Surviving the Summer Heat: A Filmmaker’s Guide to Staying Cool on Set (and Keeping Your Gear in Check) 🌞🎬

Summer shoots can be a challenge, especially when you're working in extreme heat. We learned a lot from our experience filming A Sense of Dread under the blazing sun in a California desert with temperatures hitting 115°F and surviving the Auburn heat for Red Flamingos. From keeping our cast and crew cool to making sure our equipment didn’t overheat, here are a few tips and tricks we picked up along the way that could save you from a heatstroke (or worse) during your next summer shoot.

1. Give Your Cast and Crew More Breaks 💦

This seems obvious, but it’s easy to overlook when you're on a tight shooting schedule. The heat can take a toll on everyone’s energy levels, so make sure to give your cast and crew frequent breaks. These breaks are vital for rehydration, physical recovery, and touch-ups to keep everyone looking their best. It’s also important to check in with everyone’s well-being—heat exhaustion is real, and no scene is worth someone getting sick on set. Remember, the happier and more comfortable your team feels, the better the work will be!

2. Keep Your Crew Hydrated 💧

Hydration is key, but it’s not just about water. Electrolytes are your friend! Make sure your cast and crew have access to drinks that replenish salts, like sports drinks or coconut water, which can help keep everyone energized and balanced. Set up a hydration station to ensure your team always has water on hand, especially if you're in an isolated location.

3. Keep Your Equipment Cool 🎥

Your gear is just as susceptible to the heat as you are. Digital cameras, in particular, can overheat quickly when exposed to the sun for too long. If you're filming in direct sunlight, try to keep your gear in shaded areas or under tents when not in use. A portable fan or cooling fan for your camera can make a big difference as well. On the set of A Sense of Dread, shooting outdoors in 115-degree heat, we had to get creative. We actually used ice packs (the kind you use for kids when they’re sick or have a swollen cheek) on our cameras to keep them from overheating. It sounds funny, but it worked wonders!

Pro Tip: Use sunshades for your camera lenses to prevent glare and minimize overheating. If you're filming in extremely hot conditions, invest in a cooling vest or fan specifically designed for cameras and lenses.

4. Don’t Overdo the Powder on Makeup 💄

When it’s hot, makeup tends to slide off, and powder seems like a quick fix to stop that shine. However, too much powder can leave your actors looking cakey and dull. Instead of continuously adding more powder, try blotting with a tissue or oil-absorbing sheets. This way, you keep your cast looking fresh without overloading on makeup. Keep in mind that less is more when it comes to makeup in the heat—focus on using setting sprays and light touch-ups instead of layers upon layers of powder.

5. Dress for the Occasion 👗

Make sure your team is dressed appropriately for the weather. Light, breathable fabrics are your best friends when you're working in extreme heat. Crew members, especially those working outdoors, should opt for moisture-wicking clothing to stay cool and dry. Avoid dark colors—they attract heat! Hats and sunglasses are also essential, not just for your cast, but your crew too. Protect yourself from the sun and the elements while keeping comfortable on set.

6. Set Up a Chill Zone 🏖️

If you’re shooting in a desert or another hot environment, create a “chill zone” with tents, fans, and coolers for the cast and crew to retreat to between takes. This provides a comfortable place to escape the heat, reset physically, and take a breather. If possible, make sure this space is equipped with cold towels, fresh water, and a spot for actors and crew members to reset before jumping back into action. Even a few minutes of cooling off can make a huge difference in how your team performs.

7. Don’t Forget to Keep Your Props and Costumes in Mind 🎭

If you’re working with props or costumes that are sensitive to heat (like fabrics that fade or melt in the sun), keep them in a shaded area or protected. For example, props with delicate features (like certain fabrics or vintage items) could easily get damaged in extreme heat, so make sure they are covered or kept indoors when not in use.

8. Bring Extra Sunscreen (and Reapply Frequently) 🧴

You can’t rely on one application of sunscreen to last through hours of filming. Make sure everyone is reapplying frequently, especially if you’re working outside for an extended period. Have a backup stash of sunscreen on set and remind your team to stay protected—especially the crew members working directly under the sun for lighting, camera, or grip work.

Summer shoots can be tough, but with some planning and a few tricks up your sleeve, you can keep things cool, calm, and collected. So stay hydrated, protect your gear, and don’t forget to keep the mood light and fun—your team will appreciate it!