Just a word of advice to younger filmmakers: YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY ANYTHING. Focus on building your storytelling skills, set etiquette, communication and persistent hard work, the rest will follow. If you're well off to begin with, then half of your worries are already taken care of in your career. Most professionals RENT.

People don't even realize how everyday items can help make life on set so much better! Great video! I'll be subscribing!!

A lens blower was one of the first accessories I ever bought years ago, and I still use that on nearly every shoot. Gets rid of dust from most places in less than a second.

Another cheap option for lighting is getting a foam insulation board used for home construction. One side is white and the other a metallic reflective material. Super cheap but quite effective.

Solid tips. As a traveling filmmaker, a good portion of my job seems to be Macgyvering less than ideal set conditions with random items found around the location we fly into. All of these items are simple and cheap ways to fix a lot of the reocurring issues that we run into. Thanks for making this video.

I also use tons of tape, and you probably know this, but i have recently discovered double-sided nano-gel tape. That sh*t is just fantastic. Doesn't leave residue, can hold a tank to a ceiling and can be moved around on set if it's not to dirty... And it's pretty cheap Great channel btw. You got a new sub 👍

Good video and great tips. I have found that translucent shower liners from the dollar stores are great diffusion and I've been using them for 45 years now. One of the few products that have gone down in price too!

I suffer from G.A.S. GEAR AQUISITION SYNDROME. 😂😂😂😂

For light diffusion, I sometimes use sheets from old LCD screens. (Or you could scuff up some plexiglass) Also, might I suggest electrical tape (PVC) as another gaffer / duct tape alternative. It's stretchy, and sticks tightly, but comes off pretty easily too and without residu (provided it didn't get too hot) Perfect for temporarily tying things together too (much like those elastic bands in your list)

I know the feeling when your family asks you what you want for Christmas 😆 Pro Tape Tip: If you need to stick cables to the ceiling for let's say a paper lantern - put a wide strip of paper tape down first then stick the cable to it with a piece of gaff tape. That way the paint and the cable stay where you want them.

Blue painter's tape is ideal for not damaging a wall. Using the glue of a post-it note, it won't hold up much, but it also won't give you a wall repair job later.

Literally one of the most helpful and practical tip/ gear video ive every seen. Ive used lots of these things. Great stuff Luc. Thank you

OMG a good pair of socks have kept my feet warm while filming underwater and on land while on long shoots. More warmth = less shaking .Hail to you mother! Good socks are almost essential film gear 😁

Foam core bounce cards, from the dollar store, for sure. At least one piece of Black foamboard negative fill, or a piece of black felt, for sure; great to hide window reflections. I used to fold up a big piece of black cinefoil and stash it in my kits; useful so many times, from extending a matte box to cut some glare, to shaping a light with an extra barn door or snoot, or, punched full of holes with a bic pen, it's a wonderful instant gobo or cookie to pattern a wall.

Two China balls with bulb cords that have dimmer switches on them are fantastic. I even put a China ball over an LED strip light.

This is probably a tip that’s only of concern to beginners, but paper tape has a time limit, and that limit fluctuates. If you buy a roll and leave it lying around without using it, it will eventually lose its adhesiveness. I’m not sure what the right conditions are, but it’ll last for years under the right conditions. However, under some conditions, it won’t last a full year. And you can also have the opposite problem. When you do use it, if you leave it in place for too long, it can be really difficult to pull off, and it can damage walls and painted surfaces. And in these cases, it’s only a matter of days. But, you can get it to loosen up again with a heat gun or a hair dryer. So, if you get stuck on a project and have to set it aside for a few days, you might want to pull up the paper tape and reapply it later. Of if your working on something and it’s taking a while, consider going around and refreshing the paper tape every so often. Or be prepared to spend some time running over it with a heat gun when you finally do pull up the tape. And if you finish a project, and it’s months or years before you start another one, test out the tape that you have, and be prepared to buy some new rolls.

Nice, I always used masking tape because it was really cheap and then realized it can be quite handy.

I’m not a professional but I own a small KZfaq channel and really respect visually stunning shots so I try pretty hard to make stuff look good. I had been using cheap lighting for quite a while but just picked up some apurature light and wow what a difference. You can definitely get by without stuff like that but it’s great to be resourceful when the budget is tight!

Just a small piece of detail but I love the finger snip sound at the appearance of a text you did in the video. Adds bigtime in the ear candy aspect. Love the list too of course!

Nice tips. You have a backing music track at low level. Its nice but I'm like, "Did I really stop Radio Paradise? Let me check" lol You could add little doorbell chimes and maybe some would run to their doors.

Cheap shower curtain alternative: go to the fabric store and get some muslin (bleached or unbleached based on your preference). Still cheaper than an 8x8, but you can get it any size you like.

Great advice as always! We’ll definitely be applying this to our new documentaries. Undercovers are a good shout 🙌

Paper tape in black is a must have and everyday used item for standby props

Hey, I liked this video. Very practical, easy and useful. So now I'm *SUBSCRIBED!*

Hook & Eye Tape - AKA Velcro. Better than tape in many circumstances - stronger, leaves no residue and sticks to itself and thus can be wrapped tightly around objects. Best of all it is reusable.

