“Sony Z1 camera….check!” “Back-up camera…check!”

“Arri 650/300 light kit….check!”

“Passport…check!”

“Tripod, audio kit, HD monitor - Check, check, check!”

Whoa, whoa, whoa…hold on now…what about the Sunblock, some flip-flops, Ray-Bans, the Tommy Bahama shirts? Well yeah…that’s in the other bag…but business is business and when it comes to traveling on a video production shoot you have to be prepared - for everything!

One of the great misconceptions of our field is the glamour associated with our profession. Sure, going on a week-long cruise and producing instructional vignettes is a great job…but it’s also a great challenge. We’re not going to hobnob with Mr. Rourke or Tattoo or even shoot the breeze with Capt. Stubing and Gopher…our week will be full of 12 hour days and overcoming the inevitable challenges that will come about. Whether a project takes place in Nassau, Cozumel, or 5 minutes from home…every production company (every good one) has to be ready for whatever could arise. Obviously it’s easier working at home because it’s a simple call back to the office to bring in an additional piece of equipment if needed…opposed to say…hmmm, being on a ship in the middle of the Caribbean! That’s why thinking ahead is crucial…and trying to plan for just about any type of production scenario is smart. Because once you’re out on that ship…you’re not going to get a second chance, you better have absolutely everything you need with you. What it all comes down to is the end product. It has to be good.

“Videotape…check!”

“Batteries…check!” “Extra batteries…check!!!”

“Sleep….umm, sleep?” “Yeah…sleep, get plenty of sleep tonight because you’re not going to see a whole lot of it for the rest of the week!”