5 Things to Have on Set for the Low Budget Filmmaker

5 Things to Have on Set for the Low Budget Filmmaker

We've all been in situations where we prepare for the big shoot, finalize the storyboards, pack everything up, and arrive to the production location only to realize on set that your lavalier mics are out of batteries or your memory cards haven't been cleaned.
While I can't help your personal tasklist, I would still like to share my item list involving general household stuff that have helped tremendously during shoots. Also if you're a potential employer or a future client, then none of what I said earlier has happened to me.



Dry-Erase board + Netbook
Investing in a slate or dry-erase board can not only help you easily identify your ideas, shots, and pacing for your commercial or short film, it can also create a visual roadmap both for you (the editor) and the talent. It takes stress off any mis-communication and helps organize ideas.

The laptop is self explanatory. Whether you need to display existing work or find references for  (or with) your client, a netbook is the solution. If i know i'm shooting or meeting at a place with no wifi, I always pre-load assets/songs/references/shot concepts to give the talent a better idea of what to do and what the final product will look like. 

Gaffer Tape
Helps fix a broken light stand, attach a component to your camera, or tape down a green screen. The uses for gaffer tape are unlimited. It's made from a strong cloth type material that doesn't leave any residue when you unpeel it or take it off. Costs a little more then duct tape but the advantages are heavily outweighed.  

Fans

I spend alot of time in my greenscreen studio, and continuous lighting gets HOT.Keep the talent happy and cool. A long time ago when I was doing my sister's portrait shots (see pic on top) I brought in 2 fans originally for hair, but quickly realized how much of a cheap solution it was to offset the heat coming from a continuous lighting kit. The fans haven't left my studio ever since. 

Reflector/Diffuser

Weather and lighting conditions may be uncontrollable, but with the help of these cheap tools at least it won’t completely ruin the shot. Nothings more unappealing then having a harsh and/or dappled light on the subject. No excuse for not spending the 10$ to optimize lighting conditions.  

Stepping stool
Any good DP understands the importance of scene composition. Sometimes the difference in getting 'the shot' can be as little as moving the tripod 5 feet further or climbing that extra rock. A small stepping stool from target/walmart gives you ability to change your vantage point whenever needed. If you're the dedicated videographer for an event or just shooting off-the cuff, it's really something to consider. Also i'm kind of short.