When a production has very little money
you can expect that it won't have some of those creature comforts that
would otherwise be expected on a set.
It's always a good idea to keep a first aid kit in your car. You
can purchase basic first aid kit at drug stores or even create your own
using an old bag and whatever medical supplies you can anticipate ever
needing.
Make
sure you always know where the nearest hospital is located in case of
emergency, especially when shooting at locations where cell phone
reception is not reliable.
Pssst... Film-makers! If you are working on a project that involves a
lot of action, stunts, or takes place in exterior locations such as in
the woods where risk of injury is higher, consider hiring a paramedic or
nurse to stay on the set. You may also be able to find one to volunteer
their time in exchange for film credit.
If you are going to be working outdoors, especially in wooded areas or in water, your survival pack should include insect repellent, hydrocortisone cream, a snakebite kit, and a planned escape route to get to a car or enclosure.
Remember, there are many things in the woods that will try to murder you.
It also pays to learn how to identify spiders, snakes, and other nasty critters that are indigenous to the area. Investing in a snake hook and learning how to use it is also a good idea to handle uninvited visitors.
Always bring a change of clothes, paper towels or baby wipes, and a bath towel if you are on the crew
of an action-adventure or horror movie set. Or pretty much any type of
project where blood, goo, mud, and who knows what else is going to be
slung around. There's a good chance that you can get very messy, even if
you are behind the camera.
This also comes in handy in the event of rain on an exterior location. Having a dry pair of clothes to change into can keep a miserable day from becoming an unbearable one.
Productions on a really tight budget may skimp a lot on craft
services (if they have it at all.) Remember, no-budget films are
notorious for going long past the scheduled wrap time.
It's a good idea to pack a few snacks and drinks in your car just in case. You can also pick up a small ice cooler at a thrift store if you want cold drinks ready for you.
When we go on sets where we suspect there was no budget for meals, we always pack enough snacks and water for a small army. It never goes to waste on a set full of hungry people who haven't eaten in ten hours.
If you are going to be working outdoors, especially in wooded areas or in water, your survival pack should include insect repellent, hydrocortisone cream, a snakebite kit, and a planned escape route to get to a car or enclosure.
Remember, there are many things in the woods that will try to murder you.
It also pays to learn how to identify spiders, snakes, and other nasty critters that are indigenous to the area. Investing in a snake hook and learning how to use it is also a good idea to handle uninvited visitors.
This also comes in handy in the event of rain on an exterior location. Having a dry pair of clothes to change into can keep a miserable day from becoming an unbearable one.
It's a good idea to pack a few snacks and drinks in your car just in case. You can also pick up a small ice cooler at a thrift store if you want cold drinks ready for you.
When we go on sets where we suspect there was no budget for meals, we always pack enough snacks and water for a small army. It never goes to waste on a set full of hungry people who haven't eaten in ten hours.
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