Filmmaking Production Gear Essentials
You've got your camera gear and your lighting gear, but what about all the other essential things you need during production? Well, that's where I've got you covered with my list of production gear that's essential for any shoot.
First up, you'll want a slate with some dry erase markers. A slate is essential for making sure the editor knows exactly what each shot is. Plus if you're not shooting sync sound, you'll need the clap to help sync the audio and video together.
Next is an iPad. Having an iPad on set allows you to have digital versions of all of your documents. So you don't have to worry about Gary spilling coffee on them. Plus if you use shot Lister and I highly recommend you do, then it's a must have tool for keeping track of your schedule and shot list.
Next is a white balance and color checker card. A white balance and color checking card is a card you can use to white balance your camera and achieve accurate colors. While these babies might be a bit pricey, they are well worth the money as they are a big help when color balancing and correcting.
And of course you'll also need tape. Gaffers tape is tape specifically designed for filmmaking. It's strong, but also leaves no residue when you remove it. So it's great for all of your tape needs while shooting such as leaving markers for talent, holding cords down safely, and more. I recommend you purchase it in a one or two inch black color, but they also come in a wide range of various other colors as well. For markers for talent, a bright half inch color works best.
Next is a multi-tool. Multi tools can be extremely handy to have onset, as you never know what tool you might need. I especially love having one to assist with removing tripod plates off my camera. I suggest that you find one that has a blade, so you can also cut through things when you're in a bind.
I also recommend you pick up a few handy-dandy A clamps, A clamps are heavy duty metal clamps that can help keep various things in place on set. I like to use larger ones to hold duvetyne or backdrops up. I also have smaller ones that I use in place of C47s for safety reasons if I'm fixing a gel or diffusion to a light that might get really hot.
Next is a binder. Having a binder to use as your production binder is essential to keeping things organized on and off set. Inside you can keep copies of all of your documents, such as the script, call sheets, schedules, and more.
Next and often overlooked is pens. You'd be surprised how often you might need a pen on set and how often they are forgotten. So make sure you bring a few and don't expect to get them back. Those babies disappear in no time. Seriously, what is it about the human condition that just innately causes us to lose pens?
Anyway, and finally an external hard drive. Okay, in truth this one might not be essential. However, it's about 50% of the time where I do actually need one onset. So it's probably not a bad idea to pack one with you. External hard drives can be super handy if you want to download the footage off your camera cards. This could be needed if you're not shooting on your own cards and need to return them at the end of the shoot, or if you simply just want to back up your footage.
So now that you know these production gear essentials, you'll be off to a good start no matter what you're shooting.
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