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shooting in India
- Thread starter shem
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lancisti
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Take care, Indians are too many people around so they must behave in a specific way, u know what i mean if u have been there previously. Any care wont be enought, I filmed there, and if u want any advice if to asign parts of the gear to concrete individuals at ur stuff...in order to them take care of it, it can be stressing but ull find it works...
I used to film from the roofs, since India is highly populated, people use to scape from the crow going up to the roof, they use to have a lot of terraces on top of the houses.
If u want to keep peace of mind, please remenber that u are in another part of the world with different rules...so if u see something that differs from u point of view...let it go, because surely it wont be that bad...I mean about untouchables and all that stuff..and the girls, depending on where u are going, they dont respect them too much even if they are occidentals, u cannot fight against that sistem that easy...
And please take care if u let somthn at ur hotel or any place, because it wont be that safe, if u have a production car and a drive, i would go anywhere with all my gear on it, get a SUV with tinted glasses and ull keep ur peace of mind....U can also hire a guy on the street for a buch of bucks to keep the place safe, but stablish a strict control and conditions on him also.
Then, enjoy India, is an amazing place, where Buddha developed his theories, is a place really touched by the magic. And please mix ur self with that culture, and ull find it easier to film in there..
I used to film from the roofs, since India is highly populated, people use to scape from the crow going up to the roof, they use to have a lot of terraces on top of the houses.
If u want to keep peace of mind, please remenber that u are in another part of the world with different rules...so if u see something that differs from u point of view...let it go, because surely it wont be that bad...I mean about untouchables and all that stuff..and the girls, depending on where u are going, they dont respect them too much even if they are occidentals, u cannot fight against that sistem that easy...
And please take care if u let somthn at ur hotel or any place, because it wont be that safe, if u have a production car and a drive, i would go anywhere with all my gear on it, get a SUV with tinted glasses and ull keep ur peace of mind....U can also hire a guy on the street for a buch of bucks to keep the place safe, but stablish a strict control and conditions on him also.
Then, enjoy India, is an amazing place, where Buddha developed his theories, is a place really touched by the magic. And please mix ur self with that culture, and ull find it easier to film in there..
Liam Hall
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It's a good idea to hire local crew, wages are low out there and a little local knowledge can be priceless. Be prepared for crowds of people to gather around and watch you working and for beggars to offer you parts of their body or members of their family in exchange for a few rupees - don't be fooled into giving them money and definitely don't give money to street/slum kids, it can cause a riot.
India is an amazing country, go with an open mind and you'll have a blast.
India is an amazing country, go with an open mind and you'll have a blast.
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Having passersby stop and openly stare at you - often at close quarters and for prolonged periods - is an everyday experience for westerners in India. It's not aggressive - just curiosity. With a camera on sticks you will be a magnet for such attention, and most probably won't care / appreciate whether they are in shot.
You will need to consider how you will deal with this. If your script allows, lancisti's comments about shooting from flat roofs above street level, or from shops / doorways off the street may be an answer. Another might be to shoot from a parked vehicle.
Also, be careful about shooting anything that might be considered remotely "strategic" - which could be anything from a bridge to a hotel to a temple to a train station. It's not unknown for Indian police to be on the look-out for payments from anybody who they think they can shake-down. Don't give them the opportunity.
You will need to consider how you will deal with this. If your script allows, lancisti's comments about shooting from flat roofs above street level, or from shops / doorways off the street may be an answer. Another might be to shoot from a parked vehicle.
Also, be careful about shooting anything that might be considered remotely "strategic" - which could be anything from a bridge to a hotel to a temple to a train station. It's not unknown for Indian police to be on the look-out for payments from anybody who they think they can shake-down. Don't give them the opportunity.
gbalaji
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Shem,
I'm indian and worked(ing) for multiple feature films shot on Red One Camera. I dont advice to shoot on Sticks for obvious reasons of holding the data for min of 10 to 15 days until multiple backups are taken.
If you need any help for your project in terms of data management I can give my hand if you prefer. To know more about me you can visit my website www.indieshd.com.
Projects done on Red One:
Red One Consultant (post) - Achchamundu Achchamundu
Red One Consultant / DIT / workflow designer - Ethirmarai, Margazhi Raagam and untitled feature film.
Red One Consultant / DIT / Workflow designer - 15 Ads.
If you are serious on doing things and have permission its not a nightmare and there are more than 800 feature films being shot and produced in India.
Never under estimate Indians. We create wonderful films more than ever produced per year by any other country.
I'm indian and worked(ing) for multiple feature films shot on Red One Camera. I dont advice to shoot on Sticks for obvious reasons of holding the data for min of 10 to 15 days until multiple backups are taken.
If you need any help for your project in terms of data management I can give my hand if you prefer. To know more about me you can visit my website www.indieshd.com.
