Film and Mass Media Program at the UCF Nicholson School of Communication and Media
Working in Rain & Thunderstorms
Overview
Central Florida is the lightning capital of the United States and one of the most active areas of the world regarding electrical storms. When working on location, it is very likely that you will be dealing with rain and thunderstorms. Having a plan before you begin your production is the best way to prepare for the inevitable delays and risks.
Peak Activity
The rainy season in Central Florida roughly starts in May and ends in mid-October.
Electrical Storms
Safety is of the utmost importance. If there are active lightning strikes in the immediate area you must stop filming immediately.
When working outside, do not take the risk. Metal stands and electrically powered equipment can attract lightning. Turn off your equipment, make equipment and props safe from wind and rain damage and get under cover until the storm passes.
30-30 Rule for Lightning Safety
If thunder is heard within 30 seconds or less after seeing a lightning strike, seek shelter immediately and stay sheltered for at 30 minutes from the last time lightning strikes within 6 miles (counting 30 seconds or less between lighting strike and thunder clap).
Power down lighting equipment, turn off any power generation, and lower stands immediately.
Have a Plan
When shooting outside for long periods of time, you need to have a plan in place to deal with unexpected inclement weather. This means scouting out nearby shelter options ahead of time, bringing tents, or have an alternate interior location on standby.
Make Ready for Rain
Do not use electrical power generators in extreme wet weather unless properly grounded. All sensitive electronic equipment (e.g., cameras, monitors, and sound equipment) must be properly covered when working in the rain. All electical connections need to be placed on wooden blocks or apple boxes to keep out of puddles.
Do not cover hot lighting equipment with anything that may melt and stick to the fixture heads. Use only approved, heat resistant rain covers for covering lights and electrical equipment while in operation.
Trash bags can be used to safe lights from inclement weather, but only after they have had enough time to cool to the touch. Use apple boxes and milkcrates to keep equipment and electrical connections off the ground and out of forming puddles.
Use additional sandbags and rope to secure lighting and grip equipment, tents when bad weather is forecasted. Strong winds usually come before the rain, and you can easily be taken off-guard when focusing on your production duties. Sometimes it can be too windy to safely use overhead rags or large flags.
Students need to use discretion when deploying flags and overheads outside, as they are essentially large sails than can easily be affected by the wind. Depending on the weather conditions, they might need to come down as quickly as they went up.
Overhead rags must always be properly secured using a lot of sandbags and handlines. On potentially windy days they must also be secured with ground stakes and additional handlines to prevent toppling.
If you are planning to shoot in the rain for aesthetic reasons, please consult with your instructor-ofrecord and the Operations Manager to best strategize your logistics and safety before your production begins
Safety Bulletin
Students should also familiarize themselves with the guidelines in the Industry-Wide Labor-Management Safety Committee’s following Safety Bulletins: