I've been really pulling to bring my own gaffer, but that hasn't gone over well. Thanks for all the input, it's really helping me know what to expect.
Bruce - how has communication with your crew been? Do you speak russian, or do they speak english? If you (or they) don't, how are you communicating with them?
Luckily I am bringing all of my own camera department, and the production is bring their own AD's, so we will work on the American system of slating and marking.
Unfortunately I leave in 2 weeks, and the director and producers don't speak english very well at all, so the communication as far as my needs go has been very... difficult and limited. However, I am arriving a week before principal photography begins so I am hoping to go to the rental house, wherever that may be, and meet the people and go through all the equipment myself.
Thanks again for all your help, it's really given me a lot to plan for and think through.