The on-location crew support hub where cast and crew receive meals, check wardrobe/makeup, park vehicles, and access production offices during filming. Base camps provide essential services away from the actual set.
Base Camp is the central crew support facility at a shooting location. Base Camp is spatially separated from the actual set/shooting site and offers catering, restrooms, parking, wardrobe/makeup tents, production offices, and other crew services.
| Component | Purpose | Size/Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Catering Tent | Meals, Craft Services | 500+ m² (for 50-100 crew) |
| Restroom Trailer | Sanitary facilities | 4-8 restrooms (standard) |
| Wardrobe Tent | Costume changes, storage | 200-400 m² |
| Makeup Trailer | Makeup artists, styling | 50-100 m² |
| Production Offices | PM, Producer, 1st AD offices | 100-200 m² |
| Cast Trailers | Private lounge for actors | 30-50 m² (per trailer) |
| Parking Area | Crew vehicles | Variable (150-300 spaces) |
| Equipment Storage | Equipment storage | 500+ m² |
| Security/Entrance | Access control | 20-30 m² |
INFRASTRUCTURE
Catering Tent (200 m²) €1000
Restrooms (2 Portable) €400
Parking (20 Spaces) €300
Equipment Tent €500
Security (1 Person) €200
Generators €300
WiFi/Power €200
Subtotal: €2,900/DayINFRASTRUCTURE
Catering Tent (600 m²) €2000
Restrooms (4 Portable) €800
Wardrobe Tent €800
Makeup Trailer €600
Production Offices €1000
Cast Trailers (2 × €500) €1000
Parking (60 Spaces) €1200
Equipment Storage €800
Security (2 Person) €400
Generators (150 kW) €600
Water/Drainage €400
WiFi/Internet €300
Subtotal: €9,500/DayINFRASTRUCTURE
Catering Tent (1200 m²) €4000
Restrooms (6-8 Portable) €1500
Wardrobe (2 Tents) €1500
Makeup Trailers (2) €1200
Production Offices (large) €2000
Cast Trailers (4-6 × €600) €3000
Parking (150+ Spaces) €3000
Equipment Storage (2 Tents) €1500
Security (4-6 Person) €1200
Generators (250+ kW) €1000
Water/Sewer Trucks €800
WiFi/Network €500
Catering Company (full crew) €12000
Subtotal: €32,700/DayRequirements:
Scouting Sites:
Base Camp Permits Needed For:
Private Property:
Catering:
Restrooms/Sanitation:
Portable Tents:
Parking:
Security:
Delivery & Setup:
Team Briefing:
EXAMPLE: 80-Crew Production, 5 Shoot Days
Breakfast (07:00-08:00)
80 Crew × €8 €640
Morning Snack (10:30-11:00)
80 Crew × €3 €240
Lunch (12:30-13:30)
80 Crew × €12 €960
Afternoon Snack (15:30-16:00)
80 Crew × €3 €240
Craft Services (Drinks, Snacks All Day)
€0.50 × 80 × 5 Days €200
Catering Company (Setup, Labor)
€500/Day × 5 €2,500
TOTAL 5-DAY CATERING: €4,780
PER PERSON: €12
PER CREW: €59.75 over 5 daysTypical Day:
Catering Company Must:
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Costume Racks | Organization by scene/actor |
| Sewing Machine & Repair | Quick fixes during shooting |
| Pressing/Steaming | Costume refresh |
| Mirror & Lighting | Final checks before set |
| Storage | Extra costumes, props |
Team: 1 Wardrobe Designer + 1-2 Assistants (depending on production)
| Feature | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Makeup Stations | 2-4 stations (depending on crew) |
| Hair Styling Area | Hair makeup & styling |
| Lighting | Professional-grade |
| Storage | Makeup, hair products |
| Mirror/Seating | Comfortable zones |
Team: 1-3 Makeup Artists + Hair Stylist (depending on production)
| Aspect | Cast Trailer (Talent) | Base Camp (Crew) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Near set, private | Distant, communal |
| Amenities | Comfortable, TV, sofa | Functional, tables, chairs |
| Catering | Craft services + special meals | Standard crew catering |
| Privacy | Private (locked, talent only) | Public |
| Cost | €400-800/trailer/day | Included in Base Camp budget |
| Staffing | Trailer attendant | N/A |
Note: Top talent typically has a private trailer (separate budget). Base Camp is for crew, not talent.
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Parking Shortage | Underestimated crew cars | Arrange shuttle service |
| Long Catering Waits | Too few service lines | Extra catering counters |
| Weather Protection | Unexpected rain | Large tents with overhead, heaters |
| Power Outages | Generator issues | Backup generator on-site |
| Security Issues | Unexpected guests | Strict gate control |
| Sanitation Problems | Insufficient restrooms | Extra portable restrooms |
| Internet Problems | Weak WiFi | Mobile hotspot backup |
Base Camp is often underestimated but absolutely critical for production efficiency. Poor Base Camp = low crew morale = schedule problems. Good Base Camp = happy crew = smooth production.
Für mich ist wichtig, dass im Base Camp ein trockener Bereich für Equipment-Checks existiert. Bei Außendrehs brauche ich Schutz vor Staub und Feuchtigkeit für sensible Kameratechnik. Der Weg zwischen Base Camp und Set sollte für schweres Equipment gut befahrbar sein.
Base Camp muss nah genug am Set sein, dass ich schnell Schauspieler holen kann, aber weit genug, dass Crew-Lärm nicht ins Audio kommt. Ich brauche einen ruhigen Bereich für Besprechungen mit dem DoP oder Script-Reviews. Die Qualität des Caterings beeinflusst die Stimmung am Set enorm.
Base Camp ist eine der größten Logistik-Herausforderungen. Gut organisiert bedeutet glückliche Crew, bessere Effizienz, weniger Verzögerungen. Budget für Base Camp ist typisch €2-5K pro Dreh-Tag. Das umfasst Catering, Toiletten, Parkplatz-Rental, Zelt/Infrastruktur, Sicherheit. Ich suche immer 2-3 Parkplatz-Optionen neben Set – Parkplatz ist goldwert wenn man 50 Crew hat.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Base Camp"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.