… for Random Weirdness

Tip #899: Essential Gear for a Production Company

Larry Jordan – LarryJordan.com

Buy gear as you need it, not in anticipation of needing it.

This article, written by Jourdan Aldredge, first appeared in PremiumBeat.com. This is an excerpt.

From 4K cameras and gimbals to editing software and computers, here’s a look at the essential gear you’ll need to start your own video production company.

While you’ll find lots of content online that insists you should immediately get your hands on a high-end camera, a couple of new drones, and some studio space — — I actually suggest starting small when it comes to cameras, gear, and equipment.

Larry adds: My philosophy is to buy your gear using client dollars, rather than your own, as much as possible.

Here is the essential gear Jourdan recommends:

• Versatile 4K Hybrid Camera. Any video production company that wants to get work needs to have a 4K camera ready to go at a moment’s notice. Luckily, there are plenty of surprisingly affordable options.
• Go-To Cinema Camera (Own or Rent). You can get more work — broadcast commercial shoots and the like — by offering clients a higher-end cinema camera option. However, I’d suggest renting high-end cameras until you’re certain you’ll need one consistently enough to warrant the investment.
• Tripods, Gimbals, and Rigs. For those just starting out, I recommend investing in at least one: tripod, slider, handheld rig and gimbal/steadicam.
• Three-Point Lighting Kit. Invest based on current needs, then expand. Specifically, start with a simple three-point lighting kit that’s functional, easy to move quickly, sturdy enough to not fall or break, and priced in a way that won’t limit your resources elsewhere.
• Audio Recording Bundle. Audio needs vary drastically from shoot to shoot, but I’ve found that having these basics will cover the majority of your projects:
• Multi-channel audio recorder
• Shotgun boom mic
• Boom mic pole
• Boom mic stand
• Wireless lav kit
• Multiple headphones
• Quality Editing Computer. If you’re offering full service (also called turnkey) video production that includes editing work, then I highly recommend putting most of your investment resources into your computer(s) and editing workflow. Apple computers — like the Apple Mac Pro, iMac Pro, and MacBook Pro — have never let me down.
• Editing Software. There’s no wrong answer here. Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple Final Cut Pro X and DaVinci Resolve still rule the industry.

EXTRA CREDIT

In the article linked above, Jourdan provides specific gear suggestions, with links to learn more.