6 useful filmmaking items for under $20

#filmmaking #gear #budget
Camera gear is notoriously expensive, but every once in a while you’ll find a truly useful item that doesn’t cost a fortune. In this video I breakdown six of the most useful items every run and gun filmmaker should throw in their bag - and they all cost less than $20.
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CHAPTERS
0:00 - Intro
1:34 - Bongo Ties
2:22 - Undercovers for lavs
3:57 - China Ball
5:04 - Shower Curtain
6:47 - Lens Tissue
8:03 - Paper Tape
10:17 - Conclusion
🔗 LINKS FROM THIS VIDEO
- Bongo Ties - amzn.to/3MP6EGb
- Undercovers for lavs - bhpho.to/3MDtujW
- China ball - amzn.to/3tHaHvq
- Shower curtain - amzn.to/3KnEvns
- Lens tissue -amzn.to/3MG9w7S
- Paper tape amzn.to/3tRjScO
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MY ACAM: amzn.to/3CsrOoy
MY BCAM: bhpho.to/3J1DQro
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KZbin LENS: amzn.to/3CuSl4x
PRIME LENSES: amzn.to/3CuVrWk
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[@secondwaveprod]

Just a word of advice to younger filmmakers: YOU DON'T NEED TO BUY ANYTHING. Focus on building your storytelling skills, set etiquette, communication and persistent hard work, the rest will follow. If you're well off to begin with, then half of your worries are already taken care of in your career. Most professionals RENT.

[@LucForsyth]

Great advice - less gear and more time on craft and you'll go much further, agree 💯. I would say that renting gear for each shoot is more common in commercials and narrative, and at least when I was starting out it would have been hard to get gigs in the doc world without a camera. Even today there are some gigs I wouldn't get without my own gear, but in general I think this is the kind of advice I fully support!

[@Indo_chef]

I disagree. It takes time to learn your equipment. One doesn’t need to buy a red monstro, but you need to own something to practice. If you have a consistent workflow that requires the same gear frequently, purchasing makes more financial sense.

[@quentindescotte6037]

@@Indo_chef 15 years ago as a 17yo boy, I bought a HPX171 with a RedRock Micro mini 35, some Zeiss Prime lenses, Follow Focus, Mattebox, Sachtler Tripod,…undescent amount of money for a 17yo. But man I learned sooo much ! Yes, it was a « waste » of money at that time, but I learned way more than at my film school. I could « make movies » and focus on the story. It was the best decision I made.

[@amdisboxing]

@@Indo_chef Nope, you don't need to own a lot of things to practice. That's not true at all

[@Thepietro5000pp]

I recently bought a lot of gear because I won like 10,000$ in a lottery. I'm glad I have everything I would ever want, but most of the time I still shoot with close to no gear because it's just easier. Plus I can buy legos now that I'm done with buying gear lol

[@crazyantmedia8587]

People don't even realize how everyday items can help make life on set so much better! Great video! I'll be subscribing!!

[@LucForsyth]

So true. But so satisfying when you find them!

[@Quarker]

A lens blower was one of the first accessories I ever bought years ago, and I still use that on nearly every shoot. Gets rid of dust from most places in less than a second.

[@LucForsyth]

amazing value for money for sure

[@khyberjones131]

Prob my most used piece of gear that hasn't changed, been using the same rocket blower the past 6+ years

[@sauzeeee]

I even use the blower for my coffee grinders lmao. Bought a cheap blower for my first DSLR and still going after 10 years.

[@user-wu8sj3ee3d]

Another cheap option for lighting is getting a foam insulation board used for home construction. One side is white and the other a metallic reflective material. Super cheap but quite effective.

[@superbmediacontentcreator]

Good video and great tips. I have found that translucent shower liners from the dollar stores are great diffusion and I've been using them for 45 years now. One of the few products that have gone down in price too!

[@housepandacrew581]

I also use tons of tape, and you probably know this, but i have recently discovered double-sided nano-gel tape. That sh*t is just fantastic. Doesn't leave residue, can hold a tank to a ceiling and can be moved around on set if it's not to dirty... And it's pretty cheap Great channel btw. You got a new sub 👍

[@LucForsyth]

Also so good! Will have to make it into the next round…

[@thymeparzival]

Solid tips. As a traveling filmmaker, a good portion of my job seems to be Macgyvering less than ideal set conditions with random items found around the location we fly into. All of these items are simple and cheap ways to fix a lot of the reocurring issues that we run into. Thanks for making this video.

[@LucForsyth]

You're very welcome! Macgyvering stuff is about half the job!

[@MrShanePhoto]

Literally one of the most helpful and practical tip/ gear video ive every seen. Ive used lots of these things. Great stuff Luc. Thank you

[@carbon_originals]

I just hit like in the first 10 seconds or so because I know it’s gonna be valuable. Keep up the great content. And yes we’re always looking at our next purchase and researching new gear when we’re not editing or planning.

