Film Production Equipment and Supplies Key Terms

Get what's needed using film production equipment and supplies key terms

By Nikki Wheeler
Many films are made on a shoestring budget, especially when made by novice filmmakers. Much work needs to go into finding the equipment that is necessary to the production of the film while staying within the budget. In order for a new filmmaker to successfully analyze which film production equipment and supplies are essential for the script, find the equipment and get the right training to use it, the filmmaker must have a firm grasp on all of the essential film production equipment and supplies key terms.

 

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


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