Tag: Gear List

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Gear: The Cinematic Look. Part 3 of 3.

Corporate Interview setup

I created three lists to share my favorite tools; one for the travel filmmaker who’s priority is size and weight. The second gear list is for those who are getting started or are looking to add new/better tools. And the third list is for more experienced filmmakers who want to take their productions to the next level.

Here’s the third gear configuration I’d suggest:

The Cinematic Look

This list is for people who already own the essential tools, but want to increase the quality of their video productions. A cinema camera and lenses, additional lighting tools, and better audio gear are included.

The “Cinematic Look” is what I’ve used for high-end corporate gigs, music videos, and even short films. Not all the items on the list are supposed to be used simultaneously. For example: I’d use the NanLite MixPanel 150 and a PavoTube Kit on most situations, unless shipping gear is required. In that case I’d use the Fiilex kit.

The same goes for lenses. Under controlled and well-planned situations, I prefer to use the Rokinon Cine lenses, but depending on the story, subject and shooting schedule a fast zoom lens might be a better option.

And here’s The Cinematic Kit on Amazon.com

Disclaimer

The gear lists are not paid or sponsored by anyone. They reflect my own independent opinion, and the companies and products I use and trust. Some links might be affiliates, which means I may get a few pennies if you decide to purchase something. Thanks in advance for your support!

Eduardo Angel on set.
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Gear: The Up and Running Setup. Part 2 of 3.

Filmmaking gear at train station platform.

I created three lists to share my favorite tools; the first equipment guide is for the travel filmmaker who’s priority is size and weight. The second list is for those who are getting started or are looking to add new/better tools. And the third list is for more experienced filmmakers who want to take their productions to the next level.

Here’s my second suggested gear setup:

Up and Running

This list includes the most essential items for people getting started, or who are currently shooting video but want to upgrade some gear. Lenses, mics and lights are fairly typical items. Size and weight are important, but not super critical.

I’d recommend this setup for anyone involved in run and gun scenarios like vlogs, education and training, weddings, red carpet premieres, product launches, sporting events and documentaries.

A typical example for this setup is corporate gigs where I have the luxury to setup one day, shoot multiple interviews for a couple of days, and then take my time packing everything carefully.

Here’s my suggested Up and Coming Kit on Amazon.com

Disclaimer

The gear lists are not paid or sponsored by anyone. They reflect my own independent opinion, and the companies and products I use and trust. Some links might be affiliates, which means I may get a few pennies if you decide to purchase something. Thanks in advance for your support!

Eduardo Angel in elevator with full filmmaking gear.
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Gear, gear, and more gear. Part 1 of 3.

Which camera should I buy? What’s your favorite lens? How many lights do I need? What’s better, a shotgun mic or a lavalier mic?

I don’t know.

These are the kind of questions I get every week, and unfortunately it’s very hard for me to answer them objectively and responsibly. Why? Because I need a lot more info. For example, what’s your budget? Do you have other gear or are you getting started? Are you mostly working on location or in a studio?

The “ideal” gear for a travel filmmaker working alone is completely different than the one required by someone shooting products in a studio environment. A documentary shooter needs a few versatile lenses and works mostly with available light. Someone producing similar content, but as an in-house, full time employee at a corporation can afford more time and gear, especially lights.

As you probably know by now, my approach is “how to do more with less.” My goal is to own as little gear as possible, not only to keep my overhead low, but most importantly to select the gear based on each story, my client’s requirements, and obviously, the available budget.

I created three lists to share my favorite tools; one for the travel filmmaker who’s priority is size and weight. The second list is for those who are getting started or are looking to add new/better tools. And the third list is for more experienced filmmakers who want to take their productions to the next level.

After doing a lot of research and trying multiple options, it’s clear that the best way to keep models, specs and prices always up to date is to host the lists on Amazon.com.

Here’s the first of three kits:

The Travel Kit

This ultra minimalist setup consists of the most essential items I take with me on travel and lifestyle assignments, which is the main bulk of my production work. Travel assignments require extremely light and compact gear that must fit in one backpack, and maximum a carry-on bag.

It doesn’t matter how awesome a piece of gear is, if it’s too big or heavy, I can’t take it with me. On travel assignments most of the work is done with available/natural light and only essential sound (like interviews) is recorded on location.

Some post-production might be performed during the assignment (especially waiting at airports and during long flights). Backup is extremely critical as re-shoots are often impossible.

Here’s the complete Travel Kit on Amazon.com

Disclaimer

The gear lists are not paid or sponsored by anyone. They reflect my own independent opinion, and the companies and products I use and trust. Some links might be affiliates, which means I may get a few pennies if you decide to purchase something. Thanks in advance for your support!