3 Pro Tips for Traveling Video Producers
Several years ago, I wrote an article called How to Pack and Prepare for International Video Shoots. The tips I share in this article build upon that information while covering new items to reflect TSA, security regulations, creating a smooth travel experience, and saving potentially thousands of dollars in budget.
Tip #2: Navigating the Airport and Project Transportation
Airports can be hectic, especially during current times. I highly encourage using a cart with your gear when getting from the airport entrance to check luggage. Not only does it keep your equipment close by, but it will alleviate some physical strain on your body.
Most airports offer cart rentals for USD $5-$10. These can usually be found in parking garages or around baggage claim areas. Bring a bungee cord to secure your gear during transport and leave a little extra time for elevators.
I prefer to bring a cart such as the Rock-n-Roller MultiCart R10 (Figure 6, below). These carts are an industry-standard for production and can last a lifetime with the proper care. You can load your gear from the car, wheel it to the airline check-in and then fold it up to check with other luggage. Add some gaffers tape or zipties to secure the cart legs from extending throughout the flight.
Figure 6. The Rock-n-Roller Multicart R10
Not only is the cart helpful in the airport; it’s also something to use to get your gear to the hotel room, lodging, in and out of transportation, and around the actual shoot location.
Depending on the city, getting around a shoot location can be easy or difficult. Prior research will be required to ensure a smooth experience. I can share that it is essential to research renting a vehicle or going with a ride-sharing app. Often, you may find it difficult to fit your gear into standard ride-sharing app vehicles. Choosing an XL option with Uber or Lyft has worked best in my experience.
Renting a large SUV or van is usually more convenient than a ride-sharing app if the production budget allows it because you do not have to wait for a driver and know how gear can be loaded when moving.
Tip #3: Getting Credentials
The two final tips I will share with fellow video travelers are not necessarily gear-related, but they are very useful.
The first is to explore applying for TSA PreCheck. This status allows you to skip long lines at TSA by completing the application process and becoming a TSA PreCheck member. It is a prescreening process that will speed up your airport queues. The small fee is worth it if you are tight on time, which happens when traveling with gear. Additionally, I have found that the gear scanning and the TSA search process are less likely or quicker when going through TSA PreCheck.
The other tip is to get a media or press pass printed for your company. Websites like Zazzle.com offer templates that can help you design a custom pass (Figure 7, below).
Figure 7. A custom press pass created with Zazzle.com
Not only do these serve as identification, but you can also use the pass with many airlines to get a media rate for your checked luggage. These rates are often less expensive for checking bags and may allow travelers to check extra or overweight luggage without additional fees. Of course, each airline does have its set of rules, but I have found these media passes very useful in the past.
Make sure to include a photo, name, title, badge number, company, and other helpful information. You can take it a step further and generate a free QR code for your company website through Flowcode.com and add this to your pass.
I hope that you have found value in these travel trips. Apply these to your future video projects and safe travels!
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A veteran producer of video projects on multiple continents offers tips on everything from hard-shelled equipment cases to travel restrictions to international power issues to visas to carnets for videographers who want to book international jobs, make the most of them, and escape the pitfalls that come with being un- or under-prepared.