Starting a production may feel like a daunting task, especially if you’re just starting out. That’s why it’s essential to create a list of tools and supplies that you’ll need to give your business a solid start. This is “show business,” after all.
I remember what it was like when I was first starting in the film industry. Everyone else made it look so easy. It seemed like many of the people I've met on Facebook film groups, and even some of my friends had started creating content and working on indie productions without any problems.
It all looked so cool and glamourous.
And I was just so curious as to how they were making it happen...
I didn’t understand the undertaking of pulling a project together.
I didn’t understand the financial logistics of preparing for a production.
I didn’t understand the roles of the production team.
I didn’t understand the production office’s coordination efforts.
I didn’t understand the difference between pre-production and development.
I didn’t know what equipment I would need before stepping on set.
PS: Some of these are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may get a commission for recommending the product to you.
I was always getting tripped up by what I didn’t understand or know. And once I started to pay attention to what others were doing, I soon learned that they were making the same mistakes. Everyone was flying by the seat of their pants—just hoping they’ll make it to the finish line.
You shouldn’t be hoping—you should feel confident in what you're doing.
Now, if you’re like me, you’re probably always on the lookout for useful information and resources that can help you better prepare for your productions.
In fact, my computer bookmarks are just loaded with useful sites (Be sure to bookmark Diversity in Cinema Academy). However, when I started scouring through a ton of blogs, I couldn’t find an article that specifically mentioned the tools that an indie filmmaker would need for their production office.
There are tons of lists out there for camera gear, lighting gear, sound gear, editing tools; you name it… It’s out there.
And, I know that it can be frustrating not to be able to find resources that speak to your specific needs.
Let’s face it, a well-oiled production office is what keeps the production afloat and keeps everyone happy. If the production team is bumbling around and is missing equipment and tools, your project will quickly go off the rails. And believe me, you don’t want that. That’s time and money wasted and lost.
So, I want to save you from that frustrating and maddening experience.
In this blog post, I will present a multi-purpose list of supplies you’ll need for your production kit.
But first things first… When do you acquire this material?
Let’s start at the beginning. During the development phase of production, the producers will acquire a production office. Depending on the size of your budget, this office can be as simple as meeting in your living room, or it could come complete with all of the bells and whistles—enough space to house multiple departmental offices, storage for art, props, and wardrobe, conference rooms, casting rooms, and editing suites.
No matter the size of your office, you still will need to prepare a production kit.
Every department has its own set of tools, but this list is specifically tailored to the production office team’s needs.
The bulk of your purchase orders will happen during the pre-production phase. This is the phase where the planning of your film shoot will take place. After the schedule and budget are finalized, you’ll anticipate all of the equipment, gear, and supplies needed before stepping on set.
Here is a list to get you started on building your multi-purpose production kit:
Office Supplies
Large Portable Filing Tote
File boxes
Hanging File Folders (size should fit in filing tote)
Manila folders
File Labels
Numbered Dividers
2” Binders
Pens, Sharpies, Pencils, Highlighters
Scotch tape
Paper Cutting Board
Assorted pack of paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands
Install software – Budgeting, Scheduling, Screenwriting, Microsoft Office
Petty Cash Request Forms
Petty cash envelopes
Cash box
Office Equipment
Surge protectors, power strips, extension cords
Production Kit
Final thoughts…
Naturally, checklists help keep you on task. So, keep one close by during the entire production process. So that you’ll always be prepared and one step ahead.
At the end of each production day, check off all items and tasks that were completed.
Needless to say, there’s a lot more to the production process, and I couldn’t add it all here.
So, sign up for our newsletter and get access to our FREE production checklist!
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Of course, Diversity in Cinema Academy has many other resources that I love to share with you, but I wanted to keep this blog strictly about production office prep.
If I had to pick two resources I couldn't live without, it would be these two tools.
Aside from the tools above, I also use many other resources to help me prep for shooting a movie. Some of them are FREE and some are paid.
You can check out some of the other resources that I love using on Diversity in Cinema Academy's resources page. You can view all of the resources for Filmmakers, Content Creators and Screenwriters from the links provided.
From filmmaking tools, to content creation tools, to screenwriting tools... they all can be found in the tools section of Diversity in Cinema Academy's website. I highly recommend that you check out our tools store! :)
If you like it, please help me to share the resources link with a friend. I would really appreciate it!
Okay, that's all for now. I hope that you have found the information I provided helpful!
Enough information, start prepping!
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