need.
Planning should also include looking at the weather conditions and scheduling filming around them.
If you can find a local guide, that will also be beneficial, as they’ll have in-depth knowledge of the area.
Getting the right equipment is central to a successful production, but it’s not just a case of picking the cheapest gear. Shooting in an extreme environment means no room for compromise, and you shouldn’t get standard equipment.
Think about what you’ll need and aim to get the best equipment in your budget. Whether it’s waterproof cameras, recording equipment, strong climbing harnesses or helmets – ensure everything is up to standard before using it.
You should also get equipment that won’t quit on you while you’re filming, and bring spare batteries.
Specialist crew members might seem like a luxury, but you’ll find they’re necessary for shooting in extreme locations. Not only will specialists keep you safe, but they also have in-depth knowledge of particular areas.
For example, productions on Everest often use Sherpa guides because these people know the mountain well and can help with navigation.
Finding a specialist doesn’t need to be a headache, and while they require more investment, it’s probably worth it.
Planning ahead is essential if you want to enjoy a safe production process and give your cast and crew the best experience.
Unfortunately, managing health and safety and taking care of the production process is no easy feat, and many companies choose to work with a team of film fixers.
At NEEDaFIXER, we regularly work with clients and assist them with all areas of the production process.
There are many benefits to working with our team – especially when you’re shooting in extreme locations.
What’s the point in life if there’s not a little risk? Your production doesn’t need to be boring, and following the tips in this post ensures you’ll always be able to prioritise safety without compromising your production.
If you’d like some help managing your production, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team. We love taking on a challenge; no production is too big for NEEDaFIXER.
Ready to bring your project to life with our professional video production services? Get in touch with our team to discuss what you’re looking for, along with any additional notes you wish to share. Simply fill in the form and we’ll get back to you shortly.
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