Page 14 - MyFaith Mag Nov 2016 - Complete

CHANGE REVOLUTION

Three Things
You Need When
Filming on Location

by PHIL COOKE

Over the years, I’ve produced and directed programming on location in And when I asked Ralph Winter, Producer of films like “X-Men,” “Wolver-
more than 50 countries around the world. For everyone that spends lots ine,” “Planet of the Apes,” and the upcoming “The Promise,” and “Altered
of time on a film or video set – particularly in far away places – there are Carbon” from Netflix, he couldn’t stick to 3 items, but since he produces
certain things you just don’t leave behind. Novices could do well to learn $100 million plus movies in all kind of challenging conditions, I let him
what more experienced filmmakers consider “must have” items during explain:
a shoot. For me? The top 3 would probably be my laptop (I’m always
writing), a raincoat, and a great bag. In fact, I’m a little obsessive about From years of traveling, I build several “go” bags, that are always ready.
bags and have way more than I should. But on location, a bag is my Probably too much to explain here. But for instance:
office, so I’m not afraid to spend money for one that does what I need.
So I asked some other experienced professionals what were the top 3  Snow bag: heavy gear, sweat shirts, sweaters, hats, gloves, boots, vari-
absolutely “must have” items they take to every location. Here’s a few ous levels of socks, scarves, etc. Hockey size bag, good to –20 degrees.
answers: Ready for Fedx with manifest to any country.

From Stu Hazeldine, Director of the upcoming feature film “The Shack:”  Computer gear: backup laptop updated exact copy of working laptop;
backup drives (3); various cables, power supply for apartment, office,
 Script in a leather binder. trailer; Apple TV; older but spare Apple Extreme for use in apartment;
 Director’s Viewfinder. Blu-ray NTSC drive with USB for laptop (otherwise a problem in coun-
 Blundstone boots. tries like Spain, which are PAL); computer repair tools (several packets).

From Lisa Swain, formerly Production Coordinator on films like “Big Fish,”  Phone gear: separate iPhone 6+ for local sim card (everything else
“Anger Management,” and “Face/Off” and now Associate Professor of syncs with iCloud and iTunes); phone repair tools and various covers.
Cinema at Biola University:
 Passport, Global Entry, Nexus cards; local currency which I have built
 Sharpie. up over the years; never know when you need cash for taxi, or a favour.
 Swiss Army pocket knife.
 Chapstick.  Reduce wallet size: I take only specific credits cards that I will use on
location, leaving others at home so they don’t get lost. Cards in my wal-
From Korey Pollard, Assistant Director of “House,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” let I make of and keep copy in office and home, in case of loss.
“Nashville,” “CSI,” and “Monk:”
 Always carry a pocket knife (good site for this is www.everydaycarry.
Charlie Peacock’s West Coast Diaries. com) but this is in packed luggage of course, along with cigar lighter,
cutter, etc.
 My Bible.
 AA meeting list. CLmyfaithmag.com

14 | NOVEMBER 2016