Lesson Three Film Equipment Itemised for Your Shoot
Film Equipment is one of the big questions every emerging Film Maker wants to know about. Film Gear is what I will call it from this point on.
The Film Gear composes all of the Cameras Lenses Grips equipment Camera Accessories Sound Recorder and Mics and Lighting and all Gaffer accessories. The Film Equipment list below composes the tools for shooting a film.
So you need to be smart about Film Equipment and where you are at. You need to seek out the Film Equipment required and find it for the best possible prices. This is essential for Micro Budget Filmmaking.
Here are Three Different Ways to find Equipment for your Shoot.
- Hire an Experienced DOP and Sound Recordist who owns the gear. He or She comes along with the Camera, Lenses and Lighting Equipment. They do a Deal with you that includes their fee for shooting and this is a fraction of the cost. The Sound Recordist comes along with the Sound Equipment. I personally did this on my first films.This can work really well and we do that for the talented film graduates of our Film Courses in Sydney on a regular basis. We send out one of our experienced DOPs with all of the equipment at 50% cheaper than anywhere else.This is one of the best ways as it kills two birds with the one stone. An experienced person helping you with your film so you can focus on directing and the Film Equipment hire. All of the gear listed below is what this person would get.
- Rent the Equipment from a Film Equipment Rental Store. Every City in the world will as a general rule have Film Equipment Rentals.
This can work - Buy the Equipment online or at a Film Equipment Shop.
4 The Best Way Learn how to use the Film Equipment on our 4 Month Flagship Courses.
This way you learn how to use the above equipment which is a huge advantage
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Work on and Direct a scene in a 10 minute short movie.
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Meet great people and plug yourself into a network of indie filmmakers.
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Save yourself thousands of dollars on your production.
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Get the Film Directors certificate on successfully completing the four month film baking course.
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Learn how to Edit your Film on Adobe Premiere Pro
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Learn how to use professional film equipment that you need for your film shoot next full
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Once the course completes, have the knowledge to consistently make your own indie films on a regular basis.
Film Equipment Itemised - Gear We Use on our 4 Month Film Course
Here is the Film Equipment that we use on our Film Shoots
High Quality Professional Camera
Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K is a revolution in digital film with a 12,288 x 6480 12K Super 35 sensor and 14 stops of dynamic range, built into the award winning URSA Mini body.
The combination of 80 megapixels per frame, new colour science and the flexibility of Blackmagic RAW makes working with 12K a reality.
Oversampling from 12K gives you the best 8K and 4K images with the subtle skin tones and extraordinary detail of high end still cameras.
You can shoot at 60 fps in 12K, 120 fps in 8K and up to 240 fps in 4K Super 16. URSA Mini Pro 12K features an interchangeable PL mount, as well as built in ND filters, dual CFast and UHS-II SD card recorders, a SuperSpeed USB-C expansion port and more.
DaVinci Resolve Studio is included for creative control through post from editing to colour, VFX and more.
I love Black Magic and we use their cameras on our Film Courses. They produce a great result and are very easy to use.
It is $ 9435 total cost which for many people is out of reach.
If this is the case for you, rent the Camera for your shoot. You only rent the camera for the days that you need it and it can work out at an affordable rate.
You can get equipment rentals from hire shops in your City. Ask your Coach on our Five Month Flagship Course to help you.
Prime Lenses
I bought a brilliant set of Six Prime Lenses from my favourite Camera Store B&H in New York. for about US $2,495 (A$3216)
They have T stops which means smooth change of stops.
The above 6 lenses will cover all of your Prime Lenses requirements and are a must to get the best cinematography. Here are the Details of the lenses as written up by B&H
This B&H Kit of Cine DS 6 Lens Kit with Sony E Mount has been assembled to provide you with six prime lenses covering the focal lengths 14, 24, 35, 50, 85, and 135mm. The included Rokinon Cine DS lenses cover full-frame and mount on cameras with a Sony E mount. Although the lenses will mate with a Sony E mount, as each lens features manual focus and aperture only, no auto functions are enabled. The lenses receive a multi-layer coating for reduced flare, increased contrast, and consistent color rendition across focal lengths.
Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens for Sony E-Mount
Overcoming the challenges in assembling a set of lenses over time the Rokinon 14mm T3.1 Cine DS Lens for Sony E-Mount covers full-frame sensors and features a multi-layer coating process for consistent color rendition from lens to lens. It features industry standard geared focus and iris rings that share a common position with other Rokinon Cine DS lenses. This 14mm lens produces a 115.7°, ultra-wide angle-of-view when used with a full-frame sensor. Hybrid aspherical lenses render sharply defined images with a minimum of distortion and chromatic aberrations, and the minimum focus distance is 11″ from the lens.
- “De-clicked” aperture ring for smooth iris pulls.
- A minimum focusing distance of 11″ allows you to get up close to your subject.
- A built-in petal-type lens hood provides flare protection without a matte box.
Rokinon 24mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens for Sony E-Mount
Utilizing a multi-layer coating process for consistent color rendition from lens to lens the Rokinon 24mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens answers the challenge of assembling a set of lenses over time.
The lens comes in a Sony E-Mount and features industry standard geared focus and iris rings that share common position with other Rokinon Cine DS lenses. To aid focus pullers who have to work both sides of the lens, the aperture and focus scales are marked on both sides of the lens.
Industry-standard gearing for focus and aperture rings. Each lens in the Rokinon DS series share common focus and iris gear ring positions, which speeds up lens changes as accessories such as follow focus units or iris motors don’t have to be re-positioned.
- “De-clicked” aperture ring for smooth iris pulls.
- A minimum focusing distance of 9.8″ allows you to get up close to your subject.
- A removable petal-type lens hood provides flare protection without a matte box.
Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens for Sony E-Mount
Utilizing a multi-layer coating process for consistent color rendition from lens to lens the Rokinon 35mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens answers the challenge of assembling a set of lenses over time. The lens comes in Sony E-Mount and features industry standard geared focus and iris rings that share common position with other Rokinon Cine DS lenses.
To aid focus pullers who have to work both sides of the lens, the aperture and focus scales are marked on both sides of the lens.
This 35mm lens produces a 63.1° angle-of-view when used with a full-frame sensor camera. Hybrid aspherical lenses render sharply defined images with a minimum of distortion and chromatic aberrations, with a minimum focus distance of just under 12″ from the lens.
- “Declicked” aperture ring for smooth iris pulls.
- A minimum focusing distance of 12″ allows you to get up close to your subject.
- A removable petal-type lens hood provides flare protection without a matte box.
- The lens opens up to T1.5, providing the capability for low light shooting or creating extremely shallow depth of field.
Rokinon 50mm T1.5 AS UMC Cine DS Lens for Sony E Mount
The 50mm T1.5 AS UMC Cine DS Lens for Sony E Mount from Rokinon is a fast manual focus prime lens.
It is compatible with APS-C and full frame E-mount cameras, having a full frame focal length equivalent of 75mm with APS-C sensors. It provides a very fast maximum aperture of T1.5 for effective low light capture and shallow depth of field control and an 8 blade iris for attractive bokeh.
Optimized for cinema and video applications, the focus and aperture control rings are outfitted with industry standard gearing, which provides an interface for working with a traditional follow focus. The aperture control ring has also been de-clicked, which enables smooth iris pulls. In addition, bright aperture and distance markings are printed on the lens barrel facing laterally to facilitate easier control by a focus puller.
The 50mm has a minimum focus distance of 1.5′. Internal focusing minimizes the effects of lens breathing, which insures a more consistent angle-of-view when adjusting focus.
Functional as still photo lens but optimized for cinema and video shooting with geared aperture and focus rings, de-clicked aperture for smooth exposure transitions and laterally printed aperture and distance markings. The 50mm T1.5 is part of the DS series of cine lenses, sharing characteristics and features that unify the series and make it easier for users to swap out lenses when shooting video.
