Another advantage of the use of A.T.A. carnets is that no national security for the payment of import duties and taxes has to be lodged with the countries in transit or temporary admission as this security is provided by an international guaranteeing chain.
The A.T.A. carnet may also be optionally used for temporary exportation from and re-importation into the country of issue of the carnet. However, it is important to note that the A.T.A. carnets can never be used for importation for home use, nor for the sole use as a transit or temporary exportation document.
Transport of equipment between a EU member and a non-member state
At present, over 75 countries accept Carnets. New members are added periodically. The ATA convention aims to simplify temporary import and export operations between EU member and non-member states.
The ATA carnet allows for several border crossings in the course of a temporary import or export operation, such as the transport of equipment for a film shoot. The carnet is issued by the Chambers of Commerce and Industry or their equivalent in the country of origin and is valid for a maximum of one year for an unlimited, but previously specified number of border crossings registered by the Chamber of Commerce.
Final re-importation must take place within the carnet's period of validity and before the last re-importation date specified by customs in the counterfoil and export sections of the document. The carnet once used, must be returned to the Chamber of Commerce at the latest one month after the expiration of its period of validity.
Transporting rushes
If the film was bought in Europe: In every case, whether the film is developed in Europe or abroad, exportation is permanent.
If the film comes from abroad: Since film changes its status, i.e. is exposed, during a shooting, it cannot be regarded as temporary import.
http://www.iccwbo.org/index_ata.asp
http://www.uscib.org/index.asp?documentID=718
http://www.uscib.org
Electricity
The current is AC 120 volts 60 Hz. Adapter plugs can be purchased locally for computers and other electrical appliances.
http://www.traveloasis.com/electrical.html
Weather
California has a temperate sunny climate conducive to year-round production. The seasons in California are similar with the European hemisphere. Weather patterns vary from region to region with L.A. experiencing dry hot summer with no rainfall, and little rain in winter.
Summer temperatures average between 15 to 40˚ Celsius (60 – 104˚F) at midday. On the whole, California is a dry state with a mean annual rainfall in Los Angeles of approx. 14 mm. Snowfall is limited to mountain peaks.
http://www.wunderground.com/US/CA/
Public Holidays in the US
1st January
3rd Monday in January
12th February
3rd Monday in February
March/April (after easter Sun.)
Last Monday in May
4th July
1st Monday in September
2nd Monday in October
11th November
4th Thursday in November
25th December
Note: Normally, if a holiday falls on a Sunday the following Monday is observed; If on a Saturday, the previous Friday.
http://www.smart.net/~mmontes/ushols.html
Accommodations
The prices and quality of the hotels vary vastly and it is best to work through Warped Pictures for these bookings or to obtain advice before committing through your agent. We negotiate discounted rates at most hotels.
http://www.hotels.com/
http://www.orbitz.com/App/Landing?siteID=10018&placementID=151&pageID=2
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