Filming in the Rain

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If you plan to shoot in the rain, either out of necessity or for aesthetic purposes, please meet with Production Services in advance of your shoot.

  • Always check the forecast for your shoot days. If possible, rearrange your schedule to avoid wet or windy weather.
  • Should there be rain, or the threat of rain, you need to provide shelter for both equipment and cast/crew. If shelter is not available on site, you should bring an “easy-up” canopy or other covering. (See ezup.com for examples.)
  • Wear raingear, including correct gloves and rubber boots. Cast and crew should be notified to bring raingear and alternate clothing should weather conditions change unexpectedly.
  • Consider your location. Some areas of Southern California are at risk of flash flooding and/ or mudslides when it rains. Be sure you have easily accessible higher ground.
  • Using electricity of any kind in wet weather conditions is very dangerous and should not be done. The only Cage lights allowed in the rain are LED Lights that run on batteries. Each light and camera must be sheltered from the rain using a canopy, tarp or other covering that is suspended above the light. Don’t put a canopy directly on top of a light. A large (4×4) gel frame can be used as an equipment shelter as long as the gel has no tears, gaps or leaks. Proper protection to prevent water from entering and damaging all fixtures is necessary.
  • Do not use generators in wet weather.
  • All cameras need to have proper covers.
  • Rainy weather is often windy weather. Should it be windy, lights and stands should have additional sandbags. Rope can also be used to stabilize tall stands.
  • Never stand in puddles of water or place equipment in puddles of water. Ideally all equipment is raised off the ground.
  • If there is lightning, you should stop filming immediately and seek shelter for your crew and equipment.
  • Make sure to have hot drinks and warm food available on your set.
  • Rain can cause issues with sound. You may need to revise your sound strategies. Test your sound on site prior to shooting. Using a boom in rainy conditions can be difficult as well. If rainy weather is forecast for your shoot days, bring alternative sound set-ups such as lavs or cub mics.

Safety should be the first concern on any shoot. Please be sure to protect yourself, your collaborators and your equipment. Stay dry!

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