There are some things that you probably shouldn’t ever shoot without. For me, my prized tools are my skateboard and gaffer’s tape. For you, they may be something else. Here is a small list of some things that have been very useful on the shoots that I have been on.
Gaffer’s Tape
Long gone are the days of when I used duct tape for everything, I have since seen the light. If you have never used Gaffer’s tape, it is far superior, stick nicely to the things you need, and doesn’t leave any annoying residue when you take it off. The tape itself is actually made of a cloth type material, and is very strong. Helps for if you need to fix a broken light stand, attach a component to your camera, or tape down a green screen. It runs a little more pricey than duct tape, but a roll of this will save you hours of picking goop off of your tools afterward.
Dry Erase Board
If you are shooting short films, or have a lot of different shots for a commercial, you might want to invest in a slate. Or you could just hit the craft store and get a dry erase board and some markers for about a tenth of the price. This will make things easier on you when you bring your shots into your editor, and lets you identify them nice and easily.
Flashlight or LED Keychain
This is definitely a little $2 piece that I use daily, even if I am not shooting. If you need to peek into your pack to find something, if its dark out and you left your lens cap in the grass, or if you just need a little bit of light to find the keyholes for a location, this will definitely save you a bout of frustration. Next time you are on your way to a shoot, pick one up at the cash register at the gas station, you will be amazed at how much you will turn to it.
Cushion for Knees, Elbows & Shoulders
You know those garderning foam mats your grandmother uses to kneel in the garden and trim her petunias? That is exactly what I am talking about. We all have to get that epic low shot, or change our perspective once in a while, and sometimes our tripod doesn’t go low enough. Throw a mat down underneath the part of your body that is taking the bulk of your weight…. and RELEIF! No more sore knees tomorrow!
Garbage Bags
No, they aren’t to carry your junk, but to aid as another thing to lay down on if you are getting a shot. You don’t want to be getting your threads all gunked up in the dirt, or after a fresh downpour… Just cut up a big garbage bag and lay it out flat. Weigh it down with some rocks nearby, and you will stay squeaky clean!
Skateboard or Inline Skates
This is definitly the poor man’s approach to a dolly/truck shot. But you can do a bit more than that. Just last week I did a few 360 orbit shots of some mopeds using nothing but my camera, an Ikan Superfly cage for grip, and my skateboard. Client thought the shots looked gorgeous and I wasn’t out a ton of money buying track. You might need to do some stabilization afterwards in post, but at least you can get the genral movement of the shot.
3 Prong to 2 Prong Plug Converter and Extension Cords
How many times have you had an extension cord, and there are only 2 prong outlets available on a power strip? You’re camera is out of batteries and you still have an hour of shooting left? Well, no more wasting time… just grab a couple of these at the hardware store, and attach them to everything with a 3 prong head on it. You will never, ever run into this situation ever again with a 3 prong to 2 prong adapter.
Laptop & Appropriate Cables and Card Readers
There are a couple of reasons why you will want to have this on hand. One, your client might really want to see that shot blown up, and you might want to check your focus, light and such on a larger screen if you don’t have a monitor available. Second, if you work with card based cameras, you might run out of room and have to unload your media onto your hard drive to shoot more footage past the capacity of your memory cards. You never know when you might forget to hit STOP RECORD on one of the best shots of the day.
Fans
If you shoot a lot of green screen, or studio production, you will notice that your talent tends to get very heated under those lights. Give them a small personal fan, or have some box fans at the studio to circulate the air so everyone stays happy. Overheated actors are not happy actors… leads to frustration, flustration, and overall sweating, which is never good looking on video.
Leatherman & Other Tools
It’s always smart to have pliers, screwdriver and a pocket knife available for a multitude of tasks. You might need to tighten a light stand, your tripod legs, screw the shoe into your camera, or whatever. You never want to get caught without a means to fix your set when a problem presents itself.
Big Carboard Box Painted White
This will serve three very different purposes. One, it will act as a white balance card. Second, you can bounce light onto a subject, and third you can block light for a subject. Make sure you grab one of those really big boxes (non-glossy) for something like funiture, break it down and tape the ends together so it won’t un-collapse. Then grab a can of white spray paint and put a few coats on it. Viola! You didn’t have spend $50 on a 5-in-1 (although I do recommend having something like that for diffusion.)
Extra Batteries
I can’t stress enough how important enough battery life is, especially if you aren’t going to be able plugin to AC power anywhere. Things like lavalier mics always suck the life out of 9 volt batteries, and your camera can never have enough batteries packed with it. If you can, pick up a battery extender (like this one for the T2i/550D) for your model of camera that takes AA batteries, and pick up a mondo pack of those from Costco if you are going to be out on shoot all day.
