Planning winter shoots this season? Certain climates can be really challenging for shooting movies. While many films are shot in warmer climates, some must be shot in chilly temperatures. And New York City definitely makes the list of cold-weather shooting locations.
As a lifelong resident of New York, USA, I know first-hand that winter shoots in the snow are a totally different beast. Even just living in a climate that feels like a walk-in freezer is a different beast (winter driving anyone?). But film production has a way of really taking those snowy struggles to the next level. Here are a few things I’ve observed about cold-climate filming that make it different from all other seasons in film:
#1 – Everything Slows Down in Winter Shoots
People, cameras, vehicles… everything crawls at a snail’s pace in the cold, slippery snow. So it’s best to just plan on everything taking longer than you’d like.
Build padding into your shooting schedule and maintain a secondary schedule of things you can shoot indoors if the outdoors fail to cooperate.
#2 – Not Everyone Comes Prepared
When it comes to working in winter weather, preparation matters! But sometimes we forget how harsh the cold is until we’re freezing on set. To keep everyone from feeling miserable during the shoot, we recommend the following tips.
Bundle Up!
And let your crew know to bundle up. I can’t stress this enough after COVID. Next to screening, staying warm is the most important thing. Keeping your team safe from the elements begins with how they get dressed at home. Put it on your call sheet, send it on an email blast the day prior, and bring extra scarves, hats, and mittens for those who forget.
Knowledge is power!
Put together a cold weather survival packet for your cast & crew and send it to them before they show up on set. If they have never lived or worked in a cold climate before, they may not know how best to prepare. Include suggestions about layering clothing, recommendations for hand and foot warmers, and tips for winter driving.
Don’t forget about your extras.
Extras can be an afterthought, but on a winter set, that normal lack of consideration can become a miserable, possibly dangerous, situation. Make sure that they are dressed appropriately and have warming stations available. If possible, provide hot beverages to help them stay warm and happy
Protect your cameras during winter shoots.
Technology and extreme weather don’t exactly go hand in hand. Protect your camera gear from the elements and monitor its performance while working in the cold. One of the simplest ways to protect your camera is with a plastic bag or cover, but you can also purchase more specialized protective gear. Also, never expose your camera to big temperature swings. Start acclimating your camera to the cold before you need to start shooting, and then warm it back up slowly when you’re finished. Any significant temperature shifts can cause condensation inside your camera, affecting its ability to perform. If you do happen to deep freeze your camera, check out this video on how to defrost it properly.
Pro tip: Carry extra batteries because you’ll burn through them more quickly in the cold. Be sure to keep your spares in your pocket where it’s warmer.
#3 – The Sun is Brighter… When it Shines
Most winter days are just a blah-blend of white and grey, but when the sun does shine it can really blow out everything your camera is trying to capture. Use filters on your lens (sunglasses for your camera) and make sure to check your white balance regularly. If you’re working at night, you won’t need to contend with the sun, but keep in mind that full snow cover acts like a giant reflector, making a little light go a long way. So take it easy and double check each lighting setup.
#4 – Complaining Does NOT Help
Winter weather is like a refining freezer that can bring out the worst in even the most hearty, but complaining doesn’t help. Trust me. It just causes you, and everyone around you, to focus on what’s hard right now instead of looking ahead to where you’re going and why that’s awesome. It will literally make you feel colder. Being on a film set, even a winter set, is always a privilege–it’s worth being cheerful about!
Hang in there, the cold doesn’t last forever, and your project will be great if you follow these survival tips. Need to book one of our winter-proof units? Ring us at 800-779-6642 and we’ll help make your winter shoots a success.