Wilderness: Noun. (1) a  wild and uninhabited area left in its natural condition; "it was a wilderness preserved for the hawks and mountaineers"; (2) a bewildering profusion;  "a wilderness of masts in the harbor". Recently, I've learned all about filming in the wilderness; and under both definitions! Read on for some tips and checklists.

Over the last 2 months, I've had the opportunity to shoot in India, England, The Olympic rain forest in Washington, and in Montana; "wilderness" for me, at least.   I've been shooting for years - since 1985, and have a fair amount of experience, but there's nothing like travelling and producing non-stop for a month to get you thinking about how you can make things easier on yourself.

While there are numerous places to find a list of what you should have with you, I've created a few checklists to keep me from going completely crazy when my production schedule gets hectic.  These checklists are all based on my experiences going completely crazy when my schedule gets hectic, so they work!

Additionally, I've created processes to keep myself sane, and my clients happy!  If you're producing a movie with a script and a deadline, these lists and processes can actually be even more important! The most important thing to remember, however, is to go over your checklist without fail!

1st.

The whole thing always begins with preparation, but when you're busy, and you're going to be away from your studio or supply house, contingency preparation is CRITICAL!

The "Murphy" Bag
This has "emergency" and "contingency" items, because "whatever can go wrong will go wrong."  I like to keep this bag equipped and take it on EVERY shoot - I periodically go through the list, and anytime I use one of the consumables, I make CERTAIN to replace it!

• Extra headphones
• Extra Wireless Lavaliere Mic & receiver
• Extra Cables
• Handheld Wired Microphone
• Adapters
  • XLR-1/4"
  • 1/4" - RCA
  • double female XLR, 1/4" and RCA
• Batteries - extras of EVERY kind you use, including camera
• Chargers for ALL your rechargables
• Blank Tape or spare media
• Labels and Pens
• White Card or "blue card"
• Foldable Reflector
• Extra Lens Filters - extra polarizer, at least
• small can of Arrid Exxtra Dry spray - for dulling shiny things, (NOT foreheads)!
• Camera Light - for when you have no alternative
• Lens Tissue or microfiber cloths
• Makeup and an Applicator - clear powder, at least, for foreheads!
• Power Supplies for gear that you can plug in
• Gaffer's Tape (the real stuff, not duct tape!)
• super glue
• 5-minute epoxy
• epoxy putty
• Clamps and Fasteners - a whole handful
• Extension Cord
• Power Strip
• Weather Gear - for you and the camera!
• BACK-UP DEVICE OR METHOD FOR YOUR FOOTAGE!

2nd.

I suggest that you make a physically small checklist for each bag you carry, laminate it, and attach it to the zipper.  This makes for EASY checking when you pack!

3rd.

The production process for wilderness or "away" shooting is critical.  It can be the difference between life and death for your production.  The worst thing ever is to get back and tell a client or producer that you didn't get the footage you were supposed to because "something went wrong." 

• have a checklist for all shots you want
• check off each shot when you shoot, and note which reel or file
• label EVERY tape or reel, if you're not tapeless
• SPOT-CHECK EVERY SHOT BEFORE YOU LEAVE A LOCATION
• At the end of each day, back up everything you shot

Now, at the end of your time in the wilderness, you'll not only be better prepared for editing, but you'll also be confident that you have everything you wanted to get!