Is there really anything better than traveling for work? Well…I guess traveling for vacation is better but traveling for work might be a close second. We might be a Baltimore-based video production company, but work has taken us all over the world. Nothing beats exploring new places and surroundings as a team. It’s like a field trip, but for adults.
As we move into the summer months, video production tends to ramp up. Long days and nice weather are perfect for outdoor filming. In many ways, summer is the perfect time for production companies like ours to hit the road and create amazing content in new, inspiring locations. But with travel comes unique challenges that our team must navigate to continue making high-quality content. Here are our 4 key tips to help you make the most of your business travel this summer.
Plan ahead, and stay organized on the trip
Before you set out on your journey, make sure you have a detailed itinerary and all necessary travel arrangements in place. From booking flights, to securing accommodations, and arranging transportation for your crew and equipment. It’s important to have a plan in place before you arrive on-site.
Planning applies to the work, as well. You’ll need to decide things like traveling with gear or renting locally. It’s important to keep track of all your equipment, paperwork, and schedules to make sure everything runs smoothly. Google drive is great for collaborating, so utilize Google calendar and Google sheets for scheduling and keeping tabs on everyone.
Pack the essentials for any weather
It’s important to pack all the equipment you’ll need to capture high-quality footage. This may include cameras, tripods, lighting equipment, microphones, batteries, and memory cards. You’ll need to pack your gear in durable pelican cases to protect against breakage. You can rent locally, instead, but you will need to budget time for pickup and drop off at the beginning and end of your shoot.
Summer weather can be unpredictable, so be sure to pack clothing that will keep you comfortable in different conditions. It’s also key to protect your equipment from the elements, so consider bringing rain covers or other protective gear. In some parts of the country, heat can be an issue and affect your camera. That could mean dealing with humidity or overheating issues. Make sure you give your camera time to acclimate to the weather before jumping into filming.
Don’t forget your sunscreen and a hat! You don’t want to end up looking like a lobster. And if you’re traveling to a colder destination, make sure to bring warm clothes and maybe even some hand warmers to keep you comfortable during those outdoor shoots.
Research the location, and any on-site challenges
Before you arrive, research the location and find out what the area has to offer. You might discover some hidden gems that would make great video backdrops, or you might discover a local event to include in your footage. Search geo-tags and hashtags on Instagram and TikTok to scope out the best spots.
Every location comes with benefits and challenges. You never know what kind of obstacles you might face on location. Make sure to bring backup equipment, and be prepared to adapt to any unexpected situations.
Most importantly, have fun!
Traveling for projects can be a great experience! Early Light Media is proud that our employees shoot video in locations across the world together. Our global storytelling sets our production company apart — and it lets us make incredible lifelong memories with our co-workers. When you travel for a video project, make sure to enjoy the many memories you will make along the way.
