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Home How to make films What equipment do I need to make a film?

What equipment do I need to make a film?

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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).

What equipment will you need
Don't spend too much on equipment. All you need is;

  • 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.

That's all the equipment you will need to get started. Don't be embarrassed by the fact that you are using cheap equipment. That's the secret to becoming a talented filmmaker. No waiting around for enough funds to make your film. You can do it any time, anywhere you want to and you will develop your skills as a filmmaker very quickly.

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. 

Add a comment if you have any question or suggestions


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Comments (5)
making a film
5 Tuesday, 02 March 2010 17:05
jerrel bethuner
hi im jerrel bethune and im trying to make a film although tedious as it is i have no credit, no funds but a lot of resources but how should i utilize my skills into it. I can draw, im a good artist, i know recording studios and im literally right next to a camera almost everyday at school so im tryna rent one. any advice
film
4 Thursday, 21 January 2010 04:43
Ruben Da Silva
Hi guys, im a movie/script writer and i would like to produce and direct my own film but i feel that i cant because i dont have the expensive equipment but are you saying that i can make a full movie from a normal sony camera? but because of the quality, do you think it would actually be shown in cinemas?
Lighing?
3 Tuesday, 15 December 2009 08:21
Andrew
Thanks for the post.

I need to shoot a "day in the life" video. I can edit easy enough w/ CS4, but I have no idea how to film. What type of lighting should I use? my email is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
What is true filmmaking
2 Saturday, 12 December 2009 13:54
doogalazza
What you are saying Bruce is correct making films using filmstock would be classified as filmmaking. Shooting a film/movie using video would be classified as shooting a film/video on video. ut consider this, George Lucas shot Star Wars - Episode II Attack of the Clones entirely on digital video. Would you say to Mr. Lucas? that's not filmmaking? I don't think so. Digital Technology has advanced so much now especially high definition video. Getting a break in making your first feature film is 99.9% against new filmmakers. The cinemas are locked in by the studios. They rule the cinema's roost. But, filmmakers taking advantage of digital video can create and control their very own cinema. What cinema you may ask? Youtube!!! That is the future for filmmakers, having their own video channel like a TV station on the internet. If your filmmaking and story telling skills are phenominal you will get noticed.
Making a Film
1 Wednesday, 09 December 2009 15:59
Bruce Josephs
What you have described is making a video rather than making a film. Standard 8 & Super 8 film are readily available and can be bought from and processed through companies like DVD Infinity (www.dvdinfinity.com.au). Even 16mm and 9.5mm film can be purchased and processed. This is real film making. Video is a poor cousin alternative and will certainly not provide any training on discipline required for any aspiring (35mm) film maker.

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Comments, category: "Introduction to Filmmkaing"