Written on 21^st November 2019

Happy World Television Day - travel production tips

Happy World Television Day! 

Cheers to one of the most influential entertainment and media channels up to date: the television. 

Since the invention of the first TV in 1920 by Philo Farnsworth, the television has become the single largest video consumption source in the world, with approximately 1.63 billion TV households around the globe (by 2017). According to a recent study by UKTV, the average person spends almost 10 years of their life watching TV! This gives us a brief idea of how big Television has become since it was first invented. 

On the 17th of December 1996, approximately 76 years after the creation of the first TV system, The United Nations officially proclaimed the 21st of November as World Television Day. 

Today, TAG celebrates this magnificent invention by sharing our top tips that any TV production team should follow when travelling abroad.  

Tip #1: Get your filming permits!

Filming permits are a definite must if you are entering a country and carrying filming equipment. You might try and cross the border as a tourist, especially on recce trips, but if you get caught filming without a permit, you will be fined. 

Tip #2: Prepare for any excess baggage

Always let your agent know if you are taking excess baggage in advance. The cheapest air-line might have the most expensive excess baggage rates and end up not being the best choice for you or your team. Being able to have a clear and accurate picture at the beginning of the trip will save you from unpleasant surprises in the budget later on.

Tip #3: Take advantage of media excess baggage rates with your agent

Always try to take advantage of the media excess baggage rates on offer when pre-booking with TAG. These are a great way to save money on the fares you will end up purchasing at the airport. You only need to know the dimensions (width and weight) before booking.

Tip #4: Check for any Visa requirements! 

Visas are essential when working overseas. Countries like China require a J2 Visa to film there, so always check before you travel. When booking with TAG, we will help you and make sure all the visa requirements are checked.

Tip #5: Book accommodation with flexible cancellation policy

Booking accommodation with a flexible cancellation policy is always more cost effective for crews, because we all know there are always last-minute changes. TAG has amazing competitive entertainment and media rates that are ideal for tv and film productions.

Tip #6: Shop for props in your destination

It is more cost effective to prop shop locally in the country you are filming in, rather than carrying them with your luggage. Travelling with your props may result in baggage excess, which means more money. Of course, there is also the risk of the props getting lost or damaged during the trip.

Tip #7: Check your airline’s equipment transportation policy

Check if the airline you’re flying with accepts the types of batteries or any other relevant items you’re taking with you for your equipment and if you need any letters/permits to take the items with you. Some airlines do not allow lithium batteries at all and they can be confiscated. Arranging clearance and letters of authority in advance can save you a lot of time and money.

Tip #8: Update your travel agent about any carnet or custom declarations

Letting your agent know if you have carnets or customs declarations to make can save heaps of headaches too. Especially in cities where there are different domestic and international airports, you will need to allow yourself enough time for customs clearance as well as the regular transfers, which take up to 4 hours rather than the normally recommended 2 hours. Many have been caught up in locations like Sydney and Brisbane, causing them to miss their flights. 

Here at TAG we understand the complexity of travelling as a production team. That is why our Film and Media division offers full-support when it comes to tv and film production travel, taking hustle of logistics off your shoulders and letting you and your team focus solely on your project. All you have to do is get in touch and our team and will take care of the rest.