Projects done on Red One:
Red One Consultant (post) - Achchamundu Achchamundu
Red One Consultant / DIT / workflow designer - Ethirmarai, Margazhi Raagam and untitled feature film.
Red One Consultant / DIT / Workflow designer - 15 Ads.
If you are serious on doing things and have permission its not a nightmare and there are more than 800 feature films being shot and produced in India.
Never under estimate Indians. We create wonderful films more than ever produced per year by any other country.
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lancisti
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Just an example that i just remembered reading ur posts:
One day we were a crew of 5 filming some shoots in Varanasi, nearby the river, it was by day and there was a really nice climate. That area use to be so crowed and there is a lot of beggars and sadhus around.
It was so nice and funny because we had a guy with us, the sound technician that is like almost 2 mt high and 130 kilos,he´s huge...and he suddenly caught a really old beggar stealing his wallet from one of his pockets....hahahah!!! it was a cute picture to see the old mans hand on the pocket of a guy that was 3 times bigger than him...and the only thing he did was ...smile to the sound technician, like ...hey, u caught me!!!gotcha!!! hehehehehe
Finally we just laught on it and let the guy go...this is the wonderfull way things work there...I hope that it help to get u a perspective...
Oh! and Moir is right, take care with the cops, they are...well, u know...and there is a lot of robbers pretending to be police and cheating people, just dont give them a penny....
Alberto
One day we were a crew of 5 filming some shoots in Varanasi, nearby the river, it was by day and there was a really nice climate. That area use to be so crowed and there is a lot of beggars and sadhus around.
It was so nice and funny because we had a guy with us, the sound technician that is like almost 2 mt high and 130 kilos,he´s huge...and he suddenly caught a really old beggar stealing his wallet from one of his pockets....hahahah!!! it was a cute picture to see the old mans hand on the pocket of a guy that was 3 times bigger than him...and the only thing he did was ...smile to the sound technician, like ...hey, u caught me!!!gotcha!!! hehehehehe
Finally we just laught on it and let the guy go...this is the wonderfull way things work there...I hope that it help to get u a perspective...
Oh! and Moir is right, take care with the cops, they are...well, u know...and there is a lot of robbers pretending to be police and cheating people, just dont give them a penny....
Alberto
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shooting in India
great thanks for advice. we won't be able to avoid sticks (tripod) as we shoot mainly for plates that will be composited later. we have local help but it seems getting permits is a real hussle so we might go guerilla style and get ready for tips. shooting from stores, roofs, windows is a great idea. i've heard dust is a big problem not to mention heat. which dust cover would you recommend?
great thanks for advice. we won't be able to avoid sticks (tripod) as we shoot mainly for plates that will be composited later. we have local help but it seems getting permits is a real hussle so we might go guerilla style and get ready for tips. shooting from stores, roofs, windows is a great idea. i've heard dust is a big problem not to mention heat. which dust cover would you recommend?
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lancisti
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Dont worry about heat, damp or whatever, that wont be a mayor problem.
Dust is a different issue, but if u are filming in a city/town, I would recomend u to isolate the camera as much as possible, and change lenses inside a car, room... dont feel shame if u see ur camera wrapped like a FedEx package!!!its up to u!!!
Just get one of the standar covers, a nice one, big enought and then wrap, do it right to let u freedoom of movement, operating and handling, also the lcd.
And at the end of any shooting clean the gear, thats a must when u ar filming at that conditions, take care with thelenses because u can scratch it about the dust. Its not that hard, is just a matter of getting use to.
Just a Question; Ar u going there with Mac?
Dust is a different issue, but if u are filming in a city/town, I would recomend u to isolate the camera as much as possible, and change lenses inside a car, room... dont feel shame if u see ur camera wrapped like a FedEx package!!!its up to u!!!
Just get one of the standar covers, a nice one, big enought and then wrap, do it right to let u freedoom of movement, operating and handling, also the lcd.
And at the end of any shooting clean the gear, thats a must when u ar filming at that conditions, take care with thelenses because u can scratch it about the dust. Its not that hard, is just a matter of getting use to.
Just a Question; Ar u going there with Mac?
Liam Hall
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Don't give money on the street!!!
It's hard, but even handing out sweets can cause mayhem. First time I shot in India I got a b0llocking from my Indian PM for dropping some cash to a few street kids.
SandeepDey
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You need to take all the care of equipment you can. The culture and ethos changes with the changing landscape of India. The socio-cultural variances of India are broader than you would find in all of Europe. You have the uber-affluent denizens of Mumbai and Bangalore within a stone's throw of tribal settlements with practically no interaction with civilization.