Hair Accessories
This is a huge pet peeve of mine, when an actor or actress has hair that hangs over their cheek and a strong light source, natural or not is casting a harsh shadow across their face. Sometimes you just have to give them a hair tie and tell them to pull it back. I Would keep some gel, hair spray, a couple hair clips and hair ties in your bag for just such an occasion.
Zip Ties and Scissors
If you need to bunch cords together, or fix a shirt with a buttom that just broke off… this will work for you. Use those along with scissors to cut the long annoying ends off and its a perfect combo. You can also use those scissors to cut stray threads from shirts that are obtrusive, and just some other general damage control.
Digital Camera
If you are a continuity nazi like I am, this will be a must especially if you talent likes to take frequent water breaks or sits down to rest. There is nothing worse than getting back to the edit suite after a long, tiresome day of shooting and having continuity errors. Use a simple digital camera, or the camera on your iPhone or other smartphone to take a snapshot at the end of the scene so you know where to pick up where you left off.
Powder
Shinyness on an talent’s face is never flattering. It will help if you have some powder from a place like BenNye.com, that you can powder your actor down when they are looking a little shiny. Get rid of those harsh speculars!
If you have some tools, tricks, or maneuvers that you use when you are out on a shoot, we would love to know! Leave a comment below and let us know what your favorite was, or what you would add to the list!
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Gaffer tape fixes everything – possibly the most essential of this list to have on set.
What is this???comon give us a break!
Do you think only these things are enough?
You should have lots of extra and more important things like:
1) Portable generator
2) reflector
3)lights
4)extra wires
5)water supply
6) camera (most important)
7)microphone
and hell no of other things.
What is this? You call it roundup?
To the editor:-If you have nothing else to publish then let us know directly instead of posting such kind of useless roundups.
Generator? Lights? microphone? Apparently you missed the part in the title that says “little to no budget”.
Try to comprehend what you are reading before you post a useless (and negative) comment.
Don’t like it – don’t read it and waste your time writing a comment.
He didn’t even mention surface-to-air missiles.
To Gill: If you have nothing else to do, go wanking!
Gill was wanking, which explains why he couldnt read the intro that said;
“For you, they may be something else. Here is a small list of some things that have been very useful on the shoots that I have been on.”
Seriously, be construtive not destructive in your comments. What are you, two?
Thanks for not even reading the header or the introduction. This is obviously a followup to my article a while back: http://ae.tutsplus.com/articles/roundup/items-you-should-have-for-a-home-production-studio/ – its not for a home studio, but I didn’t feel like I needed to add everything in that article twice…
I didn’t include lights, camera and mic, because those were covered before…. and that is pretty obvious. A generator is a great idea, and water supply is great.
I actually included a reflector solution, as well as “extra wires” not sure what you mean, but I said you should have extension cords and cables for connecting cameras.
I think you need to step back and check your tone, and even though you did bring a couple of good suggestions, you put it out there the wrong way.
I even put “If you have some tools, tricks, or maneuvers that you use when you are out on a shoot, we would love to know! Leave a comment below and let us know what your favorite was, or what you would add to the list!” in the article.
Don’t complain, why not just add to the list? It’s a lot nicer, and gets a great discussion going… although you have already done that with the tone of your comment.
Topher disregard that guy. We like your suggestions – at least my production likes it – and ask that you give us more of such articles. Thanks a deal.
Man did you read the title?…
It’s a Low Budget filmaker, no one’s gonna forget the cammera, and no all the people have tight or portable generator!… We use the environment hlep…
These are no “useless roundups”! Those others you mention are regular basic items you need that you can hardly forget. The “useless roundups” are what people normally don’t consider taking along but that could be needed on location. Learn wisdom in thy youth. lol!
Shame on you Hardeep Gill…lol..
is was very helpful and Impressive …thnxx:D:D:DD::D
HELLOO FROM KOSOVO
Nobody cares where are you from… Just leave a comment
I find it fascinating to see where all the readers of this site are from. Nobody cares that you don’t care, Nobody Cares.
Nobody cares about Nobody Cares not caring about where that guy is from? Nobody cares about Nobody Cares at all these days, you should start caring.
Hello Kosovo! I care!
I care Kosovo! Glad you are liking the roundups! Hopefully the rudeness on the comments doesn’t deter you from participating in conversation!
Great articlel, but can you really get most of this equipment for “little to no budget?” Digital Cameras, Laptops, and USB storage devices cost money.
Yeah, the laptop is spendy, but I mainly put that in here so that those that HAVE one, and don’t bring it, might think twice next time.
