In the coldest month of this year I supervised visual effects for the feature film The Ice Road (2020) in Winnipeg, Canada. It was the most challenging professional endeavour for a myriad of reasons; temperatures fell as low as -46 degrees celsius, the majority of the film shot exterior, and there was a global pandemic to boot.
In preparation for this show I asked how best to ascertain quality data, consistently, despite unknown variables and harsh conditions. Evidently, the internet lacked the necessary information from a visual effects perspective and the VES handbook made no mention of how best to prepare.
I hope to supplement that with this article, I’ll outline my experience and inform those planning to shoot in similar conditions with appropriate information, and most importantly the necessary safety precautions.
Topics discussed:
Winter gear, temperature management, remaining agile
Electronics below zero
Cameras and Lenses
Balls and charts
Tracking markers & Greenscreen challenges
Monopods & tripods
Environmental challenges; ice, wind, snow
Health, bacterial infections, frostbite, dehydration
WINTER GEAR
This is more important than anything else I’ll discuss because YOU COULD DIE. The Manitobans I worked with shared their wisdom so my situation improved as we progressed. The first thing you should consider is how to shield your body parts most effectively while remaining effective.
GLOVE system
The best gloves are mittens because they keep your little piggies huddling together, however, I couldn’t wear mittens as my job requires finger dexterity to operate cameras, smartphones, write, and operate zippers. After a ton of research, I found Heat 3 Smart Gloves which are most ideal yet very expensive. They’re a three-in-one glove system allowing you to stay warm, grip and operate cameras, while enabling one to interact with touch-sensitive technology. I discovered these too late in the process and realized they would’ve shipped halfway through our shoot. So I managed to concoct a cheaper alternative for $60 CAD using Freehand gloves, worn atop women’s Lululemon Cross Chill Run gloves which enabled smart-touch ability. The Freehand gloves came with palm grips I trusted, fingertip access with magnet locks which I appreciated. Any glove you consider should have a pad tp wipe your nose… just saying.
I rate my glove system 6/10, I survived but suffered bouts of discomfort, mild frostbite, fingernail abrasion infection, and in some cases I was sidelined to recover after prolonged exposure while gathering data or spent too much time gipping shake activated hand warmers. Look at some of my DAMAGE!
JACKET
I wore a Canada Goose Expedition Parka rated for -30°C and below for my adventure. Ethical concerns aside, I don’t understand how I would have managed without a jacket of this ilk. The waist-high drawcord and down-filled hood came equipped with shaping wires that kept the wind and cold at bay for my 12h periods of exposure. I was super impressed with the size and position of its pockets I would often house x2 Canon cameras, a Theta Z1, iphone, ipad, and misc gear…. effortlessly.
Footwear System
This is where I failed miserably and if it weren’t for my trusty Data Wrangler Liam Karp offering his spare NEOS I may have just lost my feets! What the F are Neos? They’re boots worn over boots, providing extra separation from frozen tundra, increased waterproof protection, rated for -20°C, and allow for ice spike straps.
Spend the money on proper gear.
ONE DAY I WILL FINISH THIS ENTRY.