You have a story you want to tell on film, but how do you know what film equipment you actually need to tell it? Savvy Hollywood producers make sure that their film's budget is "on the screen" and not gobbled up by cast and crew perks or by unnecessary film production equipment. The novice filmmaker sometimes rents expensive camera rigging or pays for effects that may not be that important to telling the story.
The script comes first, of course, before the moment of "lights, camera, and action." This is the map of the story you want to tell. The production manager (who is sometimes called a line producer) will draw up a budget that is based on the script. Once you know the budget, you and the production manager should do the following:
1. Determine the minimal equipment and film supplies you need.
2. Identify parts of the script that might call for specific or costly film production tools.
3. Make certain that the budget for the script is workable with the funds that have been allocated for your project.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Consider purchasing film production equipment
If you know that your business will have other projects in the near future that will require movie production equipment, then it may be much more cost effective for you to buy that equipment. You can buy film equipment new or used.
I recommend: Look at new equipment first to get an idea of costs and the top-of-the-line features. Spending a little more for better features may be worth it. Look at
Matthews Studio Equipment for new equipment. Go to
The Film Equipment Site for new and used equipment, and try
Pyramid Films for used movie production tools.
Research companies that rent movie production supplies and equipment
Today, film production products and movies supplies are available for lease in every region of the U.S. and Canada. Many large, metropolitan markets have numerous sources that will offer competitive fees. The production manager ought to be familiar with local rates.
I recommend: Contact the local
film commission office. They will supply you with lists of companies that provide goods and services for film production. Also look at
Action-Cut-Print! Contact
ARRI for cameras.
Ask local film schools or university film departments about using equipment
Chances are good that there is either a film school or a university film department not too far away from you. These facilities often have state-of-the art film and video supplies that they are willing to rent.
I recommend: Check film schools and university film programs in your area. Go to
FilmSchools.com. Also, you can try
IMDb.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Film students are often willing and eager to volunteer their services to be a part of a film.
- Local key crew heads probably know of additional sources to get professional film equipment and movie production supplies. Pick their brains.
- If you buy new equipment, keep in mind that advances in digital and HD technology could make new equipment obsolete in a very short time.
The official source of Film Production Equipment and Supplies is
the Film Production Equipment and Supplies page at Business.com
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