5 Essentials For Filming In The Jungle. Here at the Wild Tales, we love filming in the jungle. Capturing its untouched beauty on film can transport viewers watching at home into the heart of the rainforest.
But we also understand the difficulties that come from filming in the jungle. With harsh weather conditions that can change in an instant, potentially dangerous animals lurking behind every corner and unpredictable terrain underfoot, it can be an unforgiving place.
To help you prepare for your jungle filming expedition, we’ve put together a list of the five most important things you need to get ready before you go.
1. COMPREHENSIVE RESEARCH
Before you leave – before you even start booking your filming trip – it’s essential to carry out some thorough research of your destination so know what to expect when you arrive. Make sure you’re arriving in the jungle with as much knowledge of what you’re doing and where you’re going as possible.
As a minimum, you should research the climate and culture of your proposed filming area. This will help you know what to expect and will take away any underlying stress or nerves, leaving you free to focus on the task at hand: capturing great footage.
If you’re a novice when it comes to jungle filming, reaching out to experts can help your crew prepare properly. Rainforest experts at the wild Tales can guide your crew in a number of ways, from risk assessments to filming permits. If you’re not sure of anything, it can’t hurt to get a second opinion.
2. THE RIGHT CLOTHES
The weather in the rainforest can be a bit of a shock to newcomers. If you want to be as comfortable as possible during your filming expedition, you’ll want to pack the best clothes for the job.
We recommend loose-fitting, breathable clothing for filming on location in the jungle. You want to cover as much skin as possible to keep the mosquitos away, but you’ll also want to avoid overheating in the humidity of the rainforest.
It’s also worth bearing in mind that temperatures in the jungle can drop by around 15 degrees Celsius (about 60 degrees Fahrenheit) at night – so don’t forget some warm layers.
Long Boots or jungle boots are the best footwear options. You want something comfortable but also fast drying.
3. RAIN COVERS
Rain covers for your filming equipment are absolutely crucial when shooting in the jungle. No matter what the weather forecast says, it can and will rain – often without much warning.
You’ll definitely need to bring rain gear, peli cases and plastic bags to protect your tech. Ideally, you want to be able to cover your equipment as quickly as possible, so avoid anything too fiddly.
The wild tales always supply a lot of equipment to effectively film in the country. We can supply small setup based offroad vehicles and boats to large setups with power supply, rooms and logistics for large scale film productions.
4. JABS
The jungle is rife with diseases, and you certainly don’t want your crew coming down with anything nasty.
Get organised with vaccinations well ahead of time by booking an appointment at your local doctor’s office. They can tell you what jabs you need and how long it will take for them to be effective. Remember – for vaccinations like the rabies jab, you’ll need a few doses, so you need to plan this in advance.
Be smart and put aside time and money for vaccines before you leave – the last thing you want is for someone to get sick in the middle of the rainforest!
5. A LOCAL fixer and expert
you’ll have to reach out to your local contact and expert before you head into the jungle. Locals know the area, the terrain, the climate and the difficulties of the jungle better than anyone, and they can provide priceless information about staying safe and maximising your productivity.
6. Permits
All countries request permits to film and Guyana are no exemption. Guyana have an extensive process that needs to be fulfilled to legally film in the country. The wild tales know all these steps and can help obtaining all permits to film in Guyana.
FILMING WITH THE WILD TALES
Filming in the rainforest can be tough, but it’s also hugely rewarding. Be respectful to the natural landscapes that you find yourself in and the locals you encounter, and your time in the jungle will be unforgettable.
We at the Wild Tales have a wealth of experience when it comes to filming in the jungle, and we’re available to help crews with their productions. We have the skills, the know-how and the expertise to guide you through the process – from navigating through the jungle to framing the most beautiful shots for your production.
Fill in our contact form to find out more information or to book onto one of our Amazon adventures. To find out more about Guyana you can visit the GTA.
