Shooting Documentary in Russia-Travel Tips

[Kenny Mosher]

Does anyone have any wisdom or travel tips for shooting non-commercial, documentary footage in Russia? I am hoping to bring the bare minimum red camera package into the country, but am trying to avoid fees. Is it better to ship gear or travel with it?

Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Matt Bai]

You ship to Russia, kiss that gear goodbye.

 

[Jose Espinosa]

I've heard that shipping is kind of difficult since customs officers decisions and procedures are very inconsistent. I don't know about flying in, but when I went by ship (on those 72 hours trips that waive the visa) the customs check was quick and they let through people with decent amount of photograph/video gear without looking concerned and/or asking any questions. I'd be interested as well to hear more from someone who really knows about this because I'd love to shoot some footage there, it's a super interesting place (and so close to where I live).

 

[William Long]

Never ship your gear if you are not on the same plane loading and receiving. Take the most expensive bits handbaggage, check what batteries are allowed on the plane. Have a carnet, also multiple copies of a list of all your equipment with serial numbers (no monetary values) that you can give out freely for their records and for them to stamp. Keep stamped versions yourself that show you came in or went through. Be prepared to wait for hours, enjoy it and don't lose your temper. It's a fascinating country and a wonderful place to film if you come prepared. Good luck and happy shooting.

 

[Ted Parkes]

If you are showing in Red Square and you want to use a tripod... you have to have a permit. Hand held wasn't an issue. Patience are a virtue and everything has a price.

t

 

[Alex Lubensky]

1. Shipping - hell no. Pack as much as you can into cabin with you. Have an ATA CARNET, otherwise don't bring pelicases and bulky stuff with you. Usually, if you have photo glass + red in a backpack with you - it does not get any attention from customs officers on a scan and if someone will ask - it's a private video camera + lenses. But if you have cinema glass - they usually know it's a cinema grade product and you'll have to have a CARNET with you. If you end up without a CARNET arrested by officers - don't panic, it's not an end of the travel - in most cases you can leave ~25% of the gear price as a guarantee you don't sell anything on place, and bring the money back on the travel out of the country. Works only if you come into the country and back - from the same Airport (read customs office). The price of the gear is up to your evaluation, so if you end up in a situation like this, better lower the price so the 25% left is an acceptable amount of money for you.

2. Have a local (read: native russian speaker) fixer. You know, a person who will travel with you all the time and solve upcoming problems. In most cases having someone local and native russian speaking - can solve problems in a really easy way.

3. Russia is not a normal country, don't expect police officers can help you in any situation. Better stay away from any kind of police in any situation. Usually all they do - is create more problems for you.

4. Better don't travel to Caucasus (Chechnya, Dagestan regions). Only with a local guide with lots of connections. Mountains are OK, but the cities there are a sort of a russian-roulette.

5. Don't try to shoot near army spaces, secret objects (they don't look so usually), any kind of police buildings (fsb, center E and so on). You easily might end up in jail for doing so (my friends did last year, shooting near a railway station with a permit - there was an army territory nearby which they didn't know about).

Otherwise Russia may appear as a really friendly country, with kind and honest people. Have a nice travel!

 

[Jeremy Neish]

Quick question. Do the sanctions change anything about Americans shooting in Russia (and spending money while there)?

 

[Ilya O.]

+1 Kenny, learn by heart and re-read every night before the trip what Alex told.

Jeremy, those brave Americans are now obliged to drink twice more vodka

 

[Kenny Mosher]

Thanks guys!!

 

[Emir Aksay]

Listen to Alex!

We just came from a documentary shoot from russia and just listed our equipment at the customs with their prices.
Had a local that really helped us with the process because english does not work there

Otherwise the people were really friendly, have a nice shoot...

 

[Martin Thompson]

I will never miss the chance of traveling to Russia. But this country has some strict guidelines for the incoming.

 

[Nikolai Pigarev]

ATA Carnet is the best way and safest. And certainly a local guide. Give me a shout if you have any specific questions. Am based in Moscow.