First out of state shoot at DVinfo.net

Josh Keffer · August 30th, 2011, 08:52 PM

Hey gang,

Well, I may have just lined up my first out of state shoot. Planning on shooting in Austin, Texas.

So my question is, what gear do you take with you, and what gear do you rent on location?

Will be shooting interviews and broll, 2 cameras, me and one other person traveling.

I'm thinking about taking everything except lights (cameras, sticks, audio, misc.) with me and then renting the lights in Austin. Sound good? How do you handle the gear situation when you travel?

Stephen Mick · August 30th, 2011, 09:11 PM

In Austin, you've got plenty of resources. You can rent whatever you need from Omega Broadcast, GEAR and Texas Media Systems. I'd rent your lights and sticks to make travel easier.

Les Wilson · August 31st, 2011, 04:13 AM

In addition to what Stephen said, to your question about handling the gear, there are many threads here on that topic so no need to go into the details. Basically, you carry on your cameras and use Pelican, SKB or <insert your favorite hard case> with TSA locks for the rest. Also, make sure you're up to speed on the restrictions for the type of batteries you use. Certain types cannot go in checked bags.

If you've never been to Austin, be prepared for allergies and take chapstick. The need for both usually hits me after 48 hours there. YMMV.

Josh Keffer · August 31st, 2011, 08:36 AM

Thanks for the advice. I hadn't thought of renting sticks, but that's not a bad idea, as they're not the easiest to travel with.

I've found a few rental facilities via the Austin Film Commission, any thoughts on the best place to get a basic (3-4 light) tungsten kit?

Edward Mendoza · September 1st, 2011, 11:19 AM

I always rent from GEAR, located off MLK drive downtown I believe. They're great, never had any problems with them. I think they've got some standard light kits for rent for like $50.

For standard interviews and b-roll, it doesn't sound like you're gonna need much, other than the standard camera, tripod, mics, and lighting. You could travel easily with most, but probably want to rent the lighting on location.

R Geoff Baker · September 5th, 2011, 08:18 AM

I've travelled from coast to coast to coast to shoot -- and I've always brought my own gear. Two people can manage a lot of gear. Back in the day (say mid-nineties) it might have taken four people to wrangle enough gear to sustain a shoot, but today's equipment is smaller, lighter and frankly better packed ... but as a guy that has made his career from roadwork, I wouldn't rent on location if I could do otherwise.

I have nothing against rental houses, and use them often. But I always rent at home and carry their gear with me on my travels. If you're travelling anyway, tossing in a couple of bills for oversize baggage or whatever the airline wants to call it seems a small price to pay.

Cheers,
GB

August 30th, 2011, 08:52 PM	#1
Josh Keffer Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 73	First out of state shoot Hey gang, Well, I may have just lined up my first out of state shoot. Planning on shooting in Austin, Texas. So my question is, what gear do you take with you, and what gear do you rent on location? Will be shooting interviews and broll, 2 cameras, me and one other person traveling. I'm thinking about taking everything except lights (cameras, sticks, audio, misc.) with me and then renting the lights in Austin. Sound good? How do you handle the gear situation when you travel? __________________ Josh Keffer “Don’t shoot your demo reel. Be true to the story.” Tobias Schliessler, ASC

August 30th, 2011, 09:11 PM	#2
Stephen Mick Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 167	Re: First out of state shoot In Austin, you've got plenty of resources. You can rent whatever you need from Omega Broadcast, GEAR and Texas Media Systems. I'd rent your lights and sticks to make travel easier.

August 31st, 2011, 04:13 AM	#3
Les Wilson Inner Circle Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 3,014	Re: First out of state shoot In addition to what Stephen said, to your question about handling the gear, there are many threads here on that topic so no need to go into the details. Basically, you carry on your cameras and use Pelican, SKB or <insert your favorite hard case> with TSA locks for the rest. Also, make sure you're up to speed on the restrictions for the type of batteries you use. Certain types cannot go in checked bags. If you've never been to Austin, be prepared for allergies and take chapstick. The need for both usually hits me after 48 hours there. YMMV.

August 31st, 2011, 08:36 AM	#4
Josh Keffer Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 73	Re: First out of state shoot Thanks for the advice. I hadn't thought of renting sticks, but that's not a bad idea, as they're not the easiest to travel with. I've found a few rental facilities via the Austin Film Commission, any thoughts on the best place to get a basic (3-4 light) tungsten kit? __________________ Josh Keffer “Don’t shoot your demo reel. Be true to the story.” Tobias Schliessler, ASC

September 1st, 2011, 11:19 AM	#5
Edward Mendoza Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: San Antonio TX Posts: 157	Re: First out of state shoot I always rent from GEAR, located off MLK drive downtown I believe. They're great, never had any problems with them. I think they've got some standard light kits for rent for like $50. For standard interviews and b-roll, it doesn't sound like you're gonna need much, other than the standard camera, tripod, mics, and lighting. You could travel easily with most, but probably want to rent the lighting on location. __________________ Edward Mendoza, Videographer/Editor, TEXAS VIDEO PRODUCTION www.texasvideoproduction.us

September 5th, 2011, 08:18 AM	#6
R Geoff Baker Major Player Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Ottawa, ON Posts: 471	Re: First out of state shoot I've travelled from coast to coast to coast to shoot -- and I've always brought my own gear. Two people can manage a lot of gear. Back in the day (say mid-nineties) it might have taken four people to wrangle enough gear to sustain a shoot, but today's equipment is smaller, lighter and frankly better packed ... but as a guy that has made his career from roadwork, I wouldn't rent on location if I could do otherwise. I have nothing against rental houses, and use them often. But I always rent at home and carry their gear with me on my travels. If you're travelling anyway, tossing in a couple of bills for oversize baggage or whatever the airline wants to call it seems a small price to pay. Cheers, GB