10 Essential Film Tools You Should Know About

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Today, Ted Sim and Martin Torner, union grip on Hollywood films and TV shows such as Iron Man 2, Thor, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, talks to us about the filmmaking hardware that you should rent out for every film set. We cover everything from cardellinis to chain vice grips to cheeseboros.
You can find the film tools we talked about here:
Spud Adapter - adorama.rfvk.net/O3vOA
Nail on a Plate - adorama.rfvk.net/qXLOn
Scissor Clip - adorama.rfvk.net/7k9DO
Mafer Clamp - adorama.rfvk.net/x6aZk
Cardellini Clamp - adorama.rfvk.net/BoVR9
Duckbill - adorama.rfvk.net/3rqmv
Chain Vice Grip - adorama.rfvk.net/yQP4D
Grid Clamp - adorama.rfvk.net/Q3v0Y
Cheeseboro - adorama.rfvk.net/roqRB
C-Clamp - adorama.rfvk.net/gkeJ0
Apple Box - adorama.rfvk.net/BoVB4
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#Lighting #Cinematography #Filmmaking

[@zoanyway]

I love this guy. He's unbelievably down to earth and just plain legit.

[@SidewaysUpJoe]

No doubt, the world needs a few more people like this guy..

[@dictionaryofwords1108]

Just don't take his apple box, that's clearly a no-no

[@grandproductionfilms9190]

I feel like most grips and gaffers are chill like that. At least most of the ones I've met.

[@rodrigoherzog4412]

I learned more in this 20 min then a lot a classes in my actual film school... thanks a lot

[@indymogul]

thanks for tuning in!

[@jas_bataille]

They never gonna teach that in film school tho

[@pilsplease7561]

Film schools are a waste of time, im a photographer, filmmaker and winemaker and never went to school for any of it and guess what i know more than a lot of so called pros. You can do better on your own.

[@willmannering]

@@pilsplease7561 I totally agree. The only thing you can't replace is onset industry experience. If it's big films you're getting into you don't need film school, but you do need a way of getting onset big productions and learning from others experience. That's almost always the quickest and best ways to learn.

[@pilsplease7561]

@@willmannering Yeah, I also am a film photographer try as I might I can't get into mirrorless and or new digital it looks really bad no matter how you edit photos lifeless and dull and downright boring. Film always renders things more realistically to what you saw. I will shoot film as long as it exists. Im going to go out tomorrow and shoot some of my cameras. Got a freezer full of about 40-50 rolls of 35mm film that I need to shoot badly.

[@DavidKudellMusic]

These videos are so well done - the abundance of B-roll shots and editing/pacing is fantastic. Props to the editor, Ted, and the rest of the Indy Mogul team!

[@indymogul]

thanks! We've got an awesome team and have a lot of fun making these.

[@SunDevilThor]

These are my favorite types of videos from you guys. I would love to see more grip stuff in the future. Incorporating DIY with the grip gear would be cool too, such as making your own flags or floppies with pipe or aluminum channels.

[@laidbaqq]

Already borrowing ideas from my dads carpentry and these guys knowledge. Well, a few of those tools are directly used in daily construction.

[@CraigHoward]

The relevancy of this channel is just mind blowing. I feel like I’ve grown as a creator WITH the show. I was doing fun little squib shots as a kid in the garden with my camera with what I learnt on this channel. Here I am a million years later learning about big rigging equipment with industry professionals. Madness. Blown away the direction of this channel and it’s content. Hats off

[@indymogul]

we feel the same way making content for it. It's gone through so many ages of filmmaking with so many incredible hosts. Thanks for the kind words!

[@grad-dd9zj]

usefulness rating of this video: 6 out of 5!

[@FULLofJOHN]

Ted, I'm literally planning on buying a bunch of grip gear in like 2 day and I was about to do so much research to figure out what to get. Your timing is impeccable.

[@aleksreba]

We need more episodes like this. There is no way I would have gotten this much high quality information in such a short time by doing all of this research myself. Next up: stands

[@adambobroy7682]

such a vibe

[@indymogul]

glad it was helpful dude! We had a blast hanging out with Martin. The guy honestly has some of the best on-set stories that I've ever heard. -T

[@indymogul]

@@aleksreba will make sure we keep this in mind. We're planning on bringing Lighting Technician on pretty soon so keep an eye out for that as well.

