Documentary in Papua
rochnio
weeks.
Could you guys give me some advices what can I expect there, and what
I should be afraid of. I'm quite aware of big humidity, possible rain
etc. But It's just a theory.
I'm going to use 744 as main recorder, and Sennheiser 416 as boom mic.
I was using Sennheiser G2 for wireless, but now I want to change to
something better. Do you think that used Lectrosonics 195 should be
better for overall sound and hard conditions like this? Unfortunately
I cannot afford new Lectoros, so I want to start with older and used
ones.
What mic capsule is ok for this hard conditions.
Have any of you ever tried to put lav on native Papuans? How to hide
mic and transmittrer on barely naked humans :)
And what frequency block for wireless could be used there? We are
going into the jungle, so I think that radio interferences shouldn't
be a problem.
I'll try to set wireless link with camera (Sony EX3), also with
timecode transfer.
Do you tried any of anti malarian Malarone or Lariam?
Best Regards,
Radek
Lawrence
Hi Radek,
I did some location recording for a Feature Film which involved using
real people from Papua New Guinea. If you want to see how the natives
would look like, you can see the trailer here (http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=r1mwHVao7Mg).
For the natives, we basically used booms and plant mics for
recording. As you have suspected, there's not much place to put a lav
on them. But if it's a sitdown interview, then a hair rig is possible
Sorry have not been to Papua New Guinea, but I though the visual link
may help you plan. On the general side, do check with your local GP to
see if you need to get your malaria medication and what strength. On
another jungle trip which I went into, my doc referred to a manual
which sort of classifies which countries are at high risk before
presciption. Malarone, is probably the best/strongest, but it is also
very expensive. Medication is taken 1 or 2 days (I forgot) before your
trip, and everyday of your trip, and until 1 week after your trip
before you stop the medication, So the sum can add up quite a bit.
Hence if the GP checks that the areas is of low risk, the there are
other malaria medication which you take on a weekly basis.
Hope this helps, and have a nice trip.
Best Regards,
Lawrence
gazlaxxx
I've just come back from a shoot in West Papua. Gearwise it's worth
keeping a rain cover nearby and a good drybag for the mixer if you're
traveling by boat or trekking through the forests. You'll have no rf
issues though I find that range is affected a little by hot and humid
conditions. Definitely take anti-malarial medication, and wear light
colored long sleeved shirts and long pants. Sunscreen is a must too.
If you're in very remote areas of the country power can be unreliable;
talk to the dop about their plans for battery charging. An inverter is
cheap and doesn't weigh much. Good luck!
bollar...@gmail.com
I was in Irian Jaya (Indonesian Papua) a few years back; I guess
that's where you're talking about. Our is it western PNG?
I travelled from sea level to just under 5,000metres each day to
shoot; just below a glacier on the equator.
At this time of year it will rain every day at around 3 to 4 pm as it
is monsoon time.
I would seriously consider getting the production to hire gear as
anything you take of your own may be damaged by humidity beyond
repair. A 416 is the best mic option; in full rycote to keep water
out? Radio mics in wet packs? You will have difficulty hiding mics on
the locals. If using a link make sure the camera cover goes over your
receivers. A wet cover for your kit is essential. Take loads of
batteriess as it's a long way to the shops.
Go see a specialist travel doctor familiar with that part of the
Pacific. Depending where you are malaria can be the least of your
worries. Malarone is the only choice of anti-malarial. It's more
expensive but has very few side effects. Under not circumstances take
larium. Google for examples of larium induced hallucinations and
psychosis.
It is a wild and beautiful place. Just be very prepared.
Dave Wendlinger
I spent almost a month in Papua New Guinea almost exactly a year ago on a doc.
I agree with everything everyone has said so far concerning environmental issues, Malarone as the anti-malarial drug of choice, be prepared for any type of weather all the time. Huge rains can occur quickly.
I use soft coolers, like those made by Seattle Sports (www.seattlesportsco.com) as a wet weather kit cover. The 40 quart size holds my mixer and my Zeppelin. I even wear it on my harness to work out of it. A sound-specific rain poncho can really help.
If hiking, a dry bag backpack is essential.
Unless you're filming locals wearing traditional costume, my experience has been that most wear T-shirts and Western clothes. At least in Papua New Guinea, there is a very clear cultural separation between men and women. Respecting that difference, especially when wanting to place mikes on women, can be very helpful. If you have a women on your crew, she may have to perform that task.
My biggest challenge in villages was the constant sound of unseen roosters crowing at all hours. If you're staying in villages, bring your own mosquito tent. I used picaridin based repellent (15%) that worked pretty well. A mosquito hat or head net is a good idea.
Don't forget to drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Clean, safe water should be a top priority.
Bring a camera. And, as many backups of everything you can.
Good luck!
Dave
rochnio
thanks for all tips, especially about packing. I'm afraid a bit about
rains and humidity, how my 744 handle it. I'm trying to take backup of
every item. And I'm going to use not rechargeable batteries. We'll be
in deep forest and have power only in the evening for few hours to
backup materials and charge batteries for camera and recorder.
We'll be shooting natives mostly so I don't expect to much place to
hide lavs, but maybe hair rig can be a solution.
Thanks,
r.
Charles Tomaras
"rochnio" <ilikeamer...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:91fa74d4-bbfb-4746...@n18g2000vbq.googlegroups.com...
> Hi Guys,
> thanks for all tips, especially about packing. I'm afraid a bit about
> rains and humidity, how my 744 handle it.
The 744 cannot take any rain. You absolutely have to have the face of it
protected as water quickly will penetrate the meters and other front panel
buttons. I've made the mistake of being unprotected during an unexpected
downpour and was completely down for the count until I dismantled my 744t
(and other gear) in a hotel room and spent a long night with hair dryer and
lots of little screws "thankfully" getting myself back up.
Glen
piece
of clear shower curtain. It is far more durable than a ziplock and
still
allows easy button pressing. The whole rig is still in a rain slicker
or whatever protection I am using, but this is still a strong layer of
defense
against wet fingers and spindrift.
Glen