The Unsung Heroes of Film Gear (MMM#52)
Greetings everyone,
Madeline here, back with another entry in The Movie Minute. For this entry, we’ll be sharing a few unsung heroes when it comes to the filmmaking gear that plays an important role in production- yet many don’t know about it.
When someone hears of movies, many things come to mind- film cameras, slates, and a director with a megaphone yelling “CUT!” However, merely having those mentioned tools is not always adequate for a production. If you really want to create a story that will shine, it takes a lot more than just cameras, mics, and lights.
For example, unless we’re mainly doing outdoor run-and-gun filming, sandbags are a must have, especially when we’re setting up stands to hold things like lights. They may sound trivial and cumbersome at first, but the laws of physics make them a necessity. We always use them on our lighting stands, as their weight helps keep the stand and equipment in place. Otherwise, there’s a risk of the lighting equipment tipping over. We certainly don’t want thousands of dollars worth of gear to fall over and crash, and it would be even worse if someone got injured!
Gaffer’s tape is another tool that has helped us a lot in our productions. It allows us to to mark where and how equipment such as lighting stands and tripods are placed, especially in areas where they must be stowed overnight. This allows us to make sure everything is still in place and saves a lot of time when preparing for more formal interviews or settings.
Camera protection and cleaning is also critical. Not only does it keep our footage clear and crisp, but expensive equipment (especially lenses) needs to be taken care of properly. That’s why we always use gentle but effective materials and cleaning kits when cleaning lenses, and lens caps are always on when the camera is not rolling to protect from cracks and scratches. We do our best to avoid leaving the lens open when not using them, as they are quite delicate and replacing them can cost a fortune!
To wrap things up, having great filmmaking gear isn’t just about camera, mics, and lighting. There’s so much more that goes into making a powerful story possible, and it shows that telling the best stories requires ample care, time, and dedication.
And that concludes this entry in The Movie Minute. Wishing you all the best, and see y’all in 2! -Madeline
We at Poor Bear Stories are passionate about your story. Creating media that makes a difference is our craft and life’s work. With over 35 years of industry experience, we bring a host of solutions to your brand and media endeavors.
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