Good list and fit for low budget. Compared to what most production sets use this list is for the budget producer. I mean he offered 3 good uses for cardboard box, one as a reflector, can’t get cheaper than that. He did mention to use a phone camera, who doesn’t have one of those.
You can also use an iPad as slate
Anyway, you can look for slates on eBay, they’re pretty cheap (I found some around $20)
AE Tuts has the Pissiest readers!
Just appreciate the time and effort Topher put into this and be on your merry way!
Agreed. Who knew that so many AE users were so trollish.
I personally appreciate these type of posts. It’s very easy to overlook some of the simple tools when you’re usually focused on the larger gear. Keep it up Topher.
probably a lot of frustrated guys who can’t find work in these trying times. Unemployment brings out the worst in people.
DUde, what’s up with all the negative comments? Be cool, guys.
I think this was a great list. God knows I’ve found myself on a location wishing I had powder because my actors’ faces were shining way too much – or a $2 flashlight for finding something in my bag.
Great call on the garbage bags, BTW.
Something I needed recently – a screwdriver set, specifically an eyeglass screwdriver to tighten down the lens mount on my DOF adapter. We ended up using the tip of a knife, which did the job, but a small toolset with screwdrivers and allen wrenches can prove to be invaluable.
Great list, and great comeback to those who only want to complain.
If I might suggest…
Foam Core boards. They are not as cheap as a cardboard box, but they have a shiny white side, and a black side (if you buy them that way). And they convert well to a prompt card when needed.
And grip clips, spring clamps, whatever you want to call them. then you can clamp that reflector/flag onto a stand.
thanks,
BrAd
Definitely! I use those clamps all the time! I don’t know why I forgot about them… and yeah the foam core boards are really good… but they don’t come large enough wherever I find them. You can get soem HUGE boxes though hahaha…
Those are really good though for sticking on C Stands…
For those locations where you find access to electric outlets just won’t meet your needs.
- a twin-light socket adapter,
http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/leviton-twin-light-socket-adapter-p-20032.html?ref=42
and
- a polarized socket adapter
http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/cooper-wiring-polarized-socket-adapter-p-23008.html?sort=3a&page=3
or
- a pull-chain lampholder with outlets,
http://www.acehardwaresuperstore.com/leviton-pull-chain-lampholder-with-2-outlets-p-20157.html?sort=3a&page=2
Be sure to also have at least one previously listed item, the 3-prong-to-2-prong grounded-to-ungrounded adapter.
Under normal conditions, you’re not likely to need the items listed above very often, but they can save a lot of time in those rare situations where you Do need them.
Another item I’ve found VERY helpful on more than one occasion is a multi-outlet extension cord:
http://www.improvementscatalog.com/home/improvements/20865-multi-outlet-extension-cord.html
Wow! Those are amazing! I think I might head up to Ace right now… hahaha that is a great idea!
I immediately thought that the garbage bags were included for blocking the light from windows, but that use was sadly overlooked in the description. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve cursed myself for not carrying garbage bags with me. If you do documentary work, it’s an absolute necessity.
Great list! I’ll be incorporating some of these into my shooting routine very soon.
I have actually never used them for that.. that is a great idea though! Thanks! I’m gonna go out and get some heavy duty industrial ones now…
Thanks Topher! I leaned some great new things I’ll add to my kit!
Didn’t know gaffers tape doesn’t leave glue behind! I’ve been using an athletic matt black cloth tape (for wrapping a boxers hands/feet) works nice but leaves a very sticky mess behind, thanks!
i liked the cardboard box one best. satisfying to get the same result with less money spent.
I would add:
- sandbags (you can make these by cutting up old jeans, there are some diy sites on how to do this)
- styrofoam for reflection (one side painted black, obviously)
- I sometimes use an old leaf-blower as a wind-machine (http://littlewonderleafblower.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/electric_leaf_blower.jpg)
ahhh… that really is good. I didn’t even think about DIY solutions for sandbags…
Styrofoam reflects? hmmm never knew…
also that leaf blower… I have some guys shooting a scene where someone is falling through the sky right now… should have told them to get some leaf blowers!!! damn!
I guess you could also aluminum foil that cardboard as well and make a nice reflector too…?
Ratchet straps and a rope. Make a harness for yourself from the rope. Attach the strap to rope harness and crank yourself up to a height that you need to be at that is taller than your sticks will go. DO NOT TRY THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME WHEN YOU NEED IT!!!!!!!! Test it in a controlled environment first.
PS up is easy down is the hard part!!!
