Media cards/ press accreditation – Each film crew member must obtain a media card from Uganda Media council (UMC). At Crystal Fixers Uganda, we can assist you to obtain media card within 2-3working days from the time all the necessary documents are submitted to Uganda Media council headquarters. Each filming crew member must sign Form – G and must be accompanied by passport copies and recent Passport size photos.
Filming contracts from Uganda Wildlife Authority – In case you want to filming in any Ugandan park, you must sign filming contract with Uganda Wildlife Authority. The filming crew must summit details for why they are filming, when to film and the size of the filming crew.
Regional filming permission – In most cases, regional filming permits are obtained from the authority of the filming area. In Uganda, filming permission is given by the RDCs, Chair persons and so on. The filming crew must seek permission by writing to the authority and then wait for reply.
Filming accessories/ equipment – filming equipment include:
- Drone
- Fluid head tripod
- Camera body
- Telephoto lens
- Field headphones
- Audio field recorder
- Macro lens extension tubes
- Lavaliere mic system
- Shotgun mic
Camera bodies – you need a camera that matches with the standard films required. Interestingly, the market for great filming cameras are available at affordable rates hence guaranteeing you the best of photography or film expedition in Uganda.
Make sure you purchase a camera that will enable you achieve your filming objectives. Do not just buy a camera because its cheap of expensive but stick on your filming objective and quality videos.
Choose a camera body with the necessary tools you require to get you the best pictures. When looking for a camera to use on a filming trip in Uganda, bear in mind that there is no perfect camera and they all have their own restrictions. This is why you must find a body that suits your filming desires and budget.
Zoom lens – for quality images on your filming tour, ensure that you find the best zoom lens. Yes, zoom lens technology has improved for many years but finding one that brings you the best images isn’t an easy task. To be a successful wildlife filmmaker or photography, you require 300mm F2.8 or 6000mm F4 lens etc. Or find digital SLRs great for wildlife photography/filming.
Tripods -If you have long lenses then bear in mind that you will need them supported. In case you heading for mountaineering filming or on-foot walk while filming, a tripod is required. A tripod that is strong enough to support a 600mm lens. Note, the longer the lens, the more susceptible your camera movement can be. Find the best tripods for great images on your filming tour in Uganda.
Shotgun microphones -Shotgun microphones are essential if you are interested in a quality audio recording in places with winds or unwanted sounds. When you find yourself in an area with wildlife far from you, the microphones serve the best purpose to capture the quality sound you require.
Teleconverter -Telephoto lenses are essential filming equipment you need to have if you are heading for wildlife photography. If you are heading for birding filming, most often, long lenses are required, and using converter serves best for small zoom lenses such as 300mm.
Drones -If you are interested in aerial videography/photography/film making then come with a drone in Uganda. Find a drone that gets you great images with good-lasting batteries, chargers, SD cards, and important features to help achieve a successful filming adventure.
