Tips For Filming on Location in Cold Weather
Photo by Nik Shuliahin on Unsplash
Filming on location in the winter months can bring you unexpected challenges. You can’t predict the weather, but it will only help to prepare. Your first step should be to let all of your cast and crew know you are filming exteriors in cold weather. Let people know in advance and on the day before with your call sheet. It might seem obvious, but people do forget how cold it can get. Below is a list of four categories and tips to avoid problems whilst filming in cold weather.
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1 Warm Clothing on Set
Even if it’s not freezing, standing outside for several hours can make you chilled to the bone. Layers, waterproof and windproof clothing will make a difference. Material wise wool and fleece are best for under your coat because they dry if you are sweating. If you are filming in a lot of exteriors, invest in a good quality down coat. Don’t forget your accessories hats, scarves, gloves and waterproof boots.
One problem you might have when filming on location is keeping actors warm. Depending on the scene, they might not have the luxury of dressing in warm clothing. This is why having blankets are handy to throw on actors between setups. Also, if you are near an interior, you can make a warm green room for actors to wait in. Perhaps, have a car nearby for actors to keep warm between scenes if you are in a field.
People move slower in the cold, and you might need to schedule more time between setups for particularly challenging weather. For some locations, it might be possible to rent outdoor heaters. Viruses and colds can also spread faster in cold weather so consider making face masks mandatory as an added plus they can help keep faces warm.
2 Catering For Your Production
Even if it’s not freezing, standing outside for several hours can make you chilled to the bone. Layers, waterproof and windproof clothing will make a difference. Material wise wool and fleece are best for under your coat because they dry if you are sweating. If you are filming in a lot of exteriors, invest in a good quality down coat. Don’t forget your accessories hats, scarves, gloves and waterproof boots.
One problem you might have when filming on location is keeping actors warm. Depending on the scene, they might not have the luxury of dressing in warm clothing. This is why having blankets are handy to throw on actors between setups. Also, if you are near an interior, you can make a warm green room for actors to wait in. Perhaps, have a car nearby for actors to keep warm between scenes if you are in a field.
People move slower in the cold, and you might need to schedule more time between setups for particularly challenging weather. For some locations, it might be possible to rent outdoor heaters. Viruses and colds can also spread faster in cold weather so consider making face masks mandatory as an added plus they can help keep faces warm.
3 Equipment in Cold Weather
If you are filming on location in extreme weather, you will need to take extra care of your equipment. Bringing a camera from a cold place to a warm one can cause it to steam up with condensation. To avoid this, keep your camera outside during the exterior scenes, even when on a lunch break. You should also check if your camera batteries can work in cold temperatures. Camera batteries can run on half their power if they get too cold. This is because the chemical reaction that occurs to provide power is slowed down by cold temperatures.
If you are filming in the UK, it’s unlikely that we will get below 20-degree celsius. This is the temperature digital cameras, and LED screens can start to struggle within. Productions that shoot exclusively in snow or desert weather conditions might choose to shoot on film. You might also need heavy tripods and a collection of ND filters to reduce glare from the sun on snow terrain. Cameras and equipment might also need rain covers. If in urgent need a bin bag can keep equipment dry. Your camera crew should know what problems might occur when filming on location, but it’s good to ask these questions before production.
4 Daylight and Shooting in Winter
In the winter months, don’t forget you have less available sunlight. The sunset is also faster, and it can turn night within half an hour. The shortest day in the UK is in late December, lasting less than eight hours long. If filming on location during the winter months, remember to schedule for these short days. Keep in mind that lack of sunlight will also affect interior scenes. Whilst on the topic of lighting, remember that when filming outside, you might need additional power. Make sure to ask your camera and lighting crew if you will need to hire generators.
Gazebos can also be a life savour on exterior shoots. They are affordable to buy or hire and provide cover for both equipment and crew. A rain shower can happen anytime, especially if filming in the UK, so it’s wise to prepare. Because of this, shooting a scene might take longer as you wait for shoots to match for continuity. Another lighting issue is when sunlight is too bright. This is why filters, reflectors and flags are your friends when filming on location. When scheduling your film, ask yourself if weather and lighting will likely cause delays. If this happens, book more time within each location just to be safe.
Filming on location can require more preparation and foresight. But, it might also save you time on lighting setups and production design. If you are unsure what to expect, ask your crew for advice. Make sure everyone knows what is scheduled in advance.
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