[@JDenim88]

I'm a Photographer and I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your videos are useful AF. You provide solutions to problems we didn't realize we have. Thank you guys.

[@anthonypc1]

The visual demonstrations make this such a useful and efficient review! just wish I was watching this like a 7 years ago before I started crewing on indie films, having to space out my basic questions on the go... It also could get confusing for a noob when your key grips or gaffers would use different slang on different projects. lol I remember wondering where I was supposed to find some dirt to throw on a set piece... until I got a clue and realized they needed me to throw some sand on it... as in SANDBAGS. (that extra syllable coulda saved a minute, and some stress) Also helps to know that a Duckbill, Quacker, Platypus, Lips and Onky Bonk all are just one animal.

[@flmbyz]

Martin, as a fellow union grip, this was inspiring. I'd love to work on a crew with you, you definitely reminded me of all the sets I've gripped on over the years. "Your apple box privileges have been revoked!" Hell yeah!

[@ricekings]

Me: *watches Indy Mogul video* Wallet: Ah sh*t, here we go again.

[@KeepitOneHunnedGrand]

Martin is the MAN. Extremely cool dude and knowledgeable AF.

[@sjmheron]

This was a great video. You really get the feeling that he loves what he does.

[@SatanicJamnic]

I NEED MORE OF THIS GUY ON KZbin

[@stuartcrofts8860]

Here's a thing, here's how it is used, also you could use it like this, here's how much it is and if you had to chose out of all these things these are the most helpful. Here's some useful knowledge about all of the aforementioned things. Oh and here's some b roll of it in action... This is a masterclass in how to put a useful, well lit video together and edit it into something watchable and interesting. Essentially it's a film about clamps🦀😂 but there's so much crammed into this, its well paced, with just the right banter to knowledge ratio. Well done, I'm sure people that know, appreciate the work that has gone into this🙏👍🏻🦀

[@eshackproductions]

Just met Martin at Pinewood Studios Atlanta for Cine Gear Expo, super awesome guy!

[@CinemaTeacher]

WE NEED MORE MARTIN! He's awesome 👏🏼

[@losangelesnative1586]

I didn’t attend film school, but several friends have mentioned they learned more from this vid than 4 years of film school

[@sowza1]

"Go get the one you borrowed yesterday" So good!

[@davidtinoco2484]

I have watched this video so many times. Over the months I have been buying these items...

[@Iceking007]

Apple Box - YES! But what abut C- stands lol I'm a proud supporter of Matthews, thank you for bringing in a Rep!

[@mitchmedmedia5386]

I love this so much. I’ve referred back to this when I want to add to my kit. Plus the energy is so positive and infectious that it makes it really enjoyable to watch.

[@MediaKitchenPro]

I'm so glad Ted has joined Indy mogul team. Brings so much value to the platform. I know the channel used to be different, more diy oriented. But indie filmmaking has changed as well. This channel is really helping low budget filmmakers step their game up as well. So much appreciation, guys!

[@dslrdave]

martin should have his channel... i could watch/listen him all day !

[@jholowka]

Martin is so cool and real!!! if you work onset you get it. 👍🏾

[@eugeivashchenko758]

Stoked to see the reference to the Grip Tips channel. Seriously one of THE most underrated channels out there for a filmmaker. It was super valuable as I was trying to climb up the ladder of traditional productions and then just as useful when I started doing more one-man-band and skeleton crew shoots where you have to wear a lot of hats

[@sleightlyimpossible]

"Yeah and then you gotta backlight for days." Favorite line I've heard in a while.

[@2MinuteTech]

Grip gear is such a mystery when you’re first starting out. This was hugely helpful! 🙌

[@stefanburianyk7193]

Brilliant use of a b******g (11/8-5/8) adapter right next to the retractable 5/8 pin that gives the combination stand it's name.

[@dutchvideoshooter]

OHW MY! I just ordered some basic grip equipment today! And now you are uploading this video 1 hour later :D I bought: 1 Wall bracket and 2 grip head and 1 meter bar and 2 spigots :D

[@NOMADCINEMATICS1]

I’ve worked on 2 production sets and have used literally every single one of these! Great tools 🛠

[@IanHavens]

Another great use for Matthellini clamps is to clamp an LED ballast to the stand if the cable isn't long enough for it to reach the ground!

