What about the little things?

TC

TC

Resident Agitator
Every so often someone will say something to the effect of "... just $2.00 at the hardware store, and it works just as good." We should compile a list of stupid little cheap stuff that is readily available that helps with filmmaking. Or maybe cheap fix-its as opposed to overpriced solutions.
 
Re: What about the little things?

Good one, TC.

Let's see....

At K-Mart I found a package of self-locking, quick-release clamps for a couple of bucks that would have been much, much more at B&H and art board for flags and bounce is much cheaper at K-Mart that at an art supply store for the same quality.

I've also used a cheap shower curtain rod as a jib arm on a stand for holding flags and bounce cards. You just need to drill a hole for the stud near the center on the side of the rod, mark the "skinny" end of the rod, so that the next time you use it, you'll know just how far to pull it out for the holes to line up.

Clamps, art board and jib arm = $12. Not bad, eh?
 
Re: What about the little things?

I recently purchased a $19.00 "Cinesaddle" wannabe and some tie-downs for $10.00 at Target.
 
Re: What about the little things?

Dry erase boards are a godsend if you actually want to 'plan' anything on your set. But they are expensive.

So trot on down to Home Depot and buy a 4x8 sheet of 'Shower Board'.

For $12.00
 
Re: What about the little things?

..what?! i think you should rock out with a playschool magnadoodle instead.. :)
 
Re: What about the little things?

Cheapo accesories, I can't live without---

-Clothes pins (C-47's) for clipping gels to barndoors

-Spring clamps from Home Depot

-Pony tail hair ties (the kind with the colored balls) for clipping cables to booms and keeping cables looped.

-Carabiners for cable control and lots of other uses.

-Foldable heavy-duty ripstop nylon storage boxes from IKEA--these are ridiculously cheap and they come in three sizes.

-Rolls of self-adhesive velcro.
 
Re: What about the little things?

[quote author=Barry_S link=board=Offtopic;num=1089481227;start=0#5 date=07/12/04 at 12:20:22]-Foldable heavy-duty ripstop nylon storage boxes from IKEA--these are ridiculously cheap and they come in three sizes.[/quote]

Barry, are the the "Blibo" or the "Frameg" storage boxes? I just made those names up, but they do sound like Ikea, eh? Seriously, I just searched their site and couldn't find anything that fit your description, so if you do know the name, let me know. I'm going to Ikea next week.
 
Re: What about the little things?

chinese chime soothing steel balls for relieving stress...

tums, for the lunch time production food on the set...

altoids, i only take 'em when i need to offer 'em to someone who really needs 'em..
 
Re: What about the little things?

[quote author=Rogue Crew link=board=Offtopic;num=1089481227;start=0#6 date=07/12/04 at 15:37:34]-

Barry, are the the "Blibo" or the "Frameg" storage boxes?  I just made those names up, but they do sound like Ikea, eh?  Seriously, I just searched their site and couldn't find anything that fit your description, so if you do know the name, let me know.  I'm going to Ikea next week.[/quote]

LOL--Those are good IKEA names--you had me there for a second. The ones I've got are a couple of HEJANs and three different sizes of BRANA. They were all in the upstairs section near the TV carts--I think the BRANA are designed to hold media, but the big one will hold a couple of Arri fresnels along with scrims and assorted doodads--and it only cost $5 or so. The small one is perfect for mics--maybe $3. Folks were snapping them up when I was there and I went back for more but they were sold out :( so good luck.

Remember to take a GPS receiver with you so you can find your way out of the store.
 
Re: What about the little things?

Sweet. I just got 2 Brana's. They will work great for some 10" reflectors that I don't have cases for. I am also going to be making trips to target and home depot for some of the other suggestions.
 
Re: What about the little things?

[quote author=John Hudson link=board=Offtopic;num=1089481227;start=0#2 date=07/11/04 at 23:35:33]I recently purchased a $19.00 "Cinesaddle" wannabe and some tie-downs for $10.00 at Target. [/quote]

Is a cinesaddle basically a sand bag that you put your camera on instead of a tripod??
 
Re: What about the little things?

[quote author=TC link=board=Offtopic;num=1089481227;start=0#9 date=07/12/04 at 18:04:42]Sweet. I just got 2 Brana's. They will work great for some 10" reflectors that I don't have cases for. I am also going to be making trips to target and home depot for some of the other suggestions.[/quote]


Wow, that was fast! Another IKEA tip. Check out the AS-IS room. They mark down all the returns and floor samples and you can scoop up some monster deals. I got a nice big editing desk for $12. The secret is that they keep piling stuff in the AS-IS room and it's all marked down--maybe 1/3 off, but when it gets too crowded they knock off 80-90% to clear the room out. You can also bargain with them and they're pretty cool about cutiing deals.
 
"Pants" have been an invaluable resource. Whether short-pants or trousers, shooting without them is a real distraction to your crew and actors. Buy some pants! Your crew will thank you later.
 
Cool advice PK, I'd have never thought of that.

This forum is the greatest!!!!!


wait a minute.......you wear a red skirt......you little tease.
 
You know, when I read the name of the thread "What about the little things? "......
I thought we were going to talk about flowers, breakfast in bed and romantic walks on the beach.

I take it that's out?
 
PK Gillock said:
"Pants" have been an invaluable resource. Whether short-pants or trousers, shooting without them is a real distraction to your crew and actors. Buy some pants! Your crew will thank you later.
Click to expand...

Irony squared, coming from this particular source!


I just did some might fine green screen work using a bright green sheet from Wal Mart tacked up and ironed smooth on my dining room wall.
 
One of the things that I always keep around is some 550 cord, which is basically the stuff they use for parachute lines on military round parachutes. The stuff is strong as hell (550lbs breaking strength, hence the name), and can be used for anything from making a line to support moving blankets from, to tying up that un cooperative PA. I always have some of those big metal bowl looking clamp lites around too.....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top