You're facing filming delays due to weather. How can you handle client expectations effectively?

Dealing with filming delays due to weather can be tricky, but keeping clients happy is all about communication and preparation. When you put your production schedule together, you already know if bad weather is a possibility, and you have a backup plan in place. This can also be a great way to show your clients that you are on top of things, and that you are committed to delivering the best results!

Un correcto diseño de producción disminuye los riesgo y de esta manera se controlan los gastos e imprevistos. Siempre que se trabajen escenas en exteriores y donde el clima es fundamental para el correcto desarrollo del rodaje, se debe tener en cuenta, que estas escenas son las primeras que deben ser filmadas. Ya que en caso de inclemencias se puede enrocar las escenas exteriores con las escenas interiores y pasar los exteriores a las horas o días posteriores. De esta manera no se altera el producto ni el presupuesto. Y el backup está contemplado en el mismo diseño desde un origen. Haciendo que que el cliente, equipo y talentos no se sorprendan ante un cambio climático y de esta manera conservar la calma desde un primer momento.

One effective strategy I've discovered is to communicate openly with clients about the potential for weather changes, especially when the weather patterns are highly variable. It's crucial to make clients aware of this possibility and to develop contingency plans accordingly. To ensure these preparations are clearly understood and agreed upon, it's important to include specific clauses in contracts that address weather-related delays. These clauses should outline how such delays will be managed, whether through the use of backup locations, indoor alternatives, or the allocation of additional shooting days. By doing so, you can provide clarity and set expectations, ultimately helping to mitigate any delays caused by unpredictable weather.

Always check weather while scheduling a shoot and leading up to it. Have plans B and C ready for days that are less predictable.

It's easy to be tempted to keep clients out of the loop when weather conditions start changing, especially if the contract already includes clauses to handle such situations. However, it's crucial to keep clients informed about any changes. This transparency allows them to participate in the decision-making process, ensuring that necessary steps are taken to achieve their desired outcomes. By involving clients in these decisions, you not only meet deadlines and align with their expectations but also build a foundation of trust. This trust can lead to stronger client relationships and increase the likelihood of being considered for future projects.

As soon as weather concerns arise that could affect the filming schedule, I prioritize prompt communication with the client. Transparently outlining the situation, potential impacts, and mitigation steps demonstrates proactive management of expectations. Keeping the client informed and involved in decision-making alleviates concerns and fosters a collaborative approach to navigating unforeseen challenges in the project timeline.

En estos casos, se recomienda siempre tener un plan B, bien sea: 1. Cover set 2. Póliza de filmación que cubra gastos adicionales por mal clima 3. Acores en stand by para cubrir planes de rodaje “sorpresa”

While possible solutions to weather-related issues are typically included in the contract clauses, this alone often isn't enough to address weather problems effectively. It is crucial to involve clients in the decision-making process. By doing so, you can engage in brainstorming sessions to develop alternative solutions that may not have been covered in the contract. During these discussions, you can explore various creative options, such as transitioning to virtual shoots or adjusting the script to accommodate shooting delays. This collaborative approach not only helps resolve unforeseen challenges but also ensures that the final outcome aligns with the client's vision and expectations.

Always be prepared to come up with an effective solution, because the client doesn't care much about the difficulties of the weather for that day, mostly it rests on your shoulders. So what one can do is to modify the scene and think how this weather can be better than the weather we expected. It might not be easy, but if you can really do it effectively without compromising the quality of the shoot, then it can be really helpful. Also, be patient, sometimes waiting for a few hours or making changes in the schedule, so that you can wait for the clouds or rain to pass or the sun to come up, is actually better than getting panicked and aborting the shoot. Think about how the current conditions can be utilized. Don't drop the shoot early.

- Researching and understanding local climates Each locations has its own unique weather patterns and microclimates .it is critical to thoroughly researched and understand the weather conditions of the shooting location. This will help in anticipating and planning for any potential weather related challenges that may arise during the shoot.