ASK & DISCUSS INDEX

10 years, 3 months ago - Adam Ethan Crow

Use a silencer.

10 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

Just a note on Alex's great post from an AD's perspective above - obviously you need permissions wherever you plan on shooting, the thing with private property is that you 1) can lock it off 2) without the pressure of blocking people trying to get to work meaning 3) less pressure and so 4) less likely to risk rushing. I wouldn't suggest a public road unless the council will agree to locking it off, which usually costs money and certainly requires advance notice. Their first obligation is to their residents. They don't allow ad-hoc unplanned closures - for instance any driver would be within their rights to ignore your runner and belt down the road. Or if local emergency services didn't know you were locking off a road and were delayed by finding an alternative route. From a production and just pain societal perspective, that's why your first instinct should always tend to private land, your safety is just one part of it :)

10 years, 2 months ago - John Lowrey

Hey Connor, sounds like a cool scene. I'm a Drone Operator, fully qualified and insured. I've not long been qualified so am keen to shoot stuff for my folio. If I can be of any help, even for a chat to discuss rules, regulations and health and safety stuff please give me a shout :-)

10 years, 3 months ago - Alex Jacob

I have a ton of experience at this kind of stuff, both as a 1st AD and as a Director. The solution comes down to budget. If you have loads, hire a tracking vehicle from a company like bickers http://www.bickers.co.uk/index2.htm. Or use a drone to fly in front. That will get you lots of nice stuff but has its own issues. There is a cool bit of kit that I have used called the flyka dolly. http://www.flyka.tv
Bottom line is that all crew and kit in the vehicle must be secured to the vehicle to prevent flying objects or people. If it can go wrong it will. Public or private roads makes no difference do the safety precautions you MUST take, eople can still be hurt or die. Where ever you shoot get permission, if it's on the public roads, local highways and police, private, the land owner. Have proper traffic control!!!! Think things through. Have look at the BBC health and safety website too, lots of advice to be found. As soon as you get a moving vehicle involved with filming the risks are increased massively.
Hope this helps and I hope it's a great scene!

10 years, 2 months ago - Marlom Tander

There is insurance and there is insurance.

I've just looked at the policy terms for a standard film policy and on page 10 of 44 there is one line that simply excludes "the performance of any stunt" and just below that, work or activity involving aerospatial devices.

In practice, the solution is simply to write to the insurer with your stunt details and ask them to confirm cover. Re cars or copters, be clear how close (or how "not close at all") they should get to any cast/crew/stuff.

If you have got the stunt explicitly covered, great. If not, this comment is for other producers :-)

10 years, 2 months ago - Connor Pearce

Thanks for this Marlom. The shot in question is a bit of an afterthought since we applied and got a quote for insurance. Luckily the insurer is friend so I'm going to go back to him with the details of this stunt and hopefully he will amend the quote hassle free.

10 years, 3 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin

No question that it's a stunt, so at the very least a professional stunt coordinator to look at how to reduce risks.

You can start mitigating risks though yourself - private roads only, maybe a golf buggy instead of car, limit the distance, every single move planned, etc.

Better still, use a long jib arm, or a gopro on another skateboard, on string I'd it needs to be, or on the back of a pushbike. Shoot wide, add and pan, tilt, zoom digitally right after stabilisation.

Pretty much any combination that doesn't include shooting a skateboarder from the back of a car will be an improvement!

10 years, 2 months ago - Connor Pearce

Thanks for this guys! Loads of great advice.

I have got insurance and local authority permission in place, along with a pending road closure application, so that's those boxes ticked.

I think removing the car from the equation and looking at a work around might be the best thing... if my tiny budget can stretch to it, maybe the use of a drone if I can find an operator.

Can anyone point me in the direction of stunt coordinator they've worked with before now?

10 years, 3 months ago - Justine Morris

Like Paddy said, but if you haven't seen it already take a look at Goldfrapp's music vid 'Caravan Girl' on youtube. Really inspiring: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=FjuPtkno5t0

Definitely plan those shots, and then allow for some magic to happen on the day.

10 years, 2 months ago - Marlom Tander

Insurance - you need to make sure you're covered.