Having the right equipment for the job at hand is key to a successful production of any kind. Film production is no different! In order to create something magical, you need to have the proper tools.
So, what kind of gear do you need in order to produce a film? What should you consider purchasing or renting in order to create something that people will want to watch and enjoy?
There is a lot of gear that goes into producing a film. Let’s go through a list of some of the key pieces of equipment and gear you will need.
Gear You’ll Need for a Film Production
Camera:
This is perhaps the most important piece of equipment for any film production. The type of camera you use will depend on the type of film you are making. For example, if you are making a documentary, you will likely want to use a smaller, more portable camera.
What kind of camera do you plan to use? That can be a loaded question when you’re just starting your research on what kind of equipment you should be using.
To help you with your research, we’ve already assembled a post about How to Choose the Best Large Format Camera.
Tripod:
A tripod is essential for getting steady shots. This is especially important if you are shooting in low light or using a long lens. Tripods come in all different sizes in order to fit the production and the camera you’re using, so you want to be sure to either have a few different options ready or know exactly what you need for your film production.
Teleprompter:
A teleprompter can be very helpful when shooting interviews or scenes with a lot of dialogue. It allows the talent to focus on their performance rather than having to memorize their lines. They’re easily rented if you’re looking for a way to try one out during your next production.
If you’re interested in using a teleprompter, check out Best Uses for a Teleprompter: What you need to know and how to get the most out of a teleprompter in your production.
Camera Rig:
A camera rig is a great way to get more stable shots, especially if you are shooting handheld. It can also help you get smoother tracking shots and panning shots. Rigs can be expensive, so you may want to rent one if you only need it for a specific project. Rigs come in all sizes from a giant rig that covers your entire body to a small rig that you can hold in one hand.
Slider:
A slider is another great tool for getting smooth tracking shots and panning shots. It can also be used to add a bit of creative flair to your shots. Sliders can be expensive, so you may want to rent one if you only need it for a specific project.
Gimbal:
A gimbal is a great way to get smooth, steady shots. It can also help you get smoother tracking shots and panning shots. Gimbal can be expensive, so you may want to rent one if you only need it for a specific project, though it can be an investment to purchase your own if you’re planning to use it for more than just one or two productions!
Drone:
Drones can be used to get some really great shots, but they are also regulated by the FAA. You will need to get a license to fly a drone for commercial purposes. You’ll want to make sure that whomever is operating it knows what they’re doing.
If you’re not sure what style of drone or camera you want to use with your drone, you should read further: Drone Shots vs FPV, Our Opinion.
Microphones:
A microphone is essential for any film production, whether you are shooting a documentary or a narrative film. It is important to get good audio quality, so make sure to get a good quality microphone, or multiple! There are many different types of microphones out there, so you’ll want to do your research to figure out which one will work best for your production.
Boom Pole:
A boom pole is a great way to get good audio quality when you are shooting a scene with multiple people. It allows you to place the microphone close to the talent without being in the shot. Boom poles come in different lengths, so you’ll want to get one that is long enough for the shots you are planning to get.
WindScreen:
A windscreen is a must if you are shooting outdoors! It will help to reduce the amount of wind noise in your audio. Having great audio to begin with is best, as editing it later will take time and money that you might not have in the post-production budget.
Headphones:
Headphones are essential for monitoring audio while you are shooting. You’ll want to make sure that you get a good pair of headphones that are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. You’ll want them to be noise canceling so that you’re not hearing anything that isn’t in the recorded audio.
Cables:
You will need a variety of cables to connect all of your equipment. Make sure to get the right type and length of cable for your needs. It’s a good idea to make sure you have a few different choices to use in case you want to change something during the production or find that you need an extra cable, or three. It never hurts to be prepared!
Lighting:
Good lighting is essential for any film production. You will need a variety of lights to create different effects. For example, you might use a soft light to create a more romantic feel or a harsh light to create a more sinister feel. Good lighting is important so that you don’t need to go back and edit or re-shoot any scenes. You can always go in and edit a scene to be darker, but it’s much more difficult to edit in light.
Computer:
You will need a computer to edit your film. This can be a simple laptop or a more powerful desktop computer in order to run editing software. It doesn’t have to be any specific kind of computer or operating system, but it does have to be something that your editors can use with ease, depending on their preference and expertise.
Editing Software:
Once you have all of your footage, you will need to edit it into a final film. There are a variety of editing softwares you can use, such as Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.
You’ll want to check out Everything You Need to Know to be a Video Editing Wizard to learn some tricks of the trade!
How can I get my hands on this gear?
The option to purchase all or some of this gear is always there. But, if you’re brand new to film production or you’re only going to create one video, it can get pretty pricey!
Rentals are a great option for anyone and everyone! Not only do you get to use top-of-the-line equipment, but you also don’t have to worry about storing it or maintaining it.
C&I Studios offers rentals of all kinds of equipment! We have a great array of cameras, microphones, teleprompters, lighting gear, and so much more that will help you to create the film of your dreams.
Not only do we have the gear, but we also have crews, and so much more that can help you along the way. We also offer studio rentals if you’re looking for a place to build your set and shoot your film.
We want to help you create the best film possible, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us and ask about our rentals or any other services we offer!
Now get to filming!
There are a lot of different types of gear that you need in order to produce a film. Now that you have all of the gear you need, you’re ready to start filming! Just remember to have fun and be creative!
With this list of essential film production gear, you’ll be well on your way to making your next film a success! Just make sure to do your research and get the right equipment for your needs.
For further reading, check out these previous blog posts from C&I Studios Uncreative Blog