Who has shot in India? Advice needed.

[Lance Kaplan]

I'm shooting a feature in southwest India this summer and would love to hear about people's experiences, especially DPs from the U.S.

• Did any of you secure a business visa?

• Did you obtain a carnet?

• Did you check any of your gear which wouldn't fit in your carry-on?

• What was your experience working with local crews, especially the equivalent of a gaffer?

• How did the G&E gear differ from what you're used to?​

​

 

[Siva Kollipara]

Welcome to India. May I know the exact locations in India..? South India contains primarily 4 states all are Cinema Savvy and all use entirely different languages for each state, unlike north india, where Hindi is widely understood.
>If you are from any western country citizen, you definitely need a visa, easy to obtain from Indian Embassy in NewYork city( near the central park)
> Carnet is good, but you can declare at Indian Airport (entry in your passport) and cross verify at the time of leaving ( not very cumbersome)
> You would have to check the stuff that does not fit in carry-on. I may recommend you to rent ALL the gear here, as it may be cheaper. It is difficulty to get bits and pieces. Because nobody wants to loose rent on their camera when they give you only tripod or only mattebox. BTW the gear comes with assistants also, No assts, no gear. Good or bad, depends on the way u look at.
>Gaffer is not a well used term here, most of them are light boys here. DoP is always plays the role of Gaffer, bestboy, operator etc. So no much luck here.
> G&E you won't get Fisher dollies in INdia and panther dollies in North India. South india you can get Jimmyjib, etc. Lights you can pretty much all.

Having helped dozens of films in South India using RED cameras, having studied filmmkaing at NYU, worked in NY and lived in NJ and living in Hyderabad,AP,India. Can put myself easily in your shoes to understand your concerns
Let me know if you need additional information.

Thanks,
Siva

BTW, summer is extremely hot here expect not less than 100F everyday & entire day while touching easily 110

 

[Michael Brennan]

Yes, if you order 5 HMIs you'll likely get a man looking after each lamp.
It is hard to work quickly.

Sometimes better to use less crew.

A wonderful place to experience but if working you need to get into the local ways of working zone or you will spin your wheels.

Mike Brennan

 

[Lance Kaplan]

Thanks, Siva. The main location will probably be Mangalore. I'd like to find out how difficult it is to obtain an employment visa (versus a tourist visa).

We're intentionally shooting the feature in the rainy seaon, in late July. Any advice about that too would be appreciated.

 

[Mark Toia]

I'm shooting a feature in southwest India this summer and would love to hear about people's experiences, especially DPs from the U.S.

• Did any of you secure a business visa?

• Did you obtain a carnet?

• Did you check any of your gear which wouldn't fit in your carry-on?

• What was your experience working with local crews, especially the equivalent of a gaffer?

• How did the G&E gear differ from what you're used to?​

​

• Did any of you secure a business visa? 100% YES

• Did you obtain a carnet? 100% YES

• Did you check any of your gear which wouldn't fit in your carry-on? YES

• What was your experience working with local crews, especially the equivalent of a gaffer? With the right people, Fantastic. Not US quality. but for india. Very good.

• How did the G&E gear differ from what you're used to? Grip and light gear is know way US standards, Think back 30 years. Thats what its like. But once again , with the right team over there and a good attitude know where you are... You will do ok.

Mumbai is Film central... Many shoots going on every day... Shooting everywhere else in India is really tough, unless you take your "A" crew from Mumbia.

Ive seen alot of US directors and DP's crumble in India. You have to go there with a open mind and not expect to much. Then you will have fun.

 

[Paul Russell]

Did I get a business VISA - yes. A one year visa is the norm. This is really essential as the immigration guards at airports (and not just in India but most of Asia, especially Indonesia) are not often polite and it's difficult to tell whether they're soliciting a bribe or just being plain awkward.

Did I get a carnet? No I was doing stills so it all went in hand luggage.

Did check the gear? Only the lights and tripods. I never check the Red or the lenses, even if it means insisting on flying Business Class to get the extra hand luggage allowance.

Crew? In India I flew solo and shot solo. However I have worked with Mumbai crews who have come over here and they have been absolutely brilliant. Fast, professional, knowledgeable and personable. I'd work with any of them again at the drop of a hat.