[@pacificostudios]

Blue painter's tape is ideal for not damaging a wall. Using the glue of a post-it note, it won't hold up much, but it also won't give you a wall repair job later.

[@iggysixx]

For light diffusion, I sometimes use sheets from old LCD screens. (Or you could scuff up some plexiglass) Also, might I suggest electrical tape (PVC) as another gaffer / duct tape alternative. It's stretchy, and sticks tightly, but comes off pretty easily too and without residu (provided it didn't get too hot) Perfect for temporarily tying things together too (much like those elastic bands in your list)

[@SlashBurn2k13]

Parchment paper!

[@Outlawes]

Great advice as always! We’ll definitely be applying this to our new documentaries. Undercovers are a good shout 🙌

[@LucForsyth]

They're so handy you'll wonder how you survived without them!

[@alexlabs4858]

I’m not a professional but I own a small KZbin channel and really respect visually stunning shots so I try pretty hard to make stuff look good. I had been using cheap lighting for quite a while but just picked up some apurature light and wow what a difference. You can definitely get by without stuff like that but it’s great to be resourceful when the budget is tight!

[@CreativeTies_]

I know the feeling when your family asks you what you want for Christmas 😆 Pro Tape Tip: If you need to stick cables to the ceiling for let's say a paper lantern - put a wide strip of paper tape down first then stick the cable to it with a piece of gaff tape. That way the paint and the cable stay where you want them.

[@LucForsyth]

We're impossible to buy for! Also, great tip!

[@naturestockfootage]

OMG a good pair of socks have kept my feet warm while filming underwater and on land while on long shoots. More warmth = less shaking .Hail to you mother! Good socks are almost essential film gear 😁

[@NIKONGUY1960]

I suffer from G.A.S. GEAR AQUISITION SYNDROME. 😂😂😂😂

[@WhySteve]

Nice, I always used masking tape because it was really cheap and then realized it can be quite handy.

[@stevestrasser6833]

Great valuable and carefully considered tipps here! I enjoy watching your content! I put many of these items on my shopping list. Cheers!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Steve!

[@railpressureflip]

Just a small piece of detail but I love the finger snip sound at the appearance of a text you did in the video. Adds bigtime in the ear candy aspect. Love the list too of course!

[@LucForsyth]

Audio for the win!

[@skylarking12]

Foam core bounce cards, from the dollar store, for sure. At least one piece of Black foamboard negative fill, or a piece of black felt, for sure; great to hide window reflections. I used to fold up a big piece of black cinefoil and stash it in my kits; useful so many times, from extending a matte box to cut some glare, to shaping a light with an extra barn door or snoot, or, punched full of holes with a bic pen, it's a wonderful instant gobo or cookie to pattern a wall.

[@LucForsyth]

Yes to all! A follow up video is necessary

[@videobro]

This channel is amazing! Keep it up, Luc! Thanks for the content :)

[@LucForsyth]

You’re welcome! I will definitely do my best!

[@LaurenPassarelli]

That was great. I love your humor and teaching style, too. Thanks Luc.

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Lauren! Glad to have you on board!

[@YaleWall]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@jamieemolina1186]

THANK YOU FOR THIS!!!

[@PETERFRITZPHOTO]

I’m really enjoying your videos, Luc.

[@Historyprops]

Paper tape in black is a must have and everyday used item for standby props

[@Andyax]

Great video Luc! 🙂 Thanks

[@LucForsyth]

You’re very welcome!

[@youngadam1548]

I just subscribed. You’re very straightforward and actually have helpful tips. I’m trying to be a full time filmmaker and I always watch videos KZbin, then you popped up on my explore page and I’m happy I watched your video because now I want watch more. Thank you.

[@LucForsyth]

That’s really nice to hear…glad to have you!

[@SevenPhotonsFilms]

Amazing video; very concrete; I knew just about half of this tips. Subscribed! Thank you.

[@LucForsyth]

You’re very welcome!

[@lauritee]

solid tips haha! love the humor!

[@PracticalMedia]

I really enjoyed your video. Great tips!

[@bryanpitcherfilms]

This was great info. Thank you.

[@theotdude5123]

This video is so helpful and practical! Power on! 🙏🏻

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻

[@godsfilmmaker8863]

You got a like just for that relatable Christmas story, lol I just try to avoid anything filmmaking related for Christmas requests, because the only thing they can buy is little stuff, but the only way they’ll know it’s useful is if I specifically tell them. At that point it just feels like I’m telling them what to buy.

[@UncleLunk]

Thanks for the tips

[@ScottAuch]

Greatest