Here’s something you’re going to learn in film if you haven’t already: 
NOTHING goes as planned. If things go 80% according to plan, you may just be working in a big-budget Hollywood studio! Or not; things don’t go as planned for the “big wigs” either — consider Apocalypse Now. Now factor in that Florida is a unique geographical region, with its own set of particular problems. If you’re directing, producing, shooting, and looking for equipment and camera rentals in Miami and South Florida, here are some things you should know.
Be Realistic About it
The truth is, there’s always something which will make things difficult. Traffic. Art Basel. Winter Music Conference. WMC. Raves. Airplanes–for the love of all that is holy, airplanes. The truth is, one of the essential skills a filmmaker can have is the ability to improvise solutions on the fly.
Control what you can, so when things arise which you cannot control, you’re enabled to improvise your way into success. Don’t be afraid of things going a bit awry. Sometimes that which you didn’t plan ends up being some of the best footage you could have shot. With such a perspective, following are four common issues you’re going to face on set in Florida (and sometimes in other states), and how to deal with them:
• Uncooperative Weather (Hello, hurricanes and tropical storms!)
• Condensation, Humidity – Keep Equipment Above Dew Point When Moving from Exterior to Interior Shots
• Power Requirements: Resources, Batteries, Generators – Plan in Advance!
• Mobility: Have a Travel and Parking Plan
Uncooperative Weather
The weather will often impact Florida. Hot, cold, rain or hurricane, Florida may be a quasi-tropical paradise, but it’s not independent of surprising weather changes. If you’ve got a daytime shot, and it starts pouring rain, you’ve got an issue. Well, what’s the solution? Firstly, does the daytime shot have to be dry, or could you make a take in the “rain” work? Often, you cannot see the rain in the shot. So, keep shooting! Sometimes this may lend an air of melancholy to your finished product, and sometimes it gives it grace.
One trick of the trade is having plenty of plastic tarps, spring clamps, pop-up tents, and umbrellas standing by ready to deploy in case of rain. Factor in harsh shadows created by the sun, or darkness created by clouds and you’ll also need additional lights standing by. Although you’ll likely not use this gear and it’ll undoubtedly cost you money, you definitely don’t want to get caught without the ability save a shot. Many a shoot has seen thousands of rental dollars spent on lights that never were used. But they are an insurance policy. Better to have lights, than not have them, is the adage we’ve heard for years from smart filmmakers.
Condensation – Keep Equipment Above Dew Point When Moving from Exterior to Interior
The “dew point” is the temperature at which humidity in the atmosphere condenses, becoming liquid. Florida is incredibly humid. If your equipment is more cool than the exterior temperature, bringing it from the indoors to the outdoors will create condensation across the lens at the dew point for that day. Depending on how hot it is outside, you’ve got several strategies here.
- Keep equipment warmer than the dew point. Shoot outside first and then schedule a move inside during lunch so that the gear can acclimate. But keep in mind: sometimes even your best efforts will be befuddled by Murphy’s Law.
- Having a real camera rentals in Miami company to rely on for backup equipment is key to solidify your ability to produce quality footage. There are many “so-called” rental companies working out of their spare bedroom. You can find these on peer to peer marketplaces like Sharegrid and KitSplit. Typically, these are owner operators/cameraman that have gear, but in most cases, don’t have back up equipment standing by for you and may not even be around Miami on your shoot days to help even if they could. It’s the old line – you get what you pay for.
Power Supply – Plan in Advance!
You’ve come up against this issue: you’ve got an hour of shooting planned, but inadequate power is available at your location home, business or county park. Or the breakers trip or cannot be found. Or making the mistake of plugging a prop hair dryer and a small light into a single circuit complicates your day — 15 amp breakers when 20 amp breakers are needed. These issues can threaten your shoot ending on time. Or you may have to sacrifice a shot due to darkness. Having a 6500 watt Honda generator and plenty of stingers/extension cords on hand are a must for most Miami shoots with film and television lighting.
Mobility – Have a Travel and Parking Plan
Traffic in South Florida has increased exponentially over the past 4 years, resulting in more limited parking options. Using Google maps effectively with its predictive time function is a useful tool for mobility planning. Parking lot operators in Miami are generally film-friendly. So are the South Florida cities that allow productions to purchase parking meters for trucks, motor homes, and towable generator plants.
In Miami make note to spend pre-production time strategizing crew and cast travel time, as well as in planning production vehicle and crew parking. Businesses in some Miami neighborhoods are extremely sensitive to film crews as they take over large swaths of business parking. Lately, productions rent shuttle vehicles (15 passenger vans) to move crew back and forth to church or business parking lots where the crew vehicles are staged. Often a knowledgeable location manager is necessary to limit traffic challenges. Their relationships with local business owners, city managers, and lot operators can ensure a successful shoot. They literally can save your shoot money in advance.
Overcoming Issues
Plan B and Backup Plans
It’s an excellent idea in South Florida to schedule a cover set, a set that provides cover in the event of rain, for the second half of your day as it most often rains in here in the afternoon. Also, renting camera and lighting from a bonified camera rentals in Miami company is a winning idea. Real rental houses have spare backup equipment on the shelf in the event of camera failure. And, professional crew who understand the latest gear and know how to use it, pack it and transport it safely will save you a budget line on a rental house’s ‘missing and damaged’ charges.
Like-Minded Professionals
Define strategies that will round out your shoot, and know how to incorporate a seeming error into artistic magnificence. It also helps to work with local experts who understand permitting, local issues, and anticipate the unforeseens that could potentially delay the production. Camera rentals in Miami through movingpicture.com can be a big help — they most likely will have answers to your most difficult questions or can always find a solution for you quickly!
Moving Picture Rental understands the need for 24/7 support, come rain or shine, from dedicated problem-solving professionals with a DIY attitude. We can guide you on camera rentals in Miami and show you ways to improvise and adapt to help make your production a success, regardless of budget, traffic, and weather!
About The Author
David Wells - Moving Picture President
David Wells is the President of Moving Picture Rental, where he has the privilege of wearing many hats -- Producer, Director, Cameraman, and Technologist. An entrepreneur at heart, Wells injects creativity and innovation into every role and helps guide producers and filmmakers with their projects. Call David Wells and his team, and they’ll show you how to make your production an outstanding one.
