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Garner information on using movie production equipment though informational DVDs

While DVDs are not as ideal as hands-on workshops, they are good for learning the basics on using film production equipment. Through instructional DVDs, you can learn basic terminology and obtain tips on filmmaking.

I recommend: Hollywood Film Institute allows prospective filmmakers to learn from home with its DVD Film School offering. Its course walks students through production issues such as equipment and budgeting. SmartFlix offers films, such as "Producing Instructional DVD's," which demonstrate how to make DVD's and work with light, audio, video tools, cameras and other equipment.

Discover how to operate film equipment through workshops and seminars

Many distributors and filmmakers offer workshops to teach customers and novice filmmakers how to use professional film equipment. This keeps clients familiar with cutting-edge technology.

I recommend: Birns & Sawyer offers seminars on a monthly basis for hands-on learning of new equipment and the latest technical innovations. It fully supports progression in technology. The The Studio Video Facilities offers video courses and consultations to train others in utilizing equipment for productions. It helps clients determine equipment necessary for projects and educates them on using the equipment.

Attend college or film school classes to maximize use of film production equipment and supplies

Attend college or film school classes to maximize use of film production equipment and supplies.

I recommend: Entertainment Career Connection offers students a chance to take a filmmaking class from a professional filmmaker in a mentor/apprentice situation. It claims to find a professional to teach you anywhere that you live through its six-month curriculum. The CollegeBound Network allows users to find media arts schools in their area with its powerful search engine. It highlights small and large educational centers.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find a local producer whose work you appreciate and suggest working for him or her in exchange for training for film production equipment and supplies. Otherwise look for other apprentice or internship options.

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Consider purchasing film production equipment

If you know that your business will have other projects in the near future that will require movie production equipment, then it may be much more cost effective for you to buy that equipment. You can buy film equipment new or used.

I recommend: Look at new equipment first to get an idea of costs and the top-of-the-line features. Spending a little more for better features may be worth it. Look at Matthews Studio Equipment for new equipment. Go to The Film Equipment Site for new and used equipment, and try Pyramid Films for used movie production tools.

Research companies that rent movie production supplies and equipment

Today, film production products and movies supplies are available for lease in every region of the U.S. and Canada. Many large, metropolitan markets have numerous sources that will offer competitive fees. The production manager ought to be familiar with local rates.

I recommend: Contact the local film commission office. They will supply you with lists of companies that provide goods and services for film production. Also look at Action-Cut-Print! Contact ARRI for cameras.

Ask local film schools or university film departments about using equipment

Chances are good that there is either a film school or a university film department not too far away from you. These facilities often have state-of-the art film and video supplies that they are willing to rent.

I recommend: Check film schools and university film programs in your area. Go to FilmSchools.com. Also, you can try IMDb.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Film students are often willing and eager to volunteer their services to be a part of a film.
• •  Local key crew heads probably know of additional sources to get professional film equipment and movie production supplies. Pick their brains.
• •  If you buy new equipment, keep in mind that advances in digital and HD technology could make new equipment obsolete in a very short time.

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Purchase film production products for home and amateur use

With the popularity of online home-made films increasing, you can capture an audience with a decent story and a few simple tools such as a camcorder and tripod with the addition of an external microphone and a light. Consider purchasing these products from distributors that offer support for using film production tools.

I recommend: H & R Productions offers independent producers products ranging from video cameras to sound and lighting equipment. Based in New York City, it also offers rental. Vinten not only provides quality products for consumers, but also recommends other products that will work well with product purchased or with pre-existing equipment. Vinten has over a century of experience and prides itself on its customer relations.

Buy professional film equipment from distributors with a varied inventory

When you are a small-budget professional, it's wise to consider the many options in film and video production supplies. A distributor frequently offers insight into the wide range of selection on products and might also be able to give you information on products coming soon to the shelves that might be better for your filmmaking requirements.

I recommend: Broadcast Baron offers a wide selection in filmmaking products. It offers supplies for Betacam, HDcam and DVCPORHD among others and even offers free delivery to most customers in Southern California. Birns & Sawyer offers a varied selection of camera and lighting equipment for customers around the country. It prides itself on over 50 years of cutting-edge technology offerings and service for its customers.

Consider renting professional film equipment to reduce operating costs

Even if your budget is very large, a filmmaker knows there is never enough money. Renting professional film equipment cuts costs, and the buyer often has a chance to exchange the product if it doesn't match his or her filmmaking needs.

I recommend: DTC Grip & Electric has a huge inventory of equipment available for filmmakers to rent. It has shops in California, Oregon and New Mexico and also gives customers options to purchase products. AssistantDirectors.com has numerous categories filmmakers can choose from when renting equipment. Some of these categories include aerial equipment, camera equipment and sound equipment.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider purchasing used or refurbished movie production tools to cut down on operating costs.

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Camera

A camera is the mechanical device needed to record the moving images that will be part of the film, and the types of cameras vary widely, including digital cameras and high-definition cameras, as well as different-sized formats like 16 mm, 35 mm or 110 mm.

I recommend: Browse through the camcorder glossary provided by Crutchfield New Media to learn more about the many kinds of cameras.

Lens

A lens, also called a photographic lens, is a type of optical lens that is essential for making images on film. Having different kinds of lenses, like zoom and modified lenses, will aid in creating certain moods, looks or effects when filming.

I recommend: Visit Solutioneers to see how the use of different lenses creates different looks on camera.

Lighting equipment

In the film world, lamps are what most people call light bulbs. Fixtures or heads are what the lamps connect with to create light, and gels and gobos are placed in the beam of light to create special effects.

I recommend: Stage Spot provides detailed explanations of different types of fixtures.

Audio equipment

Audio equipment is used in filming to amplify actors' voices and sound effects, and comes in the forms of recorders, boom microphones and radio microphones.

I recommend: See photos of various film production audio equipment at DV Shop.

Film stock

Film stock is the physical roll of acetate film placed into the camera on which to record moving images. Film stock is becoming increasingly obsolete as many filmmakers move toward digital cameras.

I recommend: Have a look at the different kinds of film stock and the benefits of each at Film Camera Kit.

Power source

Power source, or power supply, refers to the source of electrical power usually needed in huge amounts during filmmaking.

I recommend: Learn more about power sources used for filming equipment and supplies by looking at the inventory at B & H Foto and Electronics.