- Very fast T1.5 maximum aperture for effective low light capture and shallow depth of field.
- Internal focusing system with 9 lens elements in 6 groups.
- One aspherical and one hybrid aspherical lens element control aberrations and improve sharpness throughout the frame.
- Lens multi-coating improves light transmission and reduces flare and ghosting.
- Minimum focus distance of 1.5′
- Filter thread diameter of 77mm
Rokinon 85mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens for Sony E-Mount
Utilizing a multi-layer coating process for consistent color rendition from lens to lens the Rokinon 85mm T1.5 Cine DS Lens answers the challenge of assembling a set of lenses over time. The lens comes in Sony E-Mount and it features industry standard geared focus and iris rings that share common position with other Rokinon Cine DS lenses. To aid focus pullers who have to work both sides of the lens, the aperture and focus scales are marked on both sides of the lens.
Industry-standard gearing for focus and aperture rings. Each lens in the Rokinon DS series share common focus and iris gear ring positions, which speeds up lens changes as accessories such as follow focus units or iris motors don’t have to be re-positioned.
- “Declicked” aperture ring for smooth iris pulls.
- A removable lens hood provides flare protection without a matte box.
- The lens opens up to T1.5, providing the capability for low light shooting or creating extremely shallow depth of field.
Rokinon 135mm T2.2 Cine DS Lens for Sony E-Mount
Utilizing a multi-layer coating process for consistent color rendition from lens to lens the Rokinon 135mm T2.2 Cine DS Lens answers the challenge of assembling a set of lenses over time.
This 135mm lens produces an 18.8° angle-of-view when used with a full-frame sensor camera or a 35mm SLR. Hybrid aspherical lenses render sharply defined images with a minimum of distortion and chromatic aberrations, with a minimum focus distance of 2.6′ from the lens. A removable lens hood provides flare protection when shooting without a matte box and the lens’s threaded front accepts 77mm filter rings.
- “Declicked” aperture ring for smooth iris pulls.
- A removable lens hood provides flare protection without a matte box.
- The lens opens up to T2.2, providing the capability for low light shooting or creating extremely shallow depth of field.
All these Prime Lenses are for sale for US $2,495 (A$3216) at B&H in New York.
The Tripod
- Miller and Manfrotto Tripod Price varies but a good one will cost $1,500 at the very basic level. Get a good one as it is essential for effective camera work and they do last a very long time.
Equipment: Sound Recorder Professional.
$979
Zoom F6 Multi-Track Field Recorder w/ 32-Bit Float Recording
The F6 is my preference and the one I would recommend. It is well worth spending the extra money.
Zoom H5 Handy Recorder $395
This will still do great work as it is an external Recorder. If budget is limited this device uses correctly will get you a great result. We have many previous course participants use this recorder and it does get good results.
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Head phones $150 for the Sennheiser – HD280 PRO
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The Sennheiser ME66 shotgun Microphone.
Here is one of my favourite Low budget Microphones
We used this microphone on our low budget film The Makeover. To Buy $400
Learning to do Good Sound is so important. It is not that difficult to get really good location Sound.
Learn about it on our Five Month Flagship Film Course.
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The Rode Shotgun Series is really good The the NTG2 – the NTG4 set.
Buy one of them for around $395
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Here is the Windsock for the Microphone. The Windsock protects the microphone from outdoor wind. This is absolutely essential for outdoor sound recording. Price to buy $6o
Foam Sock – for interiors, is important and very cheap costing $40
This is essential to protect against popping. You place this foam sock on the microphone when you are recording indoors
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Here is a Pistol Grip Shock Mount. This protects the microphone from Boom shake and also angles the microphone. To Buy $90
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Rode Boom Pole $100 You need this one.
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Wireless Microphones from Sennehiser EW122-P-G3.
