Surviving the Heat: Essential Tips for Film Crews Working Long Hours in Summer Weather
Working in the film industry often means long hours and unpredictable schedules, but the challenge intensifies when those hours stretch into the heat of summer. If you’re part of a film crew, spending 10-14 hours a day under the sun, preparation is crucial for staying safe and maintaining your energy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you beat the heat and stay productive during those long summer days on set. I have included links for products I think are helpful, and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Keep Hydrated by drinking water and replenishing electrolytes
1. Hydration is Key
Why It's Important:
Dehydration can lead to serious health issues, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Keeping your body well-hydrated helps regulate temperature and maintain energy levels.
Tips:
- Drink Water Regularly: Aim for at least 8 ounces every hour. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Electrolytes Matter: Incorporate drinks like coconut water or sports drinks to replenish electrolytes lost through sweat.
- Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: These can dehydrate you further.
Having your own water bottle can make sure you always have clean cool water to drink, I recomend the Hydroflask. They come in all sorts of colors and a few size options to meet your needs.
The on set medic will usually have electolyte packs, but not all of them are always prepared, and they can run out of them on hot days. I like Liquid I.V., It tastes good and seems to do a good job of keeping you going on a hot day.
2. Dress Appropriately
Why It's Important:
The right clothing can help protect you from the sun and keep you cool.
Tips:
- Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics: Choose clothing made from cotton or moisture-wicking materials.
- Light Colors: Wear light-colored clothing to reflect, rather than absorb, the sun's rays.
- Hats and Sunglasses: A wide-brimmed hat can provide shade, and sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays.
- UV-Protection Gear: Consider clothing with built-in UV protection.
I have a few of these Columbia Bahama II long sleeve shirts and they check all the boxes above, they are comfortable, lightweight, breathable and offer UV protection. Combine with the Columbia Bora Bora Fishing hat to be fully coordinated, or just pick up a straw hat from your local big box store.
3. Bring a Change of Clothes
Why it’s Important:
Clothes can become wet with sweat, and cause irritation if left on your skin for long periods of time.
Tips:
- Socks and Underwear: These are your first line of defense, and often become soaked with sweat before anything else.
- Shirts and Shorts: Fresh clothes can keep you cool and dry
- Pants and Jackets: Often the brutal summer heat can turn to a chilly summer night when the sun goes down.
- Body Wipes: Keeping yourself clean and dry will reduce chaffing and skin irritation.
The Nature XL Ultra Body Wipes w/ Aloe can help you feel clean and refreshed when you change out your damp, sweaty clothes. Match that with the cooling effect of Gold Bond Powder and that change of clothes will stay fresh and dry until wrap.
4. Use Sun Protection
Why It's Important:
Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Tips:
- Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours.
- Lip Balm: Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips.
- Shade: Seek or create shaded areas for breaks whenever possible.
Spray on sunscreen like Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Spray is a great way to get full sunscreen protection quickly and easily. Banana Boat Sport SPF 50 Lip Balm will help protect you lips.
The Sport-Brella is fantastic for making shade on set, and you will see them mounted to carts in every department, as they are rugged, lightweight and effective.
5. Plan Your Breaks
Why It's Important:
Regular breaks help prevent overheating and give you a chance to cool down.
Tips:
- Scheduled Rest: Take at least a 5-10 minute break every hour.
- Cool Zones: Identify or set up cool zones with fans or misters on set.
- Cool Down: Use cooling towels or ice packs during breaks.
Having a personal cooler like the Igloo Hard Cooler can be a game changer if you ever end up on set without craft service.
Though I have not personally used one, this Neck Fan looks like it would help keep you cool, espesilally on those hot days outside. Keeping air flowing can drasticly reduce the air temp, and fans like this Portable Misting Fan ups the game even further by misting the air. Cooling towels like the Frogg Toggs Cooling Towel let you cool off while you work.
6. Monitor Your Health
Why It's Important:
Early detection of heat-related illnesses can prevent serious health issues.
Tips:
- Watch for Symptoms: Know the signs of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness) and heat stroke (confusion, hot, dry skin).
- Buddy System: Work in pairs to monitor each other for signs of distress.
- Medical Supplies: Keep a well-stocked first aid kit with supplies to treat heat-related illnesses.
There should always be a medic on set, but being prepared with a First Aid Only Heat Stress Kit could always help in times when the Medic is not available.
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7. Eat Right
Why It's Important:
What you eat can impact your energy levels and how well your body handles heat.
Tips:
- Light Meals: Eat smaller, more frequent meals that are easy to digest.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Consume high-water-content foods like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges.
- Avoid Heavy Foods: Steer clear of heavy, greasy meals that can make you feel sluggish.
8. Organize Your Work Efficiently
Why It's Important:
Smart planning can reduce the amount of time spent in direct sun and make the workday more manageable. Most of us on set have no control over the schedule, but give yourself extra time to complete tasks if you can.
Tips:
- Early Start: Begin work early in the morning to take advantage of cooler temperatures.
- Shade Structures: Set up portable canopies or tents to provide shade for equipment and crew.
- Rotation: Rotate tasks to ensure no one person is exposed to the sun for too long.
Most productions will have these E-Z Up Canopy Tents on standby or set up for Video Village. They are fantastic for making portable shade, just make sure they are sucured against any strong gusts of wind!
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9. Stay Positive and Motivated
Why It's Important:
A positive mindset can help you cope better with the challenges of working in the heat.
Tips:
- Team Spirit: Encourage and support your colleagues.
- Music and Entertainment: Use music or podcasts to keep morale high during downtime.
- Celebrate Successes: Recognize and celebrate milestones to keep spirits up.
Listening to tunes in the truck or at lunch with a Bluetooth Speaker can help get peoples energy up and keep their mood high.
Final Thoughts
Working long hours under the summer sun in the film industry is demanding, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can stay safe and productive. Hydration, sun protection, proper clothing, and regular breaks are non-negotiable. Most sets will have drink coolers and pop-up tents provided by production, but there are occasions when you might get sent ahead to the next location to pre-rig or have to stay behind to break down. These are the times that having your own supply of water and shade can be the difference between a good day and a bad one. Stay vigilant about your health and look out for your fellow crew members. By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle the heat and contribute effectively to the creative process on set. Stay cool and keep the camera rolling!
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Clay Platner, Technocrane Operator
In an industry where innovation is key, specialty equipment is the gateway to new realms of possibility. Equip your production with the tools that redefine filmmaking, and watch your stories come to life like never before.
For those that don't know me, my name is Clay, and I am a Technocrane Operator for Cinemoves. My goal is to help filmmakers achieve their vision thru camera movement. I wanted to start this blog as a way to help reach a broader audience of film industry professionals who may not be as familiar with some of these tools as I am. Feel free to reach out to me or contact Cinemoves for any questions about specialty equipment.
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