One of the questions that many filmmakers ask is what equipment do I need to make films?

Well before I got started in making films, I had a video camera which I used to film family birthday parties, weddings, holidays etc.  From using the video camera I developed an interest in making films. I didn't know a thing about how to make a film, so I visited my local library and read books on film making and how to edit film footage or in my case video footage, editing sound recorded on the video footage, adding sound effects and music. It was great fun. I also read books about filmmakers especially my favorite film director Steven Spielberg. He started his film making career using an 8mm film camera. It's an interesting story you should read about it (it will inspire you).


• standard digital video camera
• camera tripod
• microphone - separate to the camera.

Camera
All the film making books say the same thing for those interested in making films. Use a video camera, any video camera you can get your hands on and get out their and start filming a story. That's what film making is all about. Telling a story visually. And don't be drawn in by video quality. Digital video cameras are cheap, affordable and the quality is quite good.

Tripod
You definitely need a tripod. Hand held shaky shots divert the viewers attention from the story you are telling and it can be annoying if not nauseating. A tripod gives you more control in panning and tilting where you can adjust the resistance of the pan and tilt movement(slow it down) . For a dolly shot use a wheel chair or shopping trolley.

Microphone
Don't use the microphone built in the camera. It will pick up the camera motor sound, the creaking of the tripod, your breathing and laughing at the antics of the scene you are  filming. Use a separate microphone plugged into the microphone jack on your camera.  Attach the microphone to a broom stick so you can get the mike in close and get good quality sound. If the camera doesn't have a microphone jack, you will need a mini disc recorder to record synchronized digital sound.  When you edit your footage you will have to add the recorded sound later and sync it up. I will explain how to record sound in another article.


So what are you waiting for. Get your equipment together. If you don't have the equipment, talk to your friends they might have what you need and they can be your crew which will allow you to focus on your job as the film director.