essential

a basic list for shooting alone

  • Digital video camcorder
  • Tape stock or free space on your storage medium
  • Microphone (fixed to camera or use a lavalier)
  • Headphones
  • Tripod (with baseplate)
  • Spare batterys (charged)
  • Bag to put it all in

add this lot for a small shoot

  • Microphone (or maybe a clip microphone aka lavalier)
  • Mic to camcorder lead
  • Mic extention lead
  • Mic batteries
  • Boompole
  • Mic windshield (for exterior sound)
  • Reflectors (for lighting)
  • Battery charger
  • Cameras mains adaptor (often two parts)
  • Pen (to label tapes etc)
  • Film lights
  • Spare bulbs
  • Lighting stands
  • Wet weather cover &/or umbrellas
  • Gaffer tape

Use this list to start your own checklist

other great bits & bobs

  • Extension reel (mains power)
  • Swiss army knife, leatherman, or small tool kit
  • Monitor (with relevant cables to connect to camera)
  • Coloured lighting gels
  • Fuses
  • Camera tape (its like gaffa but nicer because it peels off easily)
  • Torch (small)
  • Instruction manuals

Check everything fits together, the lens is clean & you have run a camera test before you leave