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Taking Video Production Across Borders

Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Cinematographers and directors are notorious for <br>bringing along all sorts of video production gear that doesn’t ever get used. That’s <br>not a criticism – it’s common on any set to have an equipment van where all of <br>the crew can house their expensive lenses, sliders, rigs that create those amazing <br>shots that are expected of a high-end commercial production company.

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Taking Video Production Across Borders

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  1. Taking Video Production Across Borders HTTP://WWW.PIXELPI.CA http://www.pixelpi.ca

  2. Before I take off from my video production company HQ here in Toronto, I remind myself that any good producer, director or DP evaluates their mental check-list on all of the necessary pieces of equipment you need to bring on set. • Obviously, if a major component of your job is supplying videography services you are going to need a camera, tripod, microphones, etc, to be able to capture the best audio-visual moments of your day on set. • But what about when you aren’t shooting in your hometown or even your home country? What then? Back in 2010 my film production company was given an amazing opportunity to travel to Uganda, East Africa, to create a video series for a local Toronto based charity, Guluwalk. • Then again, in 2012, I was asked to depart for the neighbouring country of Kenya to help create a separate video series on establishing hospitals and libraries in the rural areas of the country. http://www.pixelpi.ca

  3. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Cinematographers and directors are notorious for bringing along all sorts of video production gear that doesn’t ever get used. That’s not a criticism – it’s common on any set to have an equipment van where all of the crew can house their expensive lenses, sliders, rigs that create those amazing shots that are expected of a  high-end commercial production company. • However, when you are traveling by yourself you simply need to limit the gear you’re muling around as a matter of biology, physics and budget so make sure you’re maximizing carrying capacity in a realistic way. I decided to only take what I could visibly manage. When it came time to pack my gear, I grabbed my go-to ultra-portable 5D Mark III DSLR, Macbook and SD cards, basic lens package, tripod and made sure I kept it to essentials. Bring Only What You Need http://www.pixelpi.ca

  4. Before you set out on your adventure, make sure you take time and research a little bit of the country you are going to. If you are going to a developing country, you will want to go to find some more information on the current climate, health warnings, political issues and general laws. In the past I always used the Canadian Consulate for travel advisories before taking any contract abroad. • You can find more information here on their website: travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories. You will also want to speak to a doctor and make sure that your immunizations are also in order. Don’t delay on this either, some vaccines will take up to 30 days to take effect and make sure you bring the written record with you as you pass through customs. Research, Research, Research… http://www.pixelpi.ca

  5. Now that you have landed in the country it is time to start production. In the case of my shoots in East Africa, we were shooting outside in the rural outback of the country so you are going to be dealing with a lot of sunlight. Shooting with any compact DSLRs have challenges because they are very striped down versions of larger ENG broadcast cameras. There are a lot of components that videographers use that are absent on these smaller HD cameras, such as global shutters and ND filters. • The ND (Neutral Density) filter is typically built into the larger units but on DSLR’s you fasten them directly on your lens. The filter cuts light down so that when you are in brighter areas the videographer can still shoot at a low aperture like f2.8 – f5.6. Personally, I prefer to go with a graded variable ND filter, so that the videographer can get varying degrees of exposure. Another option is to bring a portable bounce card or reflector so that when you have the hot sun beaming down on you, the reflector can bounce the light in ways that make your subject much more flattering. Start Shooting Your Video Production http://www.pixelpi.ca

  6. The number one thing I learned when I was overseas was learning to be be unseen. Obviously, anyone with a big camera running around is going to be noticed. The most important piece of gear I brought with me was my 70-200mm lens. The long focal length allowed me the ability to get unique expressions but staying back at an anonymous distance. • Getting too close ruins any chance for meaningful exchange of body language. I personally always prefer being on a long lens and observing what your subject will do. Ultimately, it is a matter of time. You need to spend time with your subjects in order gain trust and confidence but during this time make sure to take advantage of the right focal length, for the right kind of footage for your video. Unobtrusiveness and Focal Length http://www.pixelpi.ca

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