Filming in the rain: suggestions needed

[omar robles]

Hello

So were set to shoot a music video this friday in LA. And i have just watched the weather forecast for this week which predicts rain for this friday. Just wondering if anyone had advice on how to deal with filming in the rain. The camera i realize i could get a cover for, however the issue i am trying to resolve is dealing with lights. Is there a way to cover them up so they wont electricute the crew? Are the LED lights that we could use to deal with this issue?

 

[Evin Grant]

If you are using generator power you need to get a proper GFI unit for your distro package so you don't electrocute anyone. If the lights are smaller battery powered LED units you can probably get away with just keeping them covered.

 

[ian dart]

clamp an umbrella to a c stand, open umbrella, put a couple of shot bags on it and raise it up and put it over the light.

if using hmi's do the same as above, put the ballast on an apple box and put a pancake over it to keep the rain off.

use safety switches on all power.

 

[Larry Kelly]

So that deals with the lights, but what about the cool effects you can get shooting in the rain? 360degree shutter for long dreamy sheets of rain or 90degree for sharp round drops, what look will be apropriate for your music video? I ask because I have yet to shoot in the rain and am curious what you will do.

 

[ian dart]

damm it larry, i am a gaffer not a cinematographer.......no seriously, i leave the art to the camera dept......

 

[Peter Moretti]

Hello

So were set to shoot a music video this friday in LA. And i have just watched the weather forecast for this week which predicts rain for this friday. Just wondering if anyone had advice on how to deal with filming in the rain. The camera i realize i could get a cover for, however the issue i am trying to resolve is dealing with lights. Is there a way to cover them up so they wont electricute the crew? Are the LED lights that we could use to deal with this issue?

I'm sorry, but these kinds of post scare the shit out of me. You are going to shoot in the rain but you don't have someone in your crew who knows EXACTLY what the implications are for the equipment in your G&E package?

 

[Matthew Scott]

I'm sorry, but these kinds of post scare the shit out of me. You are going to shoot in the rain but you don't have someone in your crew who knows EXACTLY what the implications are for the equipment in your G&E package?

Sounds about right, like every other Indy shoot...did you skip that part of your career? The guy is simply asking for advise, no need to judge.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

I agree it is scary... But it is actually scarier to think of how many of them happen everyday all over the world...

At list Ian, did the right thing and has come to the Forum and ask for Advise, to ask what ever info we have to give so that He and the crew can be safer on set.

To what has been said there is little to add, all cables need to be in good conditions, if renting inspect them, because if any of them is actually cracked and or shows the actual power wire, it will be most likely to cause short circuitry if gets wet, elevate any and all Ballast and or Connection points, make sure this connection points, and all direct power Boxes and Light fixtures are cover, even if LED, unless you are using one of the very few available rain resistant lights.

 

[Michael Romano]

Apple box pancakes under distro and ballasts.

Move to half apples if the rain is serious.

Heatshield or Cellotek for light heads - Your goal here is to keep any droplets off the lens, globe and safety glass.

E-Tape on stinger connections that sit in water.

GCFI breakers for any electrical that gets near water.

Use metal flags to set over ballasts if they must be out in the open.

Use a baby C-Stand and lower it close to the ballast.

Be careful not to block ventilation areas.

Go buy a shower curtain and cut it to fit your camera.

Use velcro to make it fit properly around the mattebox.

Cut a hole in the side for the EVF.

Use rain deflectors if you're getting blasted.

Big rental houses will have these available.

90º Shutter looks cool with rain.

Backlight the drops or you won't see much of an effect.

Bring a rain jacket.

Try to stay safe & dry!

 

[Ketch Rossi]

There...

Well done Michael!!

 

[Peter Moretti]

Sounds about right, like every other Indy shoot...did you skip that part of your career? The guy is simply asking for advise, no need to judge.

I'm exactly in that part of my career right now. And I would find an expert to be on set to ensure that no one is at risk. Sure I'd ask questions on the internet, but I wouldn't trust anyone's life to me fully understanding what I read.

Perhaps you haven't read about this story (there are many like them): http://variety.com/2014/film/news/m...nt-investigated-by-osha-officials-1201115360/

There is certainly a need to judge. In the case I linked to, the preliminary judgment of the Wayne County Sheriff is one of homicide.