Our production company is flying to Mali, Africa in mid February to shoot B-Roll for a feature doc about musicians and we will be shooting music videos at the same time. The Canon's will be the principle cameras shooting 24f. We will be there for 1 month.

WHAT I ALREADY HAVE:
(2) Canon XH-A1's (shooting 24f)
(2) Sony V1U's (shooting 24p)
(1) Precision Optics Wide angle adapter for Sony V1U
(2) Seinheiser Wireless Evolution100 Lav's
(1) Seinheiser Wireless G2 Lav
(1) Audio Technical AT897
(4) Manfrotto Tripods with 503 heads
(1) Nebtek 70HD Monitor fitted for Canon batts & Sony plate
(1) Latest MacBook 17" 4GB ram High Res w/FC Studio 2
(1) Canon EOS 400mm AF Telephoto Lens
(1) Protools system (already in Africa)
(1) Lowell Light Kit (already in Africa)
(1) Generator (already in Africa)
Mic stands (already in Africa)


WHAT I AM CONSIDERING:

(2) Porta Brace RS-XHAG1 Mini-DV Rain Slicker
(1) Audio-Technica AT835ST - Stereo Shotgun Condenser Mic
(1) K-Tek K-SM - Adjustable Boompole Shock mount
(1) K-Tek K-BWC 3/8" Threaded Camera Microphone Ring Adapter for Canon and Sony Cameras
(1) K-Tek Graphic Collapsable Pole w/ XLR Cable
(2) K-Tek Zeppelins for short shotgun
(1) Redrock M2 35mm Kit/adapter
(1) Nikkor 50mm prime
(1) Nikkor Prime (Suggestions?)
(1) Canon EOS mount for Redrock Micro M2 (to use EOS lens)
(1) Microdolly Basic Dolly Kit
(1) Microdolly Basic Jib
(1) Century Precision Optics 0.8x Wide Angle Converter Lens (Zoom Through, 72mm Rear Thread)
(4) Lenmar BP945 Equiv. batteries for Canon
(4) Sony L-Series Batteries
(1) Carry-on Pelican to fit 2 XH-A1's.
(1) I want a Monitor Arm that will mount between the tripod plate and the camera (no 1/4" 20 on the top of the Canon like the Panny.) I might have to make part if it doesn't exist. I don't want to mount the 5 lb. Nebtek on the Camera hot shoe.


ANYTHING ELSE?


Is equipment insurance for 1 month a good idea? If so, which company?
Bounce cards for interviews?


IS THE REDROCK A MUST FOR MUSIC VIDEOS?
My main confusion is whether or not to purchase the redrock due to size, setup time and dust in the lens. Suggestions here?


IN A NUTSHELL...

...we will be doing some running and gunning and be in the capital city of Bomako. Some shoots will be more controlled for interviews and music video performances. Occasionally we will travel to villages outside the city to capture nature/landscape/ceremony b-roll of tribes dancing and playing music. Any additions to the eqipment I may have missed is appreciated. Anyone with this type of experience who wants to throw in ideas, concerns, experience or anyhting else, please do!! Thank you.

~Larry H.

The stereo microphone is a good idea. Maybe a Sound Devices 302 and a Tascam CF recorder for dual system recording and ambient sound.

Looking forward to a break from the snow?

Thanks for the suggestion Glenn.
I'll look into the equipment you suggested.

Actually I want more snow! Back in the 80's/90's we used to get snow here in the foothills in measurements of feet, not inches. You must have your power back on if you replied to this thread.

Are you a video producer in N.C.? If you are interested, we are having a video consortium meeting at my place on Tuesday, Jan. 8th at 7pm. If you are interested, email me at larry@tlhvideosound.com . The meeting will be comprised of video producers of all kinds. It's our third meeting and is a good place to make connections.

Email sent.

Power was restored around 7:30 last night. A couple of flickers tonight, but so far so good.

Larry

Just noticed there were some batteries in your 'to buy' list. As an aside, there are some severe new TSA restrictions on packing lithium batteries in checked baggage that went into effect Jan 01. I don't think it'll affect the ones you listed but you might want to double check to make sure you don't encounter any last minute hold-ups.

On the topic of buying equipment, I'm after a tripod that would be sufficient to carry on planes, but also be stable for a Z7 and also has decent height to be able to get above most people when shooting.

I don't want to check my tripod in, I'm talking to the airlines about carrying both my camera and tripod on board with me.

What experience have other people found with this?

I'm going to Africa via Bangkok and Kenya.

Thanks.