ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXHas anyone got experience of shooting in Alaska?
11 years, 2 months ago - Kanchi Wichmann
Hi everyone, I'm working as a production coordinator on an artistic documentary film which starts shooting in Alaska on 1. July. I'm coming up against a few logistical things and would really love to have a chat with anyone who has shot over there before. The office I'm working in is based in Berlin and we are sending a crew of 3 people, shooting digital and will be there for almost a month, at which point the filming moves to Russia via a charter flight and continues there.... Thanks in advance! Kanchi
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11 years, 2 months ago - Bob Eckhard
Hi Kanchi
I've no filming experience but I have been there a couple of times and have a practical thing about car hire that you may not know. In Alaska, car hire firms expect you to come with your own insurance as they do not offer it as part of the package - you may want to checked as It could have changed since we were there the last time in 2003 but I'm guessing not as premiums are very high. I had to phone UK and was fortunate that my insurer inadvertently agreed Third Party (it was a taped recording) which was just as well as we had an accident which cost me $4000 but they paid up for other car. Be aware...
Bob
Response from 11 years, 2 months ago - Bob Eckhard SHOW
11 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
A friend says that dust may be an issue more than snow - the glaciers over millennia create extremely fine dust which gets into lenses and kit. Also, battery life will drop massively in the cold, so maybe hire some old Nokia mobiles (the ones that last a week on a charge in normal climes) our there (they may not be on the same frequencies as UK ones). Nothing more irritating than flat smartphones at 4pm when you're trying to sort out transport home/escape from bears ;-)
Response from 11 years, 2 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
11 years, 2 months ago - William Campbell
Hi Kanchi,
I haven't shot a film in Alaska, but did live there for three years and may be able to be of some assistance. Contact me if you would like to chat.
Good luck,
Bill
Response from 11 years, 2 months ago - William Campbell SHOW
11 years, 2 months ago - Kanchi Wichmann
Thanks Guys, that's all really helpful & really appreciate you taking the time to respond! Bill i would love to chat to you if you're around please message me your phone number and i will give you a call :) All best, Kanchi
Response from 11 years, 2 months ago - Kanchi Wichmann SHOW
11 years, 2 months ago - Marlom Tander
Check your maps.
I think it was one of the gold mining shows that once arranged to pick up a bunch of stuff when they landed at a small airport in Alaska.
They arrived. No kit. The airport manager then said, "you do know that there is another small town of the same name, with an airport, 600 miles away......"
Have fun.
Response from 11 years, 2 months ago - Marlom Tander SHOW