Russia - surprisingly easy to film in

In St Petersburg, no visa

It seems odd that Russia has reached a point where they realise the value of the western world and accept it in St Petersburg by allowing entry without a visa provided you are on a registered tour. The stupid thing is, the tour can be, 'on your own'. On your own means the coach takes you somewhere and says goodbye, you then are free to walk or go anywhere.

I am not sure I recall seeing a policeman. I saw a huge number of the pick-pockets we were warned about, and although they were extremely obvious I have been pick-pocketed twice, both in Romania so I can't suggest I am immune. More police in Russia would be nice, protecting the tourist.

Being an action film director by trade you hope you see these things coming, but it is not always the case and sometimes they happen so fast. In Romania it was different, a girl waits by a less busy cash point and as you turn away she literally grabs your personal area offering you sex. By the time you have refused your money and wallet is gone, you turn to try and redeem it and the girl vanishes. It is a well rehearsed routine that could get them into being members of the inner magic circle, but they would have to work small clubs for little wages and they make more from tourists. In Russia it is normally a younger man or woman offering your a leaflet for a tour. They engage you to sell you a tour and the older partners works you from behind. In the Church of the Spilled Blood the crowds are so crushed together and standing on awe of the place there is no need for a foil, you are just a target.

So, warning aside, carry little, no wallet, no handbag, and hold the camera. Cameras are targets in St Petersburg. You then get the freedom of the city.

We use a real simple camera set up. A Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera that shoots at 2k, with an active Metabones on the front to a Canon 17mm to 40mm USM lens. A radio mic receiver plugs straight into the camera, Doris wears the mic and send unit. Rarely do I listen to the sound so I do not even wear headphones. The wave form of the sound can be seen to move, the background noise is what it is, and normally battery failure on the mic shows up as high level constant noise. So, as a film team we are invisible, however I am not sure that it would have made any difference, not even in St Petersburg.

Church of the Spilled Blood

It is amazing how the Christian church still has such a hold over Russia. It could be an interesting debate as to how wars are really won or lost and whether the benefit is rebels and dollars flowing as directed by the victor. The church is an incredible sight and major tourist trap. It claims to be closed on Mondays, as do many things in St Petersburg, but, it was open on Monday. You have to look at the crowds and ask why would you ever close it.

St Petersburg on your own

The on your own tour rents you an audio pen for a few dollars. I can't imagine why you would not hire one as it tells you so much and without it you are just walking around. There is far too much to see in one day, and many of the things are perhaps not too amazing, but take a look at the tour that sets you free without a visa.