Very nice tips! We made this film on a $0 budget and a $60 flip cam: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzLcN6D2tao
thanks aetuts! I’ll tell it to my cinmetography cluster in my club. more power aetuts!
I though the article was great! Good work! But, am I the only one that noticed that the word “Little” is spelled wrong? It says “Litte-To-No-Budget”. It’s been bothering since yesterday!
Flat black cloth folds up small, and is useful in many situations. Control reflections (of camera), absorb light from reflective floor, etc. On your white board slate: Black gaffer tape tears up nicely into strips. You can easily make Scene, Take, etc. boxes on the white board for clearer IDs.
great list, could probably add string to that, for tying stuff up and hanging stuff like a microphone
Toilet paper! Saved my arse a million times!
Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth. It’s very annoying to have a dirt lens and nothing to clean it. It runs very cheap.
Also, matte spray. Kinda pricey sometimes, but the ability to turn an unwanted glossy surface into a matte one, its incredible.
i’ve found that using an old sock filled with dry rice works as an excellent tripod on the go. it shapes and holds almost any position with a (small) camera on it.
Nice list.
BLACK WRAP FOIL is a must. $39 for a pretty large roll that will last you a while.
Great for controlling light. Cut some slits in it and fasten it to your lights to make some cool light slashes.
MILK CRATE – Free at local grocery stores or gas stations that sell milk. Great for carrying all this little stuff as well as shooting lights through for simple effects.
CP50 – or a 50 pack of clothespins – $2 Priceless GET WOODEN ONES, they don’t melt when clipping gels to lights.
BLACK FELT – $3 and some change a yard. I keep yards of it around, great for backdrops, light flags or blocking out the sun. And it’ll keep you warm on those cold winter nights.
BABY POWDER – Price varries by size of bottle – you know, for those moments out in the field when swamp ass sets in… and it’s handy for smoke effects.
DOOR STOP – $3 – $9 Besides propping that door open as you run cables or load everything, it’s great to use for shooting low angle shots. Makes it easy to adjust the angle of the shot and if you buy a rubber one it’s nice and grippy.
CP50? Do you mean C-47′s? I’ve never heard CP50 before.
So did my post not go through?
You had me at gaffers tape…
Great list, as a skater I really like the skateboard dolly!
Thanks for the roundup
I wish I had thought of bringing this stuff on my last production, but I didn’t. The mat would had done wonders considering we were filming on a house being reconstructed. My friend working the camera wasn’t to happy on having to drop to the floor for 2 of the shots cause the floor was full of dust and rocks on the floor xP
One thing I would add is to bring some baby wipes or any moist handy wipe (expecially in places that you know can be dusty). It can serve two functions: One to clean any excess of make-up in the actor and to keep equipment clean (expecially in dusty/sandy places). I think we use half of the bag of baby wipes we had just cleaning our faces and the equipment from the fine dust of the area. This is expecially important for the cables that usually are always touching the floor, is important to clean the cables before putting them away. You might think ‘I can clean them when I return home’, but giving some cables go alone side some of the equipment (aka the charging cable of the camera) if is fine dust it might actually get into the camera, which is NEVER a good thing.
At least I find hand wipes very useful during production (they always help if you want to make an object a bit shiny
)
Thanks very much for this article, and thank you everyone who’s commented — I’ve discovered lots of useful things to bring to my new production.
Some things (mostly, pretty obvious) that I’ve found useful:
– a mirror — for applying makeup, checking hair and reflecting light
– rags — for drying things, cleaning things, protecting things, wedging things
– insect repellant (your DoP and actors will thank you)
– sunscreen
– safety pins + blue tac (useful, for instance, with wireless microphones and costumes)
– minimal first aid kit: tweezers (for splinters), bandaids, headache tablets
– mobile phones are of course invaluable. Not only for general communication, but sometimes cuing actors when you’re physically far away from them (“Start driving up the road now”).
– if you have an iPhone, the apps I’ve found most useful are dirt cheap: a flashlight; a compass (which comes with the phone — good for location recces); a weather program (which also comes with the phone, but it’s possible to download better ones); the Navman that’s built into the phone; a sunrise/sunset program; and a clapperboard app. There’s plenty of other film-related apps (for instance, Artemis director’s viewfinder, Hitchcock storyboarding), but these are more pricey, and I’ve very rarely used them anyway.
In response to the reflector issue, I got my large circular one with silver and gold sides for about 16$ on eBay. I also just purchased a large “party tent” on eBay for 70$. That’s a little pricey but it’s a steal for a 10′x20 foot tent. If you’ve ever been to or have seen a real set, they use those types of canopies for shade, and to put the equipment and viewing monitors under.