Shooting on location is always a challenge and each production will provide its own set of difficulties. But no matter the geographical location, one thing remains the same: your expensive production equipment needs to be protected. This article will examine how custom production cases will keep your gear safe from damage and theft along with providing other sensible tips to make your shoot successful.
Does my Production Company Need Custom Cases for Our Film Equipment?
Custom production cases are always your best bet. They provide optimal protection and a host of other benefits, including:
Protects your Equipment During Travel to the Shoot Location
Anytime you travel with expensive film and production gear, you’ll face several challenges. Not only do you have to pack everything into vans, trucks, or even planes, but sometimes the shoot is located in a hard to reach location leading to a variety of accessibility issues.
The transportation of your equipment in vehicles not only exposes it to risks of physical damage from loading and vibrations. Unattended vehicles often get dangerously hot or cold, exposing your equipment to a myriad of temperature-related damage. If you are traveling by plane, you risk on physical damage, misplaced checked equipment, and even theft.
Custom production cases help solve many of these travel-related problems. Not only are they made to your equipment’s exact specifications, custom cases use top-of-the-line foam inserts to protect even the most delicate production equipment.
Production Cases for Traveling
If you are traveling with your equipment by plane, custom cases offer plenty of helpful options. Since the cases are made to meet the exact measurements of your production equipment, it’s footprint is smaller, often allowing you to bring it aboard with you as a carry-on.
Even if it is still too large to carry onboard, custom production cases offer advantages for equipment being stored as checked luggage as well. Not only will the rugged hard case offer optimal protection while luggage crews toss your production gear into the storage section, custom cases often come with locks to reduce the chance of theft when your gear is out of your sight.
Since many filming locations are remote, it leaves you little access to professionals who can repair your equipment if it gets damaged. This makes choosing the right custom cases even more important. You might also want to think about investing in a custom case for any tools you may need in case a piece of your gear breaks down and you need to repair it in a pinch.
Custom Cases Keep You From Overpacking
If you are like many professionals, you’ve probably been running behind to get to a shoot on time. In this case, you might be tempted to just throw all your equipment into a few boxes. Then, you might stuff it in the back of the equipment trailer.
But if you’ve invested in custom cases, you’ll know exactly which equipment to bring. Furthermore, you won’t be tempted to pack too much into one case because each case is custom-fitted to unique pieces of gear.
Since custom cases offer a perfect place to store your equipment when you aren’t using it, your production equipment will be ready to go as soon as you need it. This not only saves you time, it protects your investment, too.
Make a list beforehand of which type of equipment you’ll need to bring with you for specific locations. This way you can cross-reference the list before leaving to make sure you aren’t missing anything or you aren’t bringing unneeded gear.
Consider Insurance
Obtaining custom production cases for all of your equipment is a necessary first step when shooting on location. But keep in mind, many filming locations are shot in rugged terrain. For even more peace of mind, consider insuring your most important equipment as well.
There is more to think about than just the protection of your equipment. Consider personal insurance and health insurance. Some locations, due to dangerous terrain or even the possibility of filming illegal or illicit activities, can put your person at risk. Talk to a professional about which insurance options are best for you.
Research the Location Ahead of Time
Before heading to the shoot location, make sure to fully research where you are headed. This will determine which types of custom production cases you should bring with you. Will you be climbing cliffs or be at elevation? If this is the case, you might want to opt for your soft-shelled cases for lighter weight transport.
If you are headed to a tropical or desert landscape, you’ll need to take steps to protect your equipment from the elements. There are several custom cases out there that provide excellent protection against dampness, blowing sand, and extreme temperatures.
The following is a basic questions you should ask yourself before heading to shoot at a new location:
- Are their viable roads to reach the location?
- Is there access to electricity?
- Where is the nearest medical facility?
- Is there access to freshwater and food?
- What is the closest exit route?
- Will there be cell phone service?
- Is there access to the internet?
- What is the climate like?
Answering these questions will give you a better idea of what you will need to bring with you.
What Types of Custom Production Cases are Available?
The best thing about investing in custom production cases is that no matter your equipment, a case can be created to store it. Here are some common production cases available:
- Flat-screen television cases
- Wardrobe cases
- Film equipment cases
- Audio cases
- Cases for lighting equipment
- Cases for boom microphones
Custom cases are also available with a variety of accessories. For example, many of the flat-screen TV cases have auto-lift features.
Since 1976, Encore A&S Cases has been making all types of cases for all kinds of artists: musicians, acting companies, dance troupes, magicians, circuses, and dozens of other specialties. If you’re looking for world-class craftsmanship and the highest quality materials, turn to Encore A&S Cases. We’re one of the world’s preeminent case suppliers. Encore cases are built to take the rigors of the road and keep their contents in pristine condition. Call us at 818-768-8803 or email info@encorecases.com.