[@BasicFilmmaker]

I love these videos which use experienced people who are super knowledgeable. Thanks!!

[@vidpic8311]

Would have liked to have seen a recap of all the gadgets used and their uses at the end, thanks for sharing the knowledge fantastic!

[@jonathanfurtado6880]

Great suggestions Martin! We need more of him in future episodes! I'd love to see a grip series like your DP series with him giving little training sessions on how to setup common grip situations!

[@Photographicelements]

I would that too! "How to Grip That: The Series."

[@jas_bataille]

As a drummer and DP, I wanna mention that drum clamps are amazing to hold lights. Some have a 360 degrees swiveling ball, and fancy spring assisted system. A drum rack is actually very close to what we use for rigging on the set. Of course you will need adapters with them but I can’t live without the nylon-ball powered 360 swivelling clamp for my LEDs. Just amazing.

[@Ben-id1tc]

Out of everything I've been waiting for, this is one of those videos I've wanted to see for ages.

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

Great info density+look+vibe here! Thanks for producing these.

[@rasmus9311]

The wall spreader story at the end is the funniest thing I have heard in a while

[@indymogul]

We can do anything we want. :D

[@KinemaReviews]

I don't even have a C-stand hahaha

[@matoflynn]

Won't regret it!

[@shkspear52]

Such a great interview....I wanna follow this guy for LIFE!!!

[@vertusmatjaz]

This is the coolest guy ever. I guess it's great to work with him. Also tons of great advices.

[@Pierorocks]

As a grip, I very much appreciate this video! It's cool seeing some of the lesser-known grip equipment gettig some recognition!

[@elliotthyppolite]

You guys are doing gods work lol seriously though. Ive had to learn most of this on site mostly through experience and watching others. That is a great way to learn, dont get me wrong. But videos like these are so helpful especially with the difference names people have for specific pieces of grip (and electric). I wish i had this video as soon as a year ago and as far back as atleast 7 years ago. Thank you for making this and i hope this is the first of a long series. Please make more of these. Many, many more.

[@troyphillips1077]

DUDE! Phenomenal video! Perfect information for the Indy guys and you brought in the perfect person. I’m loving this channel, thanks for all you do

[@funk4ever]

Wow. You just flipped it for me. Thank you. Scissor clips!!!

[@phantomsoil]

Top notch video! Great information here and in the podcast. I can't imagine not having a great time working with someone like Martin.

[@SkullyReacts]

This is one of those videos you don't realize you need but once you watch it you wonder where it's been your entire life! THANKS, TED AND MARTIN!

[@AllThingsFilm1]

This is great. Love these tools. Thanks so much.

[@Brian-Hansen]

So much great content coming from you, Ted. Keep up all the awesome videos!

[@PedroHofmann]

sooo many useful tips! Thanks Indy Mogul and Ted!

[@Writtenmirror]

Beautiful stuff as always useful AF!!!

[@lukago677]

once again great video ,advice, and commentary

[@Musiquedecor]

Grip work is HARD. I've put myself thru that just to learn and it's an amazing craft. I have THE most respect for Grips and Gaffing people. Thank you for this video. Great education and refresh!

[@VisionaryArtGroup]

Love this channel. Learn so much about the industry through you guys. Love that your products are from actual industry folk who are in touch with the culture of independent film work. I Wish he would’ve explained how most of these tools got their names. I literally just found out what an Apple box was and just had to ask why is was called that lol.

[@253emiliano]

I shoot in a office environment so the drop ceiling scissor clamps are a godsend. I just ordered 2 of them. Thanks!

[@SpencerPhotography]

FAVE new channel. So good. Thanks

[@Iliasschneider]

Great insight, thank you Martin and Ted!!

[@TerenceKearns]

I love this show and I think this is my favourite episode That dude is great. A lot of great info. This has inspired me to make some of my own stuff - like the apple box.

[@clangsison]

insanely useful, thank you

[@xavpil2]

These super specific videos are awesome

[@robertdouble559]

Love it. Great vid guys.

