THE BASICS

The gear we decide to use varies from shoot to shoot.  If it is a complex shoot, or we’re not quite sure what obstacles we might encounter, we’ll bring everything AND the kitchen sink!  If it is a familiar setup and a location we’ve used before, we’ll likely just pack the essentials. Though we are based in Boise, we often service locations within several hours of the Treasure Valley (Sun Valley, McCall, Twin Falls, Baker City, La Grande, etc.).

As an overview, most shoots will include some mixture of the equipment below.

  • Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K Digital Cinema Camera
  • Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
  • Set of 6 T-Stop Cinema Prime Lenses (14mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 135mm)
  • Full-Frame DSLR Body – Canon 5D Mark III
  • Prime & Zoom Photo Lens Assortment
  • Compact High-Definition Camcorder w/Electronic Lens Controls – Canon XA-20
  • GoPro
  • Digital Audio Recorder & Cables
  • Wired & Wireless Lavalier Microphone
  • Teleprompter
  • Heavy Duty Tripod
  • 3 Head Variable Color Temp/Intensity LED Light Kit
  • 4 Head Daylight LED Light Kit
  • 2 Head Large-Area Fluorescent Instruments
  • C-Stands
  • Heavy Portable Slider
  • Lightweight Portable Slider
  • Shoulder Rig
  • Power & Audio Cables
  • Tools, Adapters, & Problem Solvers.

IN THE AIR

When you travel on planes, you have to think in terms of essentials.  Everything listed below will fit in a single bag that will stow under the seat of most commercial aircraft.

  • Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
  • Full-Frame DSLR Body
  • Lens Assortment
  • Digital Audio Recorder & Cables
  • Wired Lavalier Microphone
  • Essential Cables & Power Supplies
  • Laptop Computer
  • Portable Solid State Drives
  • Miscellaneous “Shoot Savers”

A travel-weight fluid-head tripod is packed with clothing in a spinner suitcase small enough for an overhead bin.

Of course, if the project demands, checked luggage can add additional capacity for a small light kit and other gear.

TSA Pre-Check Secured.

MULTI-CAMERA, LIVE EVENT, & BEYOND

When things get really serious, it can take a lot of hardware.  But that’s why they invented the grip truck!

  • ENG/EFP Cameras
  • Heavy-Duty Tripods
  • Doorway Dolly
  • Track Dolly
  • Jib (Crane)
  • High-Output Lighting
  • Staging & Trusses
  • Rental Equipment & Crew

SPECIALIZED PLATFORMS & TECHNOLOGY

In recent years, there has been an explosion of technology and gadgetry that has changed the way the video industry thinks about capturing imagery, for both amateurs and professionals alike.  Perhaps the most well-known example has been multi-rotor aerial imaging platforms – commonly called “drones”.

There are a wide range of widgets, gadgets, and apparatus available, with many more on the way.  Some are definitely more useful than others.  And one question should always be asked: “how will this help us tell the story better?”