Digital Video - September 2007 - (Page 38)

Flight Plan I personally travel with a conventional roll-aboard with a piece of foam at the bottom. I protect my HVX200 with a KATA camera glove and cushion it in place in the bag with a combination of other gear and personal items (usually my extra set of underwear to allow for lost bags or missed flights). This arrangement allows me sufficient room for the camera, a couple of drives, the Firestore, batteries, accessories and even some clothes. The laptop goes in the outside pocket of the case. Even before the onboard concerns come security issues. Some airport checkpoints require removal of the camera from the case. It is always best to ask one of the TSA security personnel upfront. Items such as shotgun mics often will attract security attention as well. Let the security folks to their jobs, while reminding them with good humor that they are handling very expensive equipment. If I have equipment in checked baggage, I’ll leave a note in my bag for TSA thanking them for their good work and reminding them that they are looking at professional video gear. Pelican and Themodyne (www.thermodyneonline.com), among many others, protect valuable equipment—but they also attract attention. Despite everyone’s best efforts, things do go missing from baggage at airports. Within the U.S., you can lock your bags with an approved TSA lock (available from any travel store or site). TSA has the key and can open the lock if needed. The problem is that airport workers might also gain access to a TSA key. International travel presents challenges beyond baggage limits. Before you leave, register your gear with U.S. Customs. This is accomplished simply by finding a Customs desk and showing the agent your gear. He/she will note the equipment and serial number, if applicable, on a form which you carry. This way, upon your return, you can’t be accused by Customs of buying dutiable items abroad. Many countries require a customs deposit for professional equipment. Others require declaration of electronic items upon entrance and then showing the items to agents at exit. Such measures are to With misplaced luggage rates skyrocketing worldwide, don’t check anything that you are not prepared to lose. Worldwide, make certain to check the latest restrictions of the country you are visiting. The UK, for example, now only allows one piece of “hand baggage” for flights originating in the country or transfers through UK airports. Would-be personal items can be carried only within, not in addition to, this baggage (approximate dimensions are 22” x 17.7” x 10”). Consider shipping gear in advance. You can have a greater degree of certainty of arrival with a tracking number. Internationally, think about using a baggage forwarding service. These companies, available for both domestic and international destinations, pick up your checked bags before your departure and deliver them to your destination in a matter of days. The service can be expensive, running as much as $800 per bag for foreign delivery. I’ve been able to salvage my shoot in Jerusalem by renting gear locally. There very well may be circumstances even domestically where this is a good idea. Excess baggage charges for an ARRI lighting kit, for example, could cost anywhere from $25$100—depending upon the airline and the mood of the counter agent. Then there’s the worry over whether the kit will make it intact. If you must check gear, use a qualified shipping case. Offerings from Anvil (www.anvilcase.com), prevent selling the gear to a native who then avoids the high taxes the country in question might apply. Consult your carrier and assume nothing. On larger international shoots, you may find it worthwhile to contract with a local production consultation firm. They will know import procedures, and can direct you toward rental and repair facilities. Additionally, a local consultant can guide you through shoot permit requirements at your destination. Travel is not easy today. But you can make it easier for yourself with careful packing and contingency planning. Baggage restrictions and customs requirements can change suddenly—so check your carrier’s Web site just before travel, and try to keep tabs on the site while you are traveling. I confess to having had only one baggage problem even as I log 50,000 flight miles per year. The current state of air travel worldwide, though, will test the limits of the system with the result of even more misplaced baggage. And the latest from BA on my luggage? “Maybe tomorrow, maybe a month, maybe not at all.” ■ Ned Soltz is a filmmaker, consultant, trainer and writer based in Arlington, Tx. He’s also a contributing editor to DV sister magazine, Videography. 36 DV SEPTEMBER 2007 WWW.DV.COM http://www.thermodyneonline.com http://www.thermodyneonline.com http://www.anvilcase.com http://www.dv.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Digital Video - September 2007

Contents News AG-HPX500 HD Camcorder First Look: Color V8000HD 8" LCD Monitor Shoulder Mount System Instant Expert Close-Ups Fest Cercuit Q&A Flight Plan Cutter's Way Imagination in Action Motion Graphics Production Diary

Digital Video - September 2007

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