In the fast-paced world of film production, managing the travel and accommodation needs of large, international crews requires a high level of expertise.
Ryan Makepeace, freelance Travel & Accommodation Coordinator, shares insights into how TAG’s specialised services—from their deep understanding of local markets to their global reach—have been instrumental in supporting his role to facilitate production travel. Whether it’s navigating last-minute travel changes or accommodating hundreds of crew members in remote locations, Ryan highlights the reasons why TAG is his go-to partner in keeping productions on track.
Local Expertise & Global Reach
How does TAG’s local expertise in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore benefit film productions?
Understanding the complexities of local productions and their specific needs is invaluable. TAG consultants, with their deep knowledge of regular flights and the ability to anticipate travel requests, play a crucial role in keeping my work and productions on schedule.
Can you provide an example of how TAG’s global network has facilitated a complex international travel arrangement for a project?
The global network helps deliver the best airfares, and as I get to know more consultants around the world, I find there are more people I can go to help solve any international challenges in the moment. Most recently, a time sensitive example was where a crew member’s family had inadvertently booked themselves on a different connecting flight to Australia and we had to quickly get them onto the same flight out of LA. I was able to call LA directly and get straight to the resolution.
Personalised Service
How does having a dedicated TAG consultant improve the travel management experience for film productions?
Dedicated consultants ensure a more efficient workflow. TAG consultants get to know the travellers just as I do. It helps that I can quickly call and mention a name; they know exactly who I am talking about, along with any of their special requests and often what needs to happen.
Can you share a specific instance where a TAG consultant went above and beyond to resolve an issue or meet a unique request?
Production timeframes are often the most challenging. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made after hours calls to TAG consultants just to ensure we don’t miss a ticketing deadline after studio approvals come in overnight or over the weekend.
Logistics & Coordination
How does TAG ensure smooth coordination of logistics for transporting cast, crew and equipment to various locations?
With one call or email I can book the full A to B travel for our international visitors—cars, flights and accommodation.
Can you describe a challenge or scenario that TAG successfully managed for a film production?
Accommodating 500-strong film crews in remote locations is often an interesting challenge. From Far North Queensland, the Whitsundays and most recently Stradbroke Island, TAG has always helped find the beds for crews to sleep in, even when it may look like our numbers exceed all the local availability.
Cost Savings
Can you provide a specific example of how TAG has secured better rates for flights, hotels or other services, benefiting your production?
On a recent production, TAG was able to use their global presence to provide significantly cheaper flight quotes helping keep the travel costs more in line with the prices that had been budgeted.
Communication & Responsiveness
How does TAG’s 24/7 communication contribute to a smoother travel management experience?
TAG24 services give me the flexibility to keep working when I need to. If there is a pressing issue that cannot wait or even a last-minute request, I can always get someone to look into it when I need answers.
Do you have an example of how fast response times helped in a time-sensitive situation?
The most common example would be crew members that were stuck in traffic or not making it to the airport in time to check in. On a larger scale, responding to the SAG-AFTRA strike last year was quite a mission as we quickly returned a whole crew and ensemble cast back to work within a week of the announcement.
Unique Offering
What do you think sets TAG apart from its other competitors?
The people set TAG apart. I have worked with many of the consultants before and followed them to TAG during the recent pandemic.
What do you love about working with TAG?
TAG provides the support I need to be successful as a travel coordinator, as we work together to move large groups of cast and crew around the world.