Gear necessary for indie filmmaker

H

HappyGoLuckyMisfit

I'm a new indie filmmaker, hoping to get some insight, or better yet, specific recommendations on the necessary equipments I need to have.

The equipment I need to get are,
a camera,
a mic
a basic lighting kit
editing software

Lighting - I've made a few videos before using worklights form hardware store and it didn't work all that well, so I'm hoping to find an affordable simple lighting kit (maybe three-point-lighting) that can last me for a while and hopefully not too bulky / heavy (easy to move around / carry).

Camera - hopefully something I can use for a while as I progress from a newbie to a somewhat experienced indie filmmaker.

Mic - I have no idea, just something inexpensive and practical, and if you know what mic to buy to assemble a boom system, that will be superb.

Editing software - I've used Windows Movie Maker and Videopad, both freeware, but would like to know if there's any other free / inexpensive programs that would give enough features to indie filmmakers, in general?

Thanks to all replies. :)
 
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If you do a search you'll find all these questions have been asked many times, and been answered.

But people here like to help so some will likely still reply.

But you have to tell them one crucial thing that you omitted so they can help you

....in US dollars, what is your budget?
 
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What's your budget?


A basic, solid, reliable, upgradeable production sound kit that will cover most low/no/mini/micro budget situations will cost you about US$1,200.

As always, I recommend retaining someone who knows production sound instead of buying.


Okay, here's the list:


Shotgun mic kits will have the shotgun mic, boom-pole, shock-mount and simple wind protection (softie).

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/551607-REG/Audio_Technica_AT_875_Shotgun_Microphone.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...chnica_AT897BK_AT_897_Shotgun_Microphone.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/461493-REG/Rode_NTG_1_Shotgun_Condenser.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/747422-REG/Rode_NTG_2_Shotgun_Microphone_HDSLR.html


Hypercardioid mic:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/867157-REG/Avantone_Pro_CK1_CK_1_Small_Capsule_FET_Pencil.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/359043-REG/sE_Electronics_SE1A_SE1A_Small_Diaphragm.html



Audio recorders:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/832911-REG/Tascam_DR100MKII_DR_100mkII_Portable_Linear.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/821259-REG/Tascam_DR_40_DR_40_4_Track_Handheld_Digital.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/821260-REG/Roland_R_26_R_26_6_Channel_Digital_Field.html



You'll also need cables, cases battery packs and other miscellaneous items.
 
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Here is what i use and i get awesome results.

Canon T3I ($600) with a 17-70 lenses. ($200)

Rode videomic ($150) and Rode boom ($149) pole with Tascam DR-05 ($75)

3 point lighting from Amazon. ($200)

and other goodies like shoulder rig, extra batteries, and cables.
 
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Camera - So many Options its not funny.
Lighting - At least 1 light, the more the better but you should have at least one (a lot of our stuff we get by using 1-2 portable LED lights and shifting available light around).
Sound - Alcove Audio has the best advice, if you want to stay low I'd suggest the Rode Stereo Pro Video Mic, love it to bits but it won't compete with XLR pro mics.
Editing - A few basic options, but Ideally I'd suggest on a PC Premier (Elements to start then thinking of jumping up to Creative Cloud later).

Another thing you will likely want is a tripod with a video head, simple steady shots and basic pans are a must unless 'handheld' is going to be your style.
 
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CAMERA: Used Canon T2i or T3i.
MIC: Refer to Alcove's post.
LIGHTING: I recommend the link below:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...p7DT_N1gxBzYTWUWw&sig2=h5AgAfZWvgQlmy7FJhicQQ
EDITING: There is a program called HitFilm which can not only do editing, but VFX as well. It's a like Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro rolled into one and made a bit simpler, and more user friendly. It's also cheaper, and more fun to use. Filmmakers like Ryan Connolly and Freddie Wong are very strong supporters of it.
OTHER: You are also going to need a tripod. On a low budget, the Ravelli AVTP 75mm Bowl Head Tripod is great.

I would recommend watching Film Riot, Indy Mogul, and the Basic Filmmaker. They have great suggestions on gear, and many helpful filmmaking tips.

Good luck :)
 
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