Wisdom upon reflection

Sometimes, motion tracking doesn’t work. Unless you or someone you know is a total whiz at it, don’t count on motion tracking to make up for what you can fix on set. Look at all signs, glass, mirrored surfaces, visible roads, etc.

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The shadows know…

Look at the shadows!

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Maybe it could be the Moon!

If you’re shooting after dark, be sure you’ve visited the set after dark.

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“Shot on location — in my bathroom!“

Try to avoid making a movie that takes place in a cramped location, such as a bathroom stall.

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The owner pulls the tenant’s strings.

Leave the location cleaner than when you arrived, and be gracious and grateful to your host. Even if you paid. Even if they were jerks.

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Permission trumps forgiveness.

Always make sure your permits are in order before lighting anything on fire. If you’re not sure if you need a permit, find out first. A pleasant phone call and a $35 permit fee are much preferable to a steep fine or worse.

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And wear boots!

Find out before you go how far a hike it is out to the location. Make sure everybody knows — you don’t want to lose an hour hiking at the wrong part of the day.