Gaffer tape is not the same as duct tape, for anyone wondering. Gaffer tape was invented for gaffers in film production. It is not meant to stick or leave residue like duct tape, so authentic gaffer tape should not be an issue to use.

Baking paper! If you have harsh LEDs as front lighting for example at concert venues, you can soften them up a bit

the intro 😂 I thought I was the only one who did that lol

Rubber Bands. Bread ties. Carabiners and clips. Storage, organization, labelling is key to a smooth set and post.

Amazing video; very concrete; I knew just about half of this tips. Subscribed! Thank you.

The best gift a mother can give a film maker, is gel soled possum/wool socks, so you can stand around all day long on cold ground.

I studied filmmaking in Argentina and we only used paper tape because we couldn’t afford Gaffer taper or anything else…. I’m glad to see it vindicated here! #povertyhacks

Fibreglass pen. Really good for cleaning battery contacts. Also Spike Tape, small rolls of flurogaff for marking marks. Has a nice quality adhesive so doesn't leave residue unless you leave it on for months. Oh, and cheap packing blankets. When you're in a horrible acoustic space they'll save your ass. The Producers Choice Acoustic Blanket is nice but those cheap recycled ones still do the job.

That was great. I love your humor and teaching style, too. Thanks Luc.

Great video Luc! 🙂 Thanks

1:08 The other way of looking at it is this. Buy something cheap and see if you use it and then when it brakes buy the good one.

a white fabric shower curtain might still overexpose, an alternative is a Sheer Gray Curtain.

Bongo ties are the bomb, they changed my life for rigging my camera.

Greatest underrated item (and skill) you can add is KNOT TYING! Amazing the things you can do on the fly with that skill and some cheap paracord (or any rope) laying around. Know it - you use it on everything. Without it - you struggle with numerous hacks and frustrations; not knowing how easy it could have been.

I just subscribed. You’re very straightforward and actually have helpful tips. I’m trying to be a full time filmmaker and I always watch videos KZfaq, then you popped up on my explore page and I’m happy I watched your video because now I want watch more. Thank you.

You got a like just for that relatable Christmas story, lol I just try to avoid anything filmmaking related for Christmas requests, because the only thing they can buy is little stuff, but the only way they’ll know it’s useful is if I specifically tell them. At that point it just feels like I’m telling them what to buy.

Awesome ideas! The overcovers are blowing my mind too. I'm just starting to dabble in audio and mic'ing up people causes me a lot of stress. I always feel uncomfortable when I'm attaching microphones to people, especially if it involves going under the shirt. Also working with women can be tricky. How do you approach this? A video about different ways to attach a lav mic would be awesome!

Good show -- I use many of those. I also like zip ties when I need a really strong tie down. Her in Saigon a big bag of 100 costs about 1.50 USD ... Clothes pins, cheap plastic carpenter clanmps and other stuff is in my bag too. Great info, great presentation.

I just hit like in the first 10 seconds or so because I know it’s gonna be valuable. Keep up the great content. And yes we’re always looking at our next purchase and researching new gear when we’re not editing or planning.

I realize this is way late, but I proceed. The photographic lens papers are treated with chemicals to make the lens stay clean longer. I think the primary is an alcohol compound. Something to add to the kit is a handful of old fashioned clip clothes pins. Safer than any tape on clothes. A model needs a wrinkle pulled back or a curtain will not stay in place, clothes pins. I also carried (i was a photog in the 60's) aluminum foil, great reflector and great light blocker.

I really appreciate your awareness of ewaste....others would do well to be as on the ball!

If you use something on a daily or at least weekly basis, it's good to buy it. A decent basic setup probably, but it depends on what you do. And it's also a good idea to buy (or even lease!) pro gear that you can take with you and let the production rent from you. Like if you're a 1st AC, it's good to have your own monitor, Teradek, wireless follow focus, etc. and besides your daily rate you can get a fair price for your gear. Or a freelance DP should have a camera, mattebox, sticks, lens kit, after seeing what most customers demand. If most of them want Sony, buy that, and rent an Alexa or RED for the few others, just do the maths before.

masking tape is a solid win. I use it for my temporary photo studios. I also use a black shower curtain for a cheap blackout screen

Relatable. Mum asked me what i wanted for my bday. I need a new Sony camera, but I just said 'towels'. Great video.

Dude, your choice of music is amazing, elevates your storytelling.. and all the things in your list are spot on.

Great valuable and carefully considered tipps here! I enjoy watching your content! I put many of these items on my shopping list. Cheers!

I used the Sony lav mics for years, not i'm always using a clip-on with subdued/no branding letters.

On the lens tissue, you use it flat against the lens. If you double it up or crinkle it, it can and will scratch your lens.

4:45 unrelated, but this guy is my camp counselor lol, crazy to see him in the video

Great tips! Which lamp/bulb do you use for the chinaball?

