CHECKLIST TO GUIDE AN AMATEUR CINEMATOGRAPHER

The art of filmmaking is an interesting one. It becomes more exciting if you have all the equipment you need for the production in place. Many factors affect the choice of packages you choose for your film production. These are locations, the nature of the project, budget, and the level of expertise, among others.

First things first – An Idea!

Before we start with technicalities, you should ask yourself what do you want to show the audience? What’s the topic? Will it keep them interested? Entertained? That are the questions to answer.

For example, we recently found that idea of perverted mothers in the family has become a hot topic. And you didn’t have to wait much for first content in this genre being published – take a look at My Perv Moms and the videos this website showcases. The idea was simple – bring fantasy taboo to the audience by using the most recognizable actresses in the industry. Seduction, storyline and the sex itself – these things keep people interested.

As an amateur cinematographer who is responsible for shooting the film in the filmmaking process, here is a checklist of equipment you’ll need:

The Video Camera

The video camera is the pivot on which filmmaking revolves. The type of camera you go for depends on a lot of factors. It is determined by the type of shooting, whether static, stealth and others. It also depends on where you intend showcasing the film, whether on the web, theatre, or broadcast. Your budget can also be a strong factor. Whichever camera you go for, make sure you get the audio and video quality you desire.

Camera Light

A good lighting system will fill up the horrible shadows in a shooting. This is the reason for using a camera light. You need a camera light for news-style and documentary shootings where setting up a 3-point setting may take much of your scarce time.

The Tripod

The tripod can be an indispensable tool for a good output. It gives your shooting a steady footage and brings out that professionalism you desire in filmmaking. A tripod with a fluid head is recommended for more effectiveness and better results.

Shotgun Microphone

The audio quality can be used as a yardstick for a good film production. Trust in shotgun microphone equipment to provide the standard of quality you need in a production. It has a great range of adaptability, you can set it up at the top of the camera or on the boom pole.

Wireless Microphone

A wired microphone is good and less costly when compared to a wireless one. But a wireless microphone is more versatile. It can conveniently usurp the role played by a boom microphone and it is infinitely more flexible. For example, you only need to attach one on the cast for the duration of the shooting. It makes documentary shooting and other production work much less burdensome.

Boom Pole

When undertaking a group interview, a boom microphone set-up is necessary. When in a situation where you need to have quality audio from a crowd, using a boom pole comes in handy to assist with the situation. This is a pole that is stretched into the midst of a crowd with a microphone attached.

Shock Mount

A Shock Mount is the equipment you need to turn a shotgun microphone into a boom pole microphone. This equipment ensures the microphone is steady on top of the Shock Mount thereby preventing the microphone from picking up unnecessary sounds.

Audio Cables

Good quality audio cables give your production a professional touch. For your camcorder, attach the cable from your camera to the microphone.

Headphones

During a film shoot, getting the right audio is important whenever possible. Using headphones help you monitor the audio quality of the shooting. Your checklist of gear for filmmaking should contain comfortable and easy-to-use headphone sets to avoid any unpleasant surprises in the audio takes after shooting.

Light Reflector

A light reflector is a useful piece of equipment for filmmaking. The light reflector adds quality and professionalism to a shot. It transforms an amateur look into a brilliant and elegant scene when properly used.

Lenses

Lenses are useful for transforming a shot or improving on a particular image. Those scenes such as a calm fish view, close-up views of bugs and flowers, and so on, are made by using special lenses. The various types of lenses used can be zoom lenses, polarized lenses, micro lenses, wide angle lenses and many others. Each of these lenses has its own range of special effects that you should be familiar with if you have to use one.

Extra Batteries

You never can tell how long your camera and other devices’ batteries will last. Extra batteries save you from the embarrassment of having the scene all ready to go and a flat battery in your camera. You should be well armed with enough batteries to be safe.

Recording Devices

Recording devices are locations you intend to store your footage after all shots have been completed. This depends on where you want your film recorded. You may consider going for a Flash Memory device or card, a videotape or DVD.

Hard Drive

A hard drive comes handy to store large footage from your shooting. You can upload all of your shootings into the external hard disc for future use.

To make a success of your film production as an amateur you need a checklist of equipment to fully prepare for the task ahead. Have this checklist in place as a guide.