Tips for Shooting in the Rainforest

Above photo taken by Akash Banakar.

Quick Checklist from Documentary Filmmaker, Heidi Braudenburg

Remember the following:

  • Anti-snakebite venom depending on location (or country of residence) from a chemist, clinic or specialist supplier.
  • Water Purifier, or take sufficient water.
  • Light waterproof trousers and long white sleeved shirt, or T-shirt (special jungle clothing).
  • Wellingtons, or waterproof boots.
  • Umbrella.
  • Mosquito net.
  • Tent or hammock.
  • Mosquito repellent.
  • Sun block.
  • Malaria tablets.
  • Water dehydration tablets (such as Gatorade in powder), as a lot of bodily fluid is lost.
  • Good packaged meals, as it can be difficult at times to find food in the jungle.
  • A good medical kit with diarrhea tablets. a ‘must’ since a strong bacterial infection could lead to a lot of water loss.
  • If travelling to an isolated location, a satellite phone would be recommended in case of emergency.
  • If travelling by boat, always hire two motorists and have two motors available in case one breaks down. With sufficient fuel.
  • Will need to hire a generator or buy a solar power generator as some locations won’t have electricity to charge up batteries.
  • A crash first aid course is recommended.
  • Buy plastic covers for equipment as there can be heavy rain.
  • Good travel insurance.
  • Good language skills or translator.

First, all locations will need to be researched in depth, everything varies depending on location – from the type of viper bite and what anti-snakebite venom serum is taken, to what season is best for travelling since rainy season can be very dangerous. If travelling to a very isolated location, removal of appendix is recommended, since evacuation could take many hours, resulting in the appendix to burst.

Heidi Braudenburg has led a documentary field team shooting in the Rainforest. Her partners at Yachaywasi Films are Mathew Orzel and Taira Akbar. (chickeneggpics.org/grantee/when-two-worlds-collide)

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