Filming in Russia: Customs

Ferdi Willemse

Ferdi Willemse

Well-known member
This september I'm going to Russia to film a part of a documentary. This projects is a non-commercial project.

Now I have no experience in checking in my video equipment. Will I have any problems with the Russian customs?


This is the equipment I'll be carrying:
  • XH A1 camera + mic
  • 35mm adapter
  • Multiple batteries
  • Multiple tapes
  • Rod support
  • Shoulder mount
Thanks in advance!
 
I travelled to Russia last summer to film a project and had no problems with customs at all. In fact, I found Russian customs agents to be courteous and helpful. The only thing I would suggest is that you keep everything bundled up nicely for the multiple flights over there. I carried on my Pelican Case and a backpack with clothes and my tripod strapped to the side. Good luck! Where are you going to be shooting?
 
Thanks, Miller!


I'm putting my camera in a Pelican case too, but will try to carry it as hand luggage. The case itself is already 5KG though, which is the maximum for hand luggage. So I'll take out the camera with adapter, hand it over to my dad (who's also coming with me) and put it back in the case after we cleared the customs.
Furthermore I'll put the rod support with shoulder mount in my backpack and won't be carrying a tripod.

I'm going to film in southern Siberia. I'll be there for two weeks.
 
Wow, fantastic! I'd love to see some footage when you get back. Have a good time over there and good luck with the shoot!
 
Don't forget to take alot of small bills (money) A freind of ours, that lived there for about 3 years, said they paid about $15 american dollars in bribes everyday.
 
I wouldn't recommend checking in anything valuable, the Sheremetyevo airport is infamous for making stuff disappear from your suitcases.
To avoid bribes, you should register with the authorities whereever you are staying, usually the hotel will help you with that.
Good luck
 
bogatyr said:
To avoid bribes, you should register with the authorities whereever you are staying, usually the hotel will help you with that.
Good luck
Click to expand...

Register or not, you will pay bribes, because......you are an outsider.
 
One thing that might be of use is to carry a cell phone with you. If the police confront you and try to elicit a bribe, tell them that you need to call the American consulate to ask about what you need to do. They'll usually drop it and walk away.
 
Thanks for the tips guys. As for the authorities, we have everything settled. And we won't need to pay bribes. My dad has been there several times and nothing happened. We're also accompanied by 3 to 5 Russians/locals to that area.

I'm thinking of leaving the 35mm at home, because I'm afraid I won't have enough time to fully concentrate on it. We're expecting quite a heavy ride and it's going to be some real run & gunning. Check out my threat in the 35mm forum for more info.

I have another question, though. Is it OK to get my camera and HDV-tapes X-rayed? I can use a leaded bag for my tapes if necessary.

So the list of equipment I'll be carrying is probably going to look something like this:
  • Pelican 1600 case
  • XH A1 camera
  • Shotgun Mic
  • 4- to 6 tapes
  • Multiple batteries
  • Headphones
  • Some camera dust protection - we're also headed for Mongolia which is very sandy
 
I wouldn't worry too much about customs. but i would certainly NOT check anything of high value/importance. and i have a feeling the 35mm adaptor wont see much action if you're not going to have a ton of downtime. what are your trip dates btw?
 
I finally made up my mind and I'll just leave my adapter at home. I'll just try to get the most DOF with the standard lens. So I hope it won't be sunny so I can fully open the iris since I don't have a mattebox /w ND's :)

The current date is set on September 17th. I'll stay in Moscow for probably one night and travel to siberia with some other people of the expedition.
 
I shot a documentary in Russia in 2003/2004. Customs CAN be a problem. We hired a guy to "bring" us through customs. However, if you manage not to look like a TV crew (should be possible with your setup, hide the blimp or softie) you should be fine.
 
I was thinking the following: Since my Pelican 1600 is too large to use as hand luggage, I'll just put the case in the luggage compartment and carry the camera by hand as carry on luggage. The other stuff like mic, headphones and batteries/tapes will go in another bag carried by my dad. Once out of the aircraft, I'll put everything back in the case. Hopefully this should work fine.
 
Hmm please keep us posted on the outcome,
XaXa how do you go about contacting/finding a fixer?

The cell phone idea is a good one, making sure you have their number in there is probably a better one.
 
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