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
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| 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
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| 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
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| 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
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| Identifying stickers help spot your case |
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| 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
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| That's me with kids in Papua New Guinea |
