6 Tips for Managing Weather on Outdoor Shoots
Posted on: Jan 21, 2025

Weather can be one of the biggest wild cards in film and TV production, especially when shooting on location. Rain, cold and extreme heat can disrupt schedules, challenge the crew’s endurance and even put safety at risk. That’s why it’s essential to prepare and adapt to ensure the production stays on track while keeping everyone comfortable and safe.
I have worked as a production coordinator for about three years now, and these are some tools I have learned for managing changing weather conditions on-set:
1. Plan Ahead
Preparation is key to minimizing the impact of unpredictable weather. As a production coordinator, it is often my role to ensure that the production is ready for anything. Monitor the weather forecast leading up to and during the shoot to ensure that if conditions make a turn for the worse, the production is prepared for it.
It’s always a good idea to have a contingency plan and build flexibility into your schedule for weather delays, and scout backup indoor locations where possible. Also, make sure there is a weather kit for the production, including tarps, umbrellas, ponchos and portable heaters or fans. Being proactive reduces downtime and helps the team stay productive, even when the weather doesn’t cooperate.
2. Prepare for Rain
Rain can be a challenge for both equipment and crew, but with the right precautions, you can continue shooting while staying safe. Use waterproof covers or plastic bags for cameras, lights and other gear. Provide crew members with rain jackets, pants and rubber boots to stay dry and comfortable.
Set up tents or tarps for the crew to work under and for storing gear. Keep cables and lighting equipment elevated to avoid water exposure. Rain doesn’t have to halt production entirely if the right measures are in place to keep everyone and everything dry.
3. Staying Warm
Cold temperatures can be tough on both the cast and crew, making it harder to focus and work efficiently, so staying warm and safe is crucial. If it is going to be cold, I like to remind everyone to layer up and encourage everyone to wear thermal base layers, sweaters and insulated jackets.
Portable space heaters or propane heaters can warm up holding areas, trailers or tents, and hand warmers are a great way to bring in the heat during a cold day. It’s important to keep morale up on these cold days, so be sure to offer hot beverages like coffee, tea or hot chocolate. By keeping the crew warm, you will help them maintain focus during cold-weather shoots.
4. Managing Extreme Heat
High temperatures can be just as challenging as cold, leading to fatigue, dehydration or even heat-related illnesses. It is essential to provide shade for those on-set. Set up tents, umbrellas or portable canopies to give the crew a place to cool off between takes, and ensure there’s plenty of water available on-set.
Electrolyte drinks like Gatorade can help replenish salts lost through sweat. I like to do my best to schedule regular breaks to allow cast and crew members to cool down and rest during these especially hot days. Proactively addressing heat-related risks ensures a safer, more productive shoot.
5. Flexibility and Clear Communication
Flexibility is essential for everyday on-set, but it is even more important on days when you may encounter extreme weather conditions. Many of us know that weather can often change in an instant, so communicating the conditions to the crew is essential for a successful shoot. You may have to shift shooting times to avoid the hottest or coldest parts of the day, or move indoor scenes to coincide with bad weather.
Having a flexible mindset allows the production to keep moving, even under challenging circumstances. I have often assigned someone to monitor conditions so they can inform the team about potential hazards, such as incoming storms or unsafe temperatures. Clear, proactive communication helps the crew feel confident and prepared to face any weather-related disruptions.
6. Protect the Cast and Crew
The safety of the cast and crew should always come first, regardless of weather conditions. If a member of the crew voices their concern, it is important to listen to them. Equipment can always be replaced and shoots can always be extended, but a crew member’s life and safety are not up for negotiation. Make sure everyone has access to appropriate clothing and equipment for the weather, such as ponchos, hand warmers or cooling towels, and create comfortable holding areas with heating or air conditioning where the cast and crew can recharge. If weather conditions become dangerous, such as lightning storms or extreme heat, pause production until it’s safe to continue.
Dealing with changing weather on-set requires preparation, flexibility and a focus on safety. By equipping the cast and crew with the right tools, clothing and resources, you can navigate rain, cold and extreme heat while keeping the production on track. The key is to stay proactive, adapt to challenges and embrace the unpredictability of working outdoors.
Benjamin Hickson is an aspiring producer and production coordinator who has 4+ years experience working on various Film and TV projects. He has a background in Public Relations and served for six years in the military. He also has passion for travel and aims to increase LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.
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