Video Production Tools in My Bag
Shooting video on location always requires tons of planning ahead: scheduling talent, scouting locations, audio and lighting design. Every shoot has its own unique challenges and equipment requirements. But whether it’s a creative piece, or a simple interview there are video production tools that you should always have ready and available at every project location. Here’s a peek at some of the video production tools that I make sure are in my gig bag every time:
- A big roll of gaff tape. There are too many uses for gaff tape to list here so, just put it in your bag, you’ll need it! I’ve even wrapped several feet of it on the strap of my “run and gun” gig bag in case I may need it when I’m shooting news stories on the street.
- Clothes pins and other spring clamps. These are great for attaching gels to your lights, holding up backdrops, keeping window curtains closed, or clamping shut a loud mouth on the set!
- Extension chords. Always bring several. I have an 8 footer and a 50 footer in my bag. Both have multiple plug ends and one has a built in LED power indicator light. For good measure, I also include a power strip or two in my bag.
- Batteries. Extra camera batteries (fully charged of course) and new batteries of every type my gear requires. There’s nothing more stressful on set when you realize you forgot to bring new or fully-charged batteries.
- Lighting Dimmer. A lighting dimmer really gives you more options when lighting your set. You can purchase or build one yourself. Be sure to recruit the help of a certified electrician if you build one yourself. Trust me on this one….Kaboooom!
- Lens tissue. Keep that camera lens spotless! Use only the real stuff, not Kleenex or your shirt tail.
- XLR cables and back up microphones. Wireless mics don’t always work, and RF interference will kill your video. Back them up.
- A Make-up kit. Shiny foreheads may not be a source of global warming, but they will be a source of headaches for your editor. You can get these at your local drama supply store.
- Hot shoe extension. This is a four inch bar that lets you fit more than one attachment to your camera equipment. I use it for attaching two wireless mic receivers. (Available at bhphotovideo.com )
- A white balance tool. I use a 12″ collapsible white balance tool. This is white on one side and grey on the other. (Available at bhphotovideo.com )
These are the basic video production tools you should make sure your team has on every video shoot. Don’t leave home without them.
Coming next week: training volunteers for IMAG video production.
(more church video articles)
