Filmmaking / Directing : Filming in the Snow by Maurice Vaughan

Best tip: Don't film (outside) in snowy weather if you can avoid it.

Remember snow is frozen rain. So you need proper rain gear for your camera equipment, and lenses especially are problematic as changes in temperature can fog them inside or outside the elements. Also, cast and crew need to be warm and safe and to eat hot food and drink more often. Allow more time for company moves, due to inevitable traffic issues. Etc.

Thanks, Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg. I didn't realize filming outside in snow involved all of that. Is it better to film outside with fake snow?

Hi Maurice, maybe a nearby place to warmup after a while

wear socks…

Great tip, Billy Kwack. Thanks for sharing it.

Definitely, Abram Christian. Thanks for sharing the tip.

Protect your skin with a barrier repair cream and sunscreen lol, can you tell I used to be in beauty retail? My recommendation would be La Roche Posay cica cream.

I didn't think about that, but it makes sense, Marie Hatten. Thanks for the tip and recommendation.

Maurice Vaughan Usually "Christmas" movies and other seasonal movies are not shot at Christmas. Often the height of summer. So yes, fake snow. While sheets or blankets on the ground depending on how far from camera often are used inside or outside... etc. Snow falling is sometimes soap shavings, things like that. It's all special effects for most productions except those who can afford to deal with the many issues (including the fact that once you walk in it, it's visible and hard to reset for the next take). Of course, those who want the authenticity will do it and adapt to these issues, which can raise budget significantly on those particular scenes.

Thanks for the answer, Shadow Dragu-Mihai, Esq., Ipg. I had no idea Christmas and winter movies were shot like that.

Fatman with Mel Gibson is a highly effective action filmed mostly in snow wish was satisfying and enjoyable.

I've been meaning to watch Fatman, Abram Christian. I might watch it tonight.

I think we filmmakers are the only ones who intentionally stand out in the bad weather to get the shot! it's all about being safe while you're in whatever weather it is. Having proper gear. Most crew has their bag of rain gear, gloves, warm clothes with them on any night shoot or winter weather. Production might have things like hand warmers, heaters to go stand and warm up and pop up tents if rain is too much. There's always someone watching for lightening so they can turn off generators and lights. I've never enjoyed the real cold times cause all the gear weighs you down and it's still cold! I think the best invention though are the heated vests, definitely worth the investment.

I rewatched Christmas with the Kranks and Krampus yesterday, Abram Christian. I plan on watching Fatman this weekend.

You're right, Xochi Blymyer. It's all about being safe while you're in whatever weather it is. Thanks for the tips.

I have been on film sets in almost every kind of weather: snowstorms, -30C on a sunny day, +40C on a sunny day, torrential rain, high winds etc. - and the most important factor to work in these kinds of exterior conditions is "PREPARATION! Each department needs to be prepared for any kind of weather: grips. electrics, camera, costumes, etc. Of course, shooting in any kind of weather is really about what KIND of scene you're shooting?" Can this scene be shot in this weather? What about scene continuity? Do we have to reschedule this scene? Do we have a "weather over" scene that we can shoot instead.

Great tip and questions to ask, Peter D. Marshall. Thanks for sharing them.