ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

9 years, 5 months ago - Marlom Tander

India - the rules aren't rules, they're more like guidelines. To be interpreted at the whim of anyone with a modicum of power, and not normally in your favour.

For the smoothest experience re officials you need to do as little as possible and delegate as much as possible.

1) Kit and Crew - contract a local production company to provide that. Be aware that whatever you ask for, the answer is yes. That doesn't mean it will actually be delivered at 9am on the first day of filming. If you're not making research trips you really want to arrive a few days ahead so you can "see the kit and meet the team", which should pretty much mean they are ready. And deal with it if they're not.

2) Access - tell your corporate client that THEY need to do whatever is needed to get you where you need to be. Including sorting any paperwork, visas etc.

You can then concentrate on the planning/directing/edit side.

Logistics are a nightmare. If you have multiple locations, always spend the night before in a local hotel, avoid thinking "it's a 4pm shoot and only 100 miles. We'll set off in the morning..." UNLESS your local corporate contact says it's OK. In writing :-)

Your health is an issue and you probably don't have time to spend a week on your back/loo. Read the books. Be paranoid. Everyone knows about drinking and toothbrushing rules but in rough order of "oh shit I shouldn't have done that" - at number 1, Salad. 2, ice cream, 3 fish (unless grilled to a crisp), 4, meat. Be a cooked food veggie and only eat fruit you peeled.

9 years, 5 months ago - Justin Temple

Thanks for your advice, Marlom.

9 years, 5 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Some good tips from Marlom.

Don't underestimate how much harder or slower everything you're used to will be. Don't underestimate how many crew will go sick. Get excellent insurance for everyone and know before you go which are the good hospitals in each area - they're not equal. People are generally friendly and helpful - or at least will never say 'no', including if they don't know the way, or what you're asking. This can mean spending an hour driving round in entirely the wrong direction. Compared to many of the population, you're a zillionaire, so tip with good grace. Legendarily it's cheaper to get a guy to stand on a platform than get a sandbag, doubt it's true, but the fact the rumour exists gives you some context.

Incredible countries, you'll have an amazing time, but it's worth spending extra effort to find a local production company you can work with who can take some of the strain from you, know the areas, etc.

9 years, 5 months ago - Justin Temple

Thanks to you, too, Paddy.