Suggest some things I need for a Feature

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Veteran
I'm about to head into my second feature film production. This will be shot with little budget for just feeding the cast and crew. I will be using the DVX100a and I'm recycling some of my old stuff I had on the last production and was thinking what little things I can buy to help the production go better.

Some minor adjustments I'm making are. On the last production, I created a boom pole from a Broom so this time I invested in a Boom Pole as it will make things a little better because it was hard to hold the DIY boom without it catching every moment.

I'm not looking to buy big items as I don't have the money, but I want to buy the little things that will make life better. Here's a list of stuff I have.

1. Clap Board
2. Wireless Mic
3. Bought some lights to use with my old light Kit
4. Have a Steady Cam
5. A Sticky Pod
6. A Jib
7. Plan on getting a DIY Dolly
8. Anamorphic Adapter
9. Plenty of Panasonic PQ DV tapes(I know, I'm old school)
10. Shotgun Mic
11. Tripod

I have the basic stuffs, Just wanna make sure I got the little things that can make a big different in the production, wanna make sure I'm not missing anything.

So what are some of the things you guys have on set that is simply a must have for you(on a guerilla no budget production).

Thanks
 
Random Production Proverbs from my book:

A bounce board--just get a science fair display board from walmart.

Depending on where you're shooting and how old you and your crew look--A local college tshirt or sweatshirt. If anyone asks what you're doing, you're film students.

A still camera for actor costume continuity.

Unless you know your software inside and out, you'll never fix it in post.

Leave your significant other at home.
 
El Director said:
Random Production Proverbs from my book:

A bounce board--just get a science fair display board from walmart.

Depending on where you're shooting and how old you and your crew look--A local college tshirt or sweatshirt. If anyone asks what you're doing, you're film students.

A still camera for actor costume continuity.

Unless you know your software inside and out, you'll never fix it in post.

Leave your significant other at home.
Click to expand...

Good tips. Especially the Bounce Board (comes in handy a lot) and the College Shirt...definitely have claimed to be shooting a student film many times...that's why I keep my College ID still after having graduated years ago :)

Related, have a flashlight on hand...a small one...you can use it for eyelight in close-ups depending on how guerilla it's going to be.

-M
 
El Director said:
Random Production Proverbs from my book:

A bounce board--just get a science fair display board from walmart.

Depending on where you're shooting and how old you and your crew look--A local college tshirt or sweatshirt. If anyone asks what you're doing, you're film students.

A still camera for actor costume continuity.

Unless you know your software inside and out, you'll never fix it in post.

Leave your significant other at home.
Click to expand...


Yes, this is some great tips, especially the bounce Board, I'm going to put that on my list now.

And I used that College stuff all the time. I'm 33 but I could past for 21, seriously. And I already own a Still Camera. Thanks for the Bounce Board tip.
 
Do you have:
1. clamps for holding bounce boards onto a stands or anything that can be used to hold them
2. blankets to block windows if you need to block out daylight and or use on hard floors to quiet the noise
3. small ladder - never know when you need something to stand on for higher cam shots
4. fire exstinguisher - I've seen a few lights go up in flames - safety first
5. tape as in grip tape...not duct tape
6. Black wrap or diffusing material for your lights
 
I really like to keep a few of those foam tempur pedic bed covers around to put on the floor/walls for sound dampening. Really helps eliminate echo for indoor shots.
 
El Director said:
Random Production Proverbs from my book:

Depending on where you're shooting and how old you and your crew look--A local college tshirt or sweatshirt. If anyone asks what you're doing, you're film students.
Click to expand...

Love that one!!! LOL It's so true, though....

Here are a few:

1) I surprisingly didn't see gaffer's tape anywhere (or did I miss it?).

2) A first aid kit (if anything, it demonstrates good faith effort).

3) Definitely a still camera for publicity (don't be modest like me - you will need good stills for publicity, even if for your own website!!!)

4) Window cleaner and paper towels....
 
Macphilia - thanks for rescuing my brain freeze with the gaffer's tape...I have no idea why I called it grip tape. Man I need a vacation.

1. sandbag(s) for securing lights or resting the cam on top of the bag for certain shots where you cannot fit the tripod, dolly or DP with the steadicam
2. translucent powder (from the makeup folks) for diffusing shiny objects. I use it on hot spots when no other means will work.
 
What's a bounce board?
Click to expand...

A bounce board is a large piece of cardstock or cardboard (usually white) that helps fill in the shadows on actors faces. Usually you'll have someone hold it out of frame and "bounce" the light at the actor.
 
These are all great suggestions but what about money?? The one thing we all seem to be lacking these days! It helps pay for thigns like gas in the tank and craft services.

Just a thought...
 
Hey Chris, I'm with you, I've set aside money for those specific things you mentioned. So I'm on top of that.
 
I few more things to add to your list - unfortunately, not essential to making a feature, but if you can lay your hands on them, I urge you to use them:

Talent
Originality
Imagination
Integrity
 
Why don't you just shoot a short so you can ask this question again in 4 weeks instead of 2 years...


Maybe? :laugh:
 
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