A wireless is essential and will help your sound in so many situations.
$700
It is well worth getting a high end. However the Lapelle microphone that comes with the set is not the high end you require so one should purchase that separate
Rode Wireless is also an option but I personally prefer the Sennheiser
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Lighting: We use the following on our Film Courses
The Red Head Lights: Tungsten
You will need a minimum of three lights with the Stands. Each 800 Watt light is about $80
So a Kit of three will cost $240 Make sure you have a dimmer so you can change the level of light.
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The Blondie Tungsten Light
One 2K Blondie is sufficient. Cost is $200 for one with the Stand
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Dedo Lights: Expensive and not necessary
These beauties will set you back $2500. Dedo Lights are wonderful for soft light and pinpoint accuracy. Great for background light
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Light Filters
These gels are placed over the barndoors of the lights. They create a different look for the Cinematographer.
Lee 200 Double Colour Temperature Blue filters are usually applied to lights for colour correction from tungsten to daylight. Converts tungsten (3200K) to daylight (6000K). Reduces light 3 stops.
Lee 208 Full Colour Temperature & ND0.6 Orange
filters are usually applied to lights for colour correction from daylight to tungsten and to reduce light intensity. Converts daylight (6500K) to tungsten (3200K) and reduces light 2 2/3 stops.
You will need several different Light Gels for your redheads. When you buy or rent please ask the salesperson for help in this area. Definitely get the two above. About $30 per small roll
Total for Seven Gels = $210
You can also get a set of Gels from most Camera and Light suppliers for $200 and it will give you a selection that will work.
You will need a half white diffusion roll commonly known as Spun. This will defuse your light and make your scenes look very good. Also below is the Quarter White It is about $140 per Roll Total $280
Lee 209 Neutral Density 0.3 filters are usually applied to windows for color correction and/or light intensity reduction. Reduces light 1 stop, without changing colour. I always use ND Filter on windows to balance light. $170 per roll .
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LED LIGHTING KIT Alternative
Great for interview and quick lighting situation. They are very popular now. These can be bought instead of the Tungsten lighting outlined above
Pro Video 3X LED PRODUCTION KIT $1995
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El Cheapo LED Lights
Neewer 3-Pack 66 LED Lighting Kit Video Light with Tripod Stand/Color Filters $59
Clapper Board $100 You need one.
Gaffer Tape:
Reflectors are very important on a Film Set Maker sure you get three different Reflectors. About $50 per Reflector Total $150
Tracks: I bought a Dolly track Setup online for about $1.000 Rent for about $100 per day.
Mini Jib Crane.
We bought a Mini Jib Crane and linked our vision up to the Camera. It worked and we got many great shots in The Makeover. Expect to pay $1,000 – $5000 for different type of jibs
Proaim tends to be the best site for Jibs and Tracks
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Sun Scrim is very useful for cutting out the Hard Sunlight. They cost about $1000 We bought our one from
There is No Excuse for not shooting your Short or Feature Film Now.
Reminder of other Options to Buying
- You can always hire the gear from reputable hiring centres.
- Or Hire an Experienced DOP with the Gear. Thats Us
- Or Go for a Mobile Phone Shoot with Minimal Gear
Mobile Phone Shoot Reminder :
You will need the following Gear and a lot less than a Big Shoot.
- Mobile Phone ( You Own One)
- Stabilizer $200
- Filmic Pro App for your phone$25
- Small Tripod $50 – $100
- Sound External — Lapells microphones and receivers x 2 minimum(As above) $700
- External Sound Recorder —- > Zoom $700
- Lights x 5 plus Stands— Can be LED $200
- Electrical Extension Cables plus power boards$50
- Gaffer Tape. $10
Total Cost of a Mobile Phone Soot with Gear and you Can do your Travel Videos.
$ 1985
For 2K you can Shoot Your Film. Short or Feature.
Money is never the issue. It is always the Mindset and the Mentoring
Learn more on the Four Month Filmmaking Flagship Course