Appreciated by this old filmmaker

I like how the thumbnail is a $1,000+ timecode slate

Since you made this video you might already discovered this. But for hiding and getting a good hidden lav mic going. Try a Moleskin sandwich. Works like a charm in a lot of situations and won't break the bank.

Very inspiring. Thanx.

Wife: What do you want for Christmas? Me, thinking: Do I dare say "Satchler Flowtech with FSB 8?"

I film my own content in my home office, the afternoon sun can be too much but a shower curtain will be perfect! Thank you! 🫶🏽

I recently came across the shower curtain light diffusion trick and gave myself the facepalm.... It's such a great hack. I feel dumb not putting 2+2 together sooner!

i would maybe add the one smallrig tool and a uv filter on every lense lol

I really enjoyed your video. Great tips!

Thanks for the tips

I’m really enjoying your videos, Luc.

The only thing I remembered from this video was cheap burrito. It doesn't exist anymore. Chipotle overcharges like a mother and their burritos got smaller. Sad times.

Great video! You just earned yourself a new subscriber. I am definitely making some purchases after this LOL

Lucky for me film making is simple what I doing in retirement (had a lot of video gear, I didn't want to sell)

actually a lot of useful ideas! diffusion and tape that's all we need in life

very helpful thank you.

Quite set of useful and affordable items. 😮 thank you for sharing useful items and tricks!❤ I’ll subscribe for more. But I cannot agree that paper tape does not tear paint off the walls also. 😢

Shocking to learn that you had never heard of lens cleaning tissues, (what are they teaching these days at Film Schools?). Camera Lens cleaning tissues have been around for more years than I care to remember, they weren’t the sole preserve of Microscopes and Telescopes which you claim, I don’t know where you got that idea from. The golden rule with lens cleaning is to avoid as much physical contact as possible, a basic method would be to use a can of air, and then if necessary progress to using cleaning tissues with fluid if necessary. Fitting a protective filter to the Lens was always a standard precaution and an economically effective first line of defence against contamination or exposure to the elements, and additional housing attachments too.

Paper Tape. Yes sir!

This was great info. Thank you.

For any beginners out there. All I'm gonna say is Fix it in post.

I want to say be careful about the type of paper tape you get. I used some of that tan masking tape to keep some cables together and it left a huge sticky mess on the cables

solid tips haha! love the humor!

Beyond helpful! Thank you!

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!

Reusable zip ties. Very handy.

The bongo ties are excellent.... untill they get dried and snap in the worst possible moment.

Lots of nice tips! ☺️ Thanks 😊

You might be a bit close to the teleprompter so we can see eye movement even though your delivery is quite good.

Nice video! I use a lot of these same things in my kit as well.

This video is so helpful and practical! Power on! 🙏🏻

I use all the items you suggest except the bongo ties....... However, not 30 minutes before watching this video, I had ordered some on-line!

Great Video!!

Super helpful, thanks!

As an old-school feature and commercial filmmaker I cannot understand why the kids go out and buy ridiculously inferior LED-panels for thousands of dollars. There are two way better options. 1: Learn how to light with available daylight working with reflectors, diffusion and negative fill. 2: Get yourself an old-school ARRI tungsten fresnel hot light, and some shower curtain diffusion as described by Luc. Throw the shower curtain over a C-stand arm and you got the best big soft light for perfect skin tone ever made by man (CRI 100) at a fraction of the cost of new LED-gear. Should you need daylight balanced light, just keep some rolls of different value CTB with you, at next to nothing cost. Yes of course I also use LED-panels nowadays. But then the production rents ARRI sky panels that gives a decent color rendering so the colorist does not have to stay up all night correcting ugliness from cheap amateur lights. So, if you don't have money for real LED's, and you don't have a production to hand a rental wishlist to, just get yourself some used reflectors and old-school hot lights. Then put your gloves on, and start learning how to light for real. Trust me, you will produce lighting in par with any big budget Hollywood production at next to nothing cost. @Luc Forsyth, Your videos are GREAT! You are an invaluable mentor for people starting out in the business, and interesting tips for us old-timers too, keep it up! Cheers from Sweden!

This channel is amazing! Keep it up, Luc! Thanks for the content :)

Why bongo ties over velcro ties?

Like at "more socks I guess" Relatable

Super helpful! Thank you. Just wanted to let u know that u have a broken link in the desc. The best tripod in the world

Thanks for the great tips.

Haha I do make tons of wish lists with different things like cinema car rigs, jib setups, and waterproof setup just in case a client wants a specific shot. But in reality I will most likely rent it if that comes up😂😂 but I mainly make wish lists of things I already own and other setups at different price ranges to send people that are looking for a podcast, filming, or audio setups.

If you are just starting out as a hobby and don't actually know how much you are into this, go to a public access station in your area. It should be free and they should have all the gear you need. I run one in Connecticut.

The right tape and a 1inch hole ponch = a lifetime of lav holders

Good talk without the fluff, subbed.

Watching this video while I'm filling my Amazon chart