Shooting in Europe-what to expect

MotionFx

MotionFx

Well-known member
Hello all,
I am going on a little adventure.

I will be shooting in Europe (Belgium, France) for three weeks in April and would like some pointers on equipment, technique and any heads up items.


I am shooting bicycle racing, training, interviews, (indoor and outdoor setups) timelapse.
I have shot and edited a few made for TV pilots but do not consider myself a Pro shooter.

My equipment:
HPX170 w 2 P2 cards-Cinebags backpack
Canon T2i
GoPro HD
Sennheiser G3 lavs (will I have frequency issues?)
Sennheiser 416 shotgun
42 inch sunlight reflector
17" Macbook and drives
tripod and monopod

Do I need power converters? How many?

Will I have flight issues w equipment?

Any advice or discussion is welcome.
Thx,
Brian
 
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I would imagine decent converters would be worthwhile as you don't want to fry any of your equipment.

As long as you have decent cases, Pelican and the like, flight issues won't be an issue. Maybe a soft case for the HPX so that you can use carry-on space? Best bet is to ring the airline and ask.

Also, go with a worst-case mind set, and also familiarise yourself with potential stores in the area you are staying at in case you need emergencey supplies etc.

Oh, and decent insurance is always good to have.

Have fun.
 
I've traveled to and shot in Europe 24 times over the past 12 years. So I had the chance to get the process down pretty well. We basically traveled with a portable production studio. Lights kits and stands, triopods, monopods, steady cam, monitor, video and still camera's, etc etc you get the picture.. a lot of equipment transported with large pelican cases. Anything that doesn't have a switching power supply for both 120 V and 240V will obviously need a converter. But try to stay away from them. generally travel converters are made for hair dryers and light appliances under 1000 watts. We adapted our light kits for 240V use... bulbs and power cords. You will need the 3 prong USA to 2 prong Euro plug adapters. Just make sure you have anything that needs to get plugged in covered.

For the equipment you listed, I would travel under the assumption that you are a tourist not a production pro. You can get away with this no problem. I did many times carrying a lot of gear. It's when you travel with a lot of expensive gear you will need a "Carnet", it is a merchandise passport from the government. It costs around $600. You shouldn't need a Carnet, most tourist are all geared up these days and customs won't blink an eye.

Carry on your cameras.... Do not stow them with luggage.
 
I am using Sennheiser G3 lavs. will I have frequency issues? any rules that I need to know about?
 
None that I am aware of. I've used wireless in several European countries without any issues.
 
The biggest issue i ever encounter was being detained by Canadian (i know, you are asking about Europe) authorities for not having work permit to work in Canada (my director who was flying in early that day was traveling with Pelican case and when asked what's inside he said sound gear, when asked what for, he said to record sound at one of the bike tours, who for, he said for a company...). Some countries are more stringent about letting others work within the borders. My director and me never were let into the country despite the fact that we were news crew and news crew don't need the work permit to cover an event...

Adapters. Cheap $2 adapter is fine. Make sure to check all your electronics if the input is 110-240 otherwise you will fry your yr equipment - most gear is 110-240 but some (like power adapter for my Zoom recorder) only have one voltage input.

Change the bulks of all your lights to 230-240v and make sure your cords are rated to withstand the current. Just 2 days ago shooting an interview in Paris and pulling barely 1000w of electricity we managed to melt our adapter.
 
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