Film Basecamp Setup: Planning Your Production RV Fleet

Every film production, from indie features to major studio blockbusters, relies on a well-organized basecamp as its operational nerve center. A properly planned basecamp keeps talent comfortable, departments efficient, and production running smoothly. This guide covers everything production coordinators need to know about planning and setting up a professional film basecamp.

What is a Film Basecamp?

A film basecamp is the temporary headquarters for a production, typically positioned near but separate from the active filming location. It houses the entire supporting infrastructure needed to keep a production running:

• Talent trailers and green rooms
• Hair, makeup, and wardrobe departments
• Production offices and video village
• Catering and craft services
• Crew rest areas and facilities
• Equipment staging and storage

Basecamp Layout Planning

Site Selection Criteria

The ideal basecamp location balances several factors:

• Proximity to Set: Close enough for quick talent calls, far enough to avoid camera/sound interference
• Access: Easy entry/exit for large trailers and production vehicles
• Surface: Level ground, preferably paved or gravel (not soft grass that damages easily)
• Utilities: Access to power (or space for generators), water connections if available
• Size: Adequate space for all required trailers plus maneuvering room

Layout Zones

Professional basecamps are organized into functional zones:

Essential Basecamp Trailers

Talent Trailers

Department Trailers

• Hair & Makeup Trailer: Multiple styling stations, good lighting, ventilation
• Wardrobe Trailer: Costume storage, fitting area, steamer hookups
• Production Office: Desks, phones, printer/copier, meeting space
• AD Trailer: Assistant directors' base of operations
• Video Village Trailer: Monitors, director and client seating

Support Trailers

• Honeywagon: Restroom facilities, sometimes with H/M stations - see our honeywagon rental guide
• Catering Truck: Full kitchen for meal preparation
• Grip/Electric Trailer: Equipment storage and staging
• Camera Truck: Secure camera equipment storage

For detailed information on talent accommodations, see our talent trailer rental guide.

"A well-organized basecamp is invisible to the audience but essential to every frame on screen. We've coordinated basecamps for productions from 10-unit indie shoots to 60+ trailer studio features. The key is matching the right trailer mix to production needs."

— Mike Richardson, Fleet Operations Director, EventFleetRV

Fleet Size by Production Type

Power and Utilities

Generator Requirements

Most basecamps run entirely on generator power:

• Tow-behind generators: 50-300 kW units for trailer power
• Distribution: Spider boxes and cable runs to each trailer
• Placement: Generators positioned downwind, away from talent areas
• Redundancy: Backup generator for critical systems

Typical Power Needs

Water and Sanitation

• Water truck: Fresh water delivery for trailers without hookups
• Gray water: Collection and removal of sink/shower drainage
• Honeywagon service: Regular pumping of restroom facilities
• Portable sinks: Handwashing stations as required

Setup Timeline

Pre-Production

• 4-6 weeks out: Confirm trailer orders, reserve equipment
• 2-3 weeks out: Site survey, layout planning, utility arrangements
• 1 week out: Confirm delivery schedule, coordinate with locations

Setup Day

• Dawn: Transportation team arrives, begins trailer placement
• Morning: Trailers positioned according to layout plan
• Midday: Power distribution, hookups, leveling
• Afternoon: Interior staging, department setup
• Evening: Final walkthrough, ready for Day 1

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a film basecamp?

A film basecamp is the central hub for production operations, typically located near but separate from the actual filming location. It houses talent trailers, production offices, catering, hair/makeup/wardrobe departments, and crew facilities.

How many trailers do you need for a film production?

The number of trailers depends on production size. A typical feature film needs 15-30+ trailers including: star wagons for lead actors, double/triple bangers for supporting cast, honeywagons for H/M/W, production trailers, and crew facilities.

How much space is needed for a film basecamp?

A small production basecamp needs 1-2 acres, while large productions may require 3-5+ acres. Space requirements include trailer parking, vehicle access lanes, generator placement, catering tents, and parking for production vehicles.

Who manages basecamp on a film set?

The transportation department, led by the Transportation Coordinator and Transportation Captain, manages basecamp operations. They oversee trailer placement, vehicle logistics, and coordinate with locations department for site management.

Basecamp Best Practices

• ☑️ Create detailed layout diagrams before setup day
• ☑️ Position talent trailers for privacy (not facing crew areas)
• ☑️ Keep generators away from talent and quiet areas
• ☑️ Plan for weather—provide covered walkways if needed
• ☑️ Establish clear traffic patterns for vehicles
• ☑️ Mark fire lanes and emergency access routes
• ☑️ Post directional signage for departments
• ☑️ Have backup plans for trailer or generator failures

Coordinate Your Production Basecamp

A well-planned basecamp is invisible to the audience but essential to every frame on screen. Getting the right trailers, positioned properly, with reliable utilities and support services makes the difference between a smooth production day and constant interruptions.

Our team coordinates complete basecamp packages for productions of all sizes. From single-unit indie shoots to major studio features requiring 50+ trailers, we handle the logistics so you can focus on making great content.