Since you mention busy streets, I presume you will be shooting in cities. The cities are very cine-aware and see shoots all the time. But you absolutely need a local (maybe two) to coordinate and organize for you. You can also arrange for police presence at a cost. There is also an option of hiring a security company to provide you with a couple of uniformed attendants for the shoot. Not that things are that scary but a couple of uniforms can discourage avoidables ;-).
I might be able offer specific to-dos (and not-to-dos) if I know where you will be shooting.
Since you mention busy streets, I presume you will be shooting in cities. The cities are very cine-aware and see shoots all the time. But you absolutely need a local (maybe two) to coordinate and organize for you. You can also arrange for police presence at a cost. There is also an option of hiring a security company to provide you with a couple of uniformed attendants for the shoot. Not that things are that scary but a couple of uniforms can discourage avoidables ;-).
I might be able offer specific to-dos (and not-to-dos) if I know where you will be shooting.
Derth Adams
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I would second the suggestions to hire trusted local fixers/coordinators, they will have a lot of valuable advice to offer. Also, keep an eye on your stuff - make sure every piece of gear that's being used has a designated handler who makes sure that it doesn't walk away.
I shot a feature in Hyderabad last year and we had a lot of establishing shots to do of the city. Every time we placed a camera and sticks in a public place a crowd formed very quickly. It's essential to know exactly what you need to get, and to do it fast. We actually set up the camera inside a van and, if we could get the shot by parking the vehicle and shooting out the open side window without getting out, we would do it that way.
If you have dialogue scenes with actors to shoot in a public place, then you will definitely need some sort of a lock-up and security.
The people in India are amazing and it's a fascinating place to shoot. Be prepared and you'll have a great time.
I shot a feature in Hyderabad last year and we had a lot of establishing shots to do of the city. Every time we placed a camera and sticks in a public place a crowd formed very quickly. It's essential to know exactly what you need to get, and to do it fast. We actually set up the camera inside a van and, if we could get the shot by parking the vehicle and shooting out the open side window without getting out, we would do it that way.
If you have dialogue scenes with actors to shoot in a public place, then you will definitely need some sort of a lock-up and security.
The people in India are amazing and it's a fascinating place to shoot. Be prepared and you'll have a great time.
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SandeepDey
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I presume you have the necessary permits for the shoot. Echiong as most people have said, you will absolutely need local presence. It might be prudent to get a local line producer or production manager. You will surely run into the authorities and having the right credentials is not enough, if you don't know how to deal with them.
When shooting on the streets, be aware, there will be a few curious onlookers. A few in India is usually a helluva lot. As long you have crowd managers (pvt. security personnel) you should be okay. The crowd for most part is well behaved and takes instructions. Just be frame conscious and equipment alert.
Especially in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Ranakpur, Udaipur, etc. expect a lot of beggars. Whatever you do do not indulge in charity on the street.
Most people in India are helpful. Though try and get help from people you are already connected to, like the hotel staff, your driver, etc. Getting assistance from the people on the street has a simple rule, 'get it from the least interested guy'. This is most important to be applied in Delhi.
Try to effect lens changes indoors (in A/Ced car is good enough). Get compressed air cans to 'blow clean' mount regions. Capping the lens, as often possible, goes a long way. Frequent visual checks & cleaning the lens are good ideas too. Heat should not be a problem this time of the year.
It is just a different part of the world. As long as you have your ante up, all will be well. That said, if you make friends when you are there, you will find some of the best people you have ever met. Indians are different to us (as we to them) so as long as you take a filterless approach and have few expectations, life will be good.
When shooting on the streets, be aware, there will be a few curious onlookers. A few in India is usually a helluva lot. As long you have crowd managers (pvt. security personnel) you should be okay. The crowd for most part is well behaved and takes instructions. Just be frame conscious and equipment alert.
Especially in Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Ranakpur, Udaipur, etc. expect a lot of beggars. Whatever you do do not indulge in charity on the street.
Most people in India are helpful. Though try and get help from people you are already connected to, like the hotel staff, your driver, etc. Getting assistance from the people on the street has a simple rule, 'get it from the least interested guy'. This is most important to be applied in Delhi.
Try to effect lens changes indoors (in A/Ced car is good enough). Get compressed air cans to 'blow clean' mount regions. Capping the lens, as often possible, goes a long way. Frequent visual checks & cleaning the lens are good ideas too. Heat should not be a problem this time of the year.
It is just a different part of the world. As long as you have your ante up, all will be well. That said, if you make friends when you are there, you will find some of the best people you have ever met. Indians are different to us (as we to them) so as long as you take a filterless approach and have few expectations, life will be good.
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Sandeep, thanks for info. we didn't get the necessary permits yet, the process looks pretty complicated to me - permission from govmt, local govt, police stations, various gov. departments etc. we've been also getting various $ quotes, some of them pretty high. As it's a small budget prod. we've been considering going guerilla style and pay tips along a way which our local contact says might be quicker and cheaper.