Filming in cold weather

dougspice

dougspice

Veteran
There's not really a good category to put this in, so I guess it'll go here.

I am currently in development on a project that would require lots of shooting outdoors in snow and cold weather, which is pretty much the one condition I've never had to worry about. So I'm looking for tips and warnings about how to run ops on a set like that, everything from how to keep people happy and running at full speed to fake snowfall to equipment concerns.

Thanks!
 
if its below 35 degrees I would recommend bringing lots of those hand warmers (not just for cast and crew) but they are a life savor on the camera equipment. The batteries tend to lose there power faster in cold weather so don't be afraid to rubber band a few of them on the batteries and on the camera. (reinforce them with a zip lock bag before you put them on)
 
Well, there was a tip that Rodney (puckthemad) left earlier in another thread about actors chewing ice so their breath doesn't show up as much, because it decreases the temperature in their mouth significantly.

I would of course recommend dressing warmly for the occasion (obvious, but very useful). I ran into the snow issue last year when I was shooting a feature and it started to snow. The director decided we were going to push ahead, but I didn't have a rain sleeve handy at the time - we improvised and used an umbrella...for 8 hours. Yes, it definitely sucked for the person holding the umbrella, so I would advise protection for your camera is key, but it is doable.

As lairhair mentioned, your batteries will drain faster, so have a few just in case, though I'm not too sure I'd be that comfortable using hand warmers on my battery...just me though.

I would suggest being near to your cars, if you're not going to have a trailer, but I have also shot in the middle of a park with 2 feet of snow all around us and we kept the cast happy for the most part. We tried to shoot our major scenes first, take lots of breaks, but it was still hard to control keeping them 100% happy. After all, you are in the cold, you are in snow and it is pretty difficult when your face gets so cold you're not sure if you're smiling or frowning.

Running at full speed is a little more difficult to be honest, because cold and snow are a fairly big obstacle. You might have to budget in an extra day, or maybe an extra hour "lunch" or something, to keep everyone pleased. It tires you out quicker than on a nice day or on an indoor set, but it really isn't so terrible.

Have your cast or crew worked in the cold before?

Kegan
 
I do not recommend the chewing ice method at all. The colder your mouth gets the more you start to mumble. If you get your mouth to the temperature necessary to not see your breath you are going to have noticeable differences in speech. If you arent back lit seeing breath shouldn't be to much of a problem. I think it adds to the scene personally I don't see a problem with it.
 
Also just wanted to clarify the hand warmer method. It is perfectly safe as long as you put it in a strong plastic bag. Even if it were to spill out (highly unlikely) i cant see much damage as long as its on the batteries.
 
I was just pointing out another's suggestion. I myself have not done it, but you are right - if you're not backlit it shouldn't be too much of an issue.

When I was shooting on Tuesday, it was -3 or -4 degrees celsius and there was no noticeable breath, so I guess it all depends on the situation you're shooting in and how cold it actually will be.

I will keep that in mind though, as I hadn't thought about the ice affecting their speech - good thing to consider.

Kegan
 
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