[@laneeric]

That Junior to Baby pin adapter" aka "buttplug" is great to use in turtle base C-stands for a very low mounting point if more stability is needed over the plate screwed to a board solution. Completely ignored the gaffer tape roll setup and T handle allen key sets sitting on the desk the whole time. If you can find them, use the short style. More torque to tighten set clamps on overheads and larger stands.

[@harryharper3958]

great video, so helpful and informative

[@fajumosamuel2616]

As a grip guy, I fond this pieces of information fascinating and helpful...thank you Indymogul for always churning out useful and vital contents for film makers

[@Holtenstein]

Yes! Fantastic episode.

[@dkirk335]

Learned a ton! great show

[@BillStreeter]

Love this guy, he should have his own channel!

[@indymogul]

He's actually starting his own podcast! soundcloud.com/user-516560610/slaying-the-dragon-with-kenny-davis-crew-stories-episode-1

[@CraigHollabaugh]

Very helpful, put a bunch of stuff in my adorama cart from your links. Thanks.

[@bobhuynh1974]

Very educational stuff here! Excellent video!

[@konstantinlapshin5010]

For the life of me, why am I watching this and why is it so captivating and joyful to watch. It's a video about damn clamps lmao. Well done. This was amazing. One of my all time favorite episodes, for sure. Definitely bookmarking this video for future ideas and applications, as I think it definitely has a tremendous value even for a non-filmmaker like me.

[@IanPriven]

This is such a good video thank you

[@phillip2446]

i needed to see this. thanks

[@recipetodelicious5791]

Really super episode. Knew a lot of them, but several I didn't and if I had, would have helped me in the past!

[@MrBowmanMakes]

very enlightening! Thanks for sharing :)

[@alexsawyer7313]

SUCH a fantastic video

[@MyJeanf]

Ted loving these new episodes

[@just.do.something]

You guys were too hard on the mafer clamp! LOL! Thanks for another great one.

[@cinema-q]

This was crucial.👌🏾 & Loooove Martin!

[@skooterbob]

AWESOME video!

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

This was very useful ted. Thanks

[@TheNappyboy40]

this was great. much respect to the guys who focus on these things, where most filmmakers rarely talk about. 11 out of 5!

[@indymogul]

b-but but you can't do that!

[@Viewfinderfx]

Great insight!! just the kinda of video I was looking for bc I was to mount things to other things lol :)

[@jhonchetiyar]

Thank you so much 😊for this

[@ingolfurarnar697]

Great guy, would LOVE to work with him on set :)

[@toneohm]

im glad he rated most of these realistically.. because as great as these grip tools are... you don't NEED most of these to get a film done right.. i still have scissor clamps, mathelinis, and a mafer clamp in my bag.. I think talking about the importance of gaffe tape should have been mentioned too.. you had it there.. lol may as well..! but yeah alot of tools can be interchangeable

[@flaviopresutti]

Really good episode! You elevate Indy Mogul to the top!

[@maxsaltin1001]

Nice thank you, listening to the pod

[@PeaLoop]

Great video, thx guys.

[@casualking4548]

Don’t tell them a beaver board can also be called a “producer’s chair” 😂

[@Andrelas11]

Yeah I definitely would have edited that nickname out haha!!!

[@dalbutpelfreywilliam2930]

Also a junior to baby is called a butt plug🤣

[@John_Lilley]

Good lord, coolest vid I've watched in a long time, and I'm not even into making films. Yet.

[@NealJohnson]

So freaking helpful! This stuff is way too underrated - grip rules!

[@Stone1108]

Great info good fun, make like this.

[@joshmillerdp]

If I didn't do more DP stuff I would 100% be a grip! Figuring out how to rig stuff and using these different things is so much fun!

[@MrBlowncat]

Excellent!

[@richardedens9472]

Love this guy

[@TyboAudio]

I learned a lot on this one!! 💯💎

[@marcd7307]

Just as Martin said, you're holding Matthelini's, Matthews version of the classic Cardellini, which has a different (X shaped) clamping screw. But most people refer to all of them as Cardellini

[@robertryde4938]

such a helpful video for indy filmmakers that aren't exposed to these types of tools on a daily basis. Hopefully, when I get to the biggers sets I'll be able to talk the language now. Thanks guys

[@AlexMint]

I didn't know about the cardellini/matthelini clamp and I think I'm gonna nab one for my stop motion productions- maier clamps are neat for my purposes, but don't mount too well to my table.