I would think location will be your main focus unless you have the funds to create rain in a studio setting. Good luck if your living in Vegas but if you frequently get rain then you'd be alright shooting outside. I'd make sure to have an umbrella, and whatever other plastic wrap you can get around your camera. I'd do some searching around the net to see what they have out there.

http://www.mrgablesreality.webs.com
My site to promote my writing/opinions/and soon movies!

quote:

---

Originally posted by masterspud

I'm writing a script and pretty much the whole thing would be shot outside in the rain and there has to be rain. I need to know what exactly I'm getting myself into. What precautions should I take to make sure all of my equipment stays safe? Is is too much of a hassle? Should I find away to "create" the rain? Anything you guys know will help. Thanks a lot.

---

Your Special Effects team is crucial for this type of shoot. The movie "Hard Rain" was primarily shot in the rain as you describe. Great SFX Supervisors will know the ins and outs of how to do this. Not only does it take rainbars, but precision control (mostly done with computer controls now), a large water supply (usually from a large tank truck), and a way to possibly collect and recycle the water (especially for your interior stage shots).

Experienced crews will know how to protect their own gear from the elements so you wouldn't need to deal with it directly. Not only do the cameras need adequate cover (LARGE umbrella over the dolly or rain-jacket) but your electrics also need proper protection (cable and distribution) and the lights themselves (usually done with screening material) and all of the crew equipment carts that are near the set. There's a lot more to protect than just the camera body.

Your sound will also be compromised so plan for a lot of ADR. If the shot calls for it, a "Spinner" in front of the camera lens may be necessary to keep drops off the front element.

Shooting in the "rain" is difficult for everyone, so the more control you have over it (turning it on and off, placing it exactly where you want it, knowing how to light it) the better off your movie will be AND the better and more efficiently everyone will be able to do their jobs.

Good luck!

Brian Dzyak
Cameraman/Author
IATSE Local 600, SOC
http://www.whatireallywanttodo.com
http://www.realfilmcareer.com

quote:

---

Originally posted by bjdzyak

quote:

---

Originally posted by masterspud

I'm writing a script and pretty much the whole thing would be shot outside in the rain and there has to be rain. I need to know what exactly I'm getting myself into. What precautions should I take to make sure all of my equipment stays safe? Is is too much of a hassle? Should I find away to "create" the rain? Anything you guys know will help. Thanks a lot.

---

Your Special Effects team is crucial for this type of shoot. The movie "Hard Rain" was primarily shot in the rain as you describe. Great SFX Supervisors will know the ins and outs of how to do this. Not only does it take rainbars, but precision control (mostly done with computer controls now), a large water supply (usually from a large tank truck), and a way to possibly collect and recycle the water (especially for your interior stage shots).

Experienced crews will know how to protect their own gear from the elements so you wouldn't need to deal with it directly. Not only do the cameras need adequate cover (LARGE umbrella over the dolly or rain-jacket) but your electrics also need proper protection (cable and distribution) and the lights themselves (usually done with screening material) and all of the crew equipment carts that are near the set. There's a lot more to protect than just the camera body.

Your sound will also be compromised so plan for a lot of ADR. If the shot calls for it, a "Spinner" in front of the camera lens may be necessary to keep drops off the front element.

Shooting in the "rain" is difficult for everyone, so the more control you have over it (turning it on and off, placing it exactly where you want it, knowing how to light it) the better off your movie will be AND the better and more efficiently everyone will be able to do their jobs.

Good luck!

---

This is 100% true. If you're going to be using serious crew, and not just friends holding handheld camcorders, they'll have to be briefed and notified about the situation so they come prepared.

As far as your budget goes, I think you need to make sure you have a fair share of money socked away somewhere that will be used to simulate the effect of rain throughout the entire movie. Unless you have a sixth sense and can tell when a storm is on its way (like the kid from The Sixth Sense except this time he says "I see rain clouds")...basically you'll have to find the right equipment necessary to simulate rainfall.

You'll run up quite a water bill but if you know what you're doing, just do your research and get at it. Don't worry about cast and crew. If they're professionals, they're always prepared for stuff like that.

"Let every eye negotiate for itself, and trust no agent" - www.YouTube.com/RyanMccX