Your next project could be soon...
Your next project could be soon...
are you ready?
Your next film or television project could be soon. You could get a call, text or email about a new and exciting endeavor that could lead you to travel domestically or even internationally.
Are you ready for when the time comes?
Yes there is a strike at the present moment that this article is being written. But the strike could be over next week or next month. What then?
When you get that call to re-start or start a new project will you be ready to jump at a moment’s notice?
I often like to pretend that my next big project is coming up next week even if I have nothing on the horizon. This perspective forces me to always be ready and think of the things I can prepare for a new endeavor.
If you got a call about a project and they needed you to be on a plane the same day or the next day could you? Are you prepared enough in life to drop everything at a moment’s notice should the opportunity arise?
Lets say you get a call to travel overseas or another state and shoot a movie or tv show for several months. Below I have listed a few items to consider so you can be ready.
Below are some items to consider:
A REAL ID. Beginning May 7th 2025 everyone will need a REAL ID in order to fly domestically. Don’t wait till the deadline…
A Passport (if flying international)
TSA Precheck (Domestic optional) or TSA Global Entry (INTL optional). Having both TSA pre-check and global entry will reduce your anxiety and wait times while traveling for work. I personally love not taking my shoes off and unpacking all my electronics.
INTL carry on bag. What’s interesting to note is that sizes are generally smaller than the US domestic limit of 22 x 14 x 9 inches or 45 linear inches. Carry ons for international flights are usually between 22 and 15.7 inches tall, with varying depth and width limits. Be aware this can cause difficulties at the boarding gate as carry-on accepted by international flights are too big for domestic flights and are likely to be checked in at the departure gate.
A place to park your car. Services like Spacer, JustPark or CurbFlip make it easy to secure long term parking spots in case you don’t have a friend or family member that can host your vehicle.
A way to make money with your living situation. If your landlord approves, it could save you thousands of dollars to list your place for rent on sites like Airbnb, Facebook Groups (housing) or Craigslist. Now is the time to take good photos, create a description and have it ready to list.
Clothes for all climates. Consider buying that north face rain jacket before its too late or shopping for that winter outfit you have been putting off!
A fresh surveillance mic. Yes production may provide one, however if they don’t you want to be ready.
Stored documents in the cloud. Place your important ID documents on dropbox or google drive for when you need to access them remotely. I like to keep a copy of my Drivers License, Social Security card and Birth Certificate in the cloud for situations where my wallet or passport may be stolen or lost. You might also consider having a copy of your shots, health ID cards, insurance cards etc on the cloud as well.
Charging accessories. Have enough adapters, chargers for your phone and laptop so you won’t have to depend on ac outlets. I personally love the Apple Magsafe charger as its super handy and convenient. Consider having 2 or more of these devices.