Video Production Abroad

Embarking on a video production that takes you abroad can be very exciting. If you have never produced a video project abroad before, there are some rules and guidelines that you’ll need to know.

What You Need to know

The crew and I in Papua New Guinea

In this article you'll learn about some of the rules and regulations for producing a video internationally. There is a lot to learn, and all countries have their own rules about Carnet’s (pronounced kar-nay) and working visas, so it's best to check before you leave as to what your host country or countries require before you arrive to work there.

Working in foreign countries can be hard enough as it is with language barriers and such, so not having your paperwork in order is not a good way to start. You’ll need to find out before your departure if the country or countries you're visiting would require an equipment carnet as well, will they also require a working visa?

Current Passport

Having a current passport goes without saying, so make sure that your crew members have a current passport that doesn’t expire during your assignment; trouble at the airport is not a good thing. It's also really great idea to make a photocopy of everyone's passport and keep it in safe place somewhere that is not on your person. Maybe a secret compartment in your carry-on baggage for example. In the event that someone loses a passport you'll be glad you have a copy of it and may help you in a pinch.

Do I Need A Carnet?

A little bit about getting your carnet. A carnet or ATA Carnet is an international customs export-import document. It is used to clear customs without paying duties and import taxes on merchandise that will be re-exported within 12 months. An ATA Carnet is not always required but asked for in many locations and expedites your passage through customs. I always get one as it usually clears up any questions about temporary exports (your equipment). The advantages include cost savings, time savings and smooth foreign and U.S. customs clearance. ATA Carnets are accepted in 71 countries and territories around the world. New countries are added to the ATA Carnet system every year. Attaining your carnet is a simple 4-step process. The step-by-step application process is online and Carnet Specialists are ready to help you apply for and learn to use your ATA Carnet.

A Work Visa

A little information about getting your work visa (if required). In many cases, you need a job offer in another country before working there. The country government will issue you a work visa. You will also need a letter from your employer (client) on company letterhead. Its best if you get your letter before you leave home, It can help if you at customs if have a physical address in your destination country. As with carnets, there are many websites you can visit to get the paperwork for your working visa. Your carnet and visa must be taken very seriously, you and your crew do not want to arrive at the airport of your destination excited about your shoot only to find out that they will not allow you into the country because you do not have the proper paperwork in order.

 Selecting Your Crew

The Crew and I with a local villager in Meulaboh, Sumatra Indonesia

When crewing an international project I've always found that it's good to stay lean and mean. My crew always consists of 3 members: the producer/director, the camera operator/DP and a sound engineer/comedian. All crew-members will need to chip in with moving equipment cases and personal luggage around from time to time especially at the airport. Having one person in charge of the Visa and Carnet paperwork is always a good idea. The producer/director should play this role, for consistnacy when going through

 Foreign Power Standards

Powering your equipment abroad can be tricky. Keep in mind that most foreign countries may have different power receptacles and power service than you're accustomed to. You'll need to make note of your power supplies, make sure they can convert up to 240v. You’ll need to check your lighting equipment as well; you may need changing out your lamps to 240V.

 Hire A Translator

Brian setting a level for our translator

You may want to consider hiring a translator that is familiar with television and video production in the host country you'll be visiting. This will save you a lot of time and ensure that you get what you're looking for from your on camera talent and/or on-camera interviews or extras. Plus, they can help you out with small tasks such as where to find lunch or where you might purchase something you need etc.

 Traveling With Expensive Video Gear

Identifying stickers help spot your case

Everything in its place

Before traveling, I make a list of all the equipment I'm bringing with me, including serial numbers and any other identifying model numbers. I also pack everything in its appropriate case, and then I open each case and take a photograph of everything in the case as it was packed. I also take a picture of all the cases all packed up and ready to go. If by chance a piece of baggage is lost, you can show airport personnel what the case looks like and what was inside of it, and a list of items that were packed in the case. This tip has helped me before, as the airlines have lost some of my cases while traveling abroad. I was able to show airport personnel the exact case that was lost, and the items contained within it. This tip helps airport baggage handlers find your bag visually quicker too and also ensures that everything is in the case when you do receive it. Having your list and photograph to rely on ensures that your case and its contents are returned in its entirety, it can make all the difference.

Staying Regular

On a not so cheerful but important note, I recommend that you bring Imodium tablets with you. If you are traveling to a location many hours different from you home location, your internal time clock will take a hit and you be eating foods that you're probably not used to eating at times that your body would be asleep. You may encounter some intestinal issues. When your out there running and gunning with your crew, you don’t want this problem. Bring Imodium; you’ll be glad you did if you need it.

The Fun Stuff

Now that you’ve got the crew, gear and business paperwork taking care of, you can and start focusing on fun stuff, your script, your travel itinerary and any small presents or gifts you're going to bring with you. I have found in my travels that it is always a good gesture to hand out unique tokens of appreciation. It doesn't have to be expensive, just has to be thoughtful and something they can not get in their own country. This always makes a good impression, and will help you in your endeavors abroad. Also, if someone offers you a small present, you can offer one back in return; always a great goodwill gesture.

Culturally Speaking

I recommend learning about the culture you will be visiting. Knowing rudimentary cultural traditions and basic phrases will help you greatly with the local people, they’ll appreciate that you have taken the time to study and respect their culture. This also helps with acceptance from locals; they will be more likely to help you if you have learned basic greetings, and key phrases.

Working In Muslim Countries

Notice our camera man Charlie wearing correct attire in Pekanbaru, Sumatra Indonesia

When our team traveled throughout Indonesia, and the Philippines back in 2007 and 2008 it was very useful for us to learn about the cultural differences in Indonesia especially, being an American working in a Muslim country. For instance, wearing appropriate clothing each day is very important, and shows respect and being a good visitor to their country. In many Muslim countries, you must wear long pants, no shorts, this can be uncomfortable at times with high heat and humidity indexes’ but, It is the right thing to do. Many of the people we met respected the fact that we honored their cultural traditions. Working with women in Muslim countries can be a little different for Americans traveling there. One must learn the correct greetings and gestures when interacting with women in these locations.

People Are People 

During many of our international video production projects we have found that people are people everywhere. What i mean by that is thought we may have cultural and religious differences, we are all the same when it comes right down to it. All of us love their children, we all want happiness in our lives, and we all like to laugh and they are as curious about us as we are about them.

A local villager, his daughter and I in Meulaboh, Sumatra Indonesia

 More to Come…

This article touched on some of the basics for shooting video abroad, there are many more areas to talk about and I will cover them in future blogs. Hope this gives you a little useful insight for your international video production planning.

That's me with kids in Papua New Guinea