Weather is an unpredictable and uncontrollable variable when producing films outdoors. Exterior filming locations can expose equipment and crews to dangerous situations. Filmmakers should know how to prepare for circumstances that can hinder their ability to create a movie successfully.
Here are some tips and precautions to take while making a film during inclement weather. Use them to keep equipment and crews safe when on set so the show can go on.
1. Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain
You never know when there’s going to be a downpour on set. Watching the weather can help, but Mother Nature sometimes has a mind of her own, despite what the forecast says. Rain can hinder filming and damage equipment if you aren’t prepared.
Prepare for heavy rain by protecting your equipment with waterproof gear, like protective shields. Tarps and positioned umbrellas can also protect camera equipment from the elements. Waterproof camera sleeves, bags, rain covers and housing are excellent tools to keep your camera dry during filming. Investing in a solid lens hood extending past your camera lens can also help greatly.
Storms pose risks to the safety conditions of an entire filming environment. Storms can wipe out and destroy everything in their path, from cameras and gear to the crew to props and equipment. Protecting things from rain is one thing, but lightning can strike without rain and cause fires, electrocution and other damage.
2. Blizzards and Ice Storms
Shooting in the cold is not for the faint of heart. Safeguarding your camera and crew is essential during blizzards, and you must ensure the filming spot is safe. Slippery conditions can lead to injuries, damage equipment and put the rest of the film at risk.
Create a pre-storm checklist to ensure the filming location is as safe as possible before exposing yourself, equipment and everyone involved to hazardous working conditions. Keep gritty materials such as sand on set to provide traction and clear snow as soon as possible to ensure everyone’s safety. Wear layers to generate enough body heat to stay warm and wear gloves to protect your hands.
Keep a first-aid kit handy, provide blankets and food to feed the cast and filming crew, and ensure everyone’s safety during a snow-in. Just as you protect yourself from winter weather, you also want to ensure your camera is safe. Backup batteries are essential since the cold can drain battery power. Keep them in a warm space or store them in your pockets to soak up some of your body heat.
3. Extreme Heat
Shooting in extreme heat poses numerous health risks like dehydration, heat stroke and heat rashes. Working in unsafe temperatures can cause heat cramps and exhaustion that can lead to dizziness, fainting, nausea and headaches. Ensure your crew’s safety and health by providing water breaks and keeping a first-aid kit readily available.
Taking breaks can ensure the camera equipment, crew and cast don’t overheat. Cooling stations with fans, cold compresses and water can keep everyone comfortable while filming in extreme heat. Heat also poses a risk to camera equipment, so protect it from overheating when possible. Keeping your camera cool during filming is essential for optimal performance.
Use forms of shade like umbrellas or tents to shield equipment from the sun and ice packs and gel packs intermittently to cool it down. Let the camera acclimate to the weather for about 30 minutes before you start rolling. Condensation can occur when switching between dramatic climates, such as from extremely hot weather to indoor air conditioning and vice versa.
4. Strong Wind
Strong winds can damage camera equipment, cause falling debris and knock over props during your shoot. Winds can also make it challenging to see due to dust swirling around the set. This can also inconvenience the cast and crew and get dirt and debris in their eyes, noses and mouths.
Face shields and eye wash stations can protect camera crews during strong winds. Dirt and debris can also get into your camera, so you want to cover that as well with a sturdy camera sleeve or housing. Actors may not be able to wear face shields, but you can position the cast in the opposite direction of the wind for protection and avoid film delays.
Ensure the wind doesn’t pick up props or equipment and cause damage by tying everything down as much as possible. Use zip ties to secure cameras and sandbags to hold everything else in place.
Filming in Inclement Weather
Filming in extreme weather conditions is not ideal, but it’s unavoidable at times. Rescheduling filming can be costly and extremely inconvenient. It’s an option, but it should be your last resort, especially when things are on a tight schedule. These tips can ensure the camera keeps rolling and the show goes on, regardless of what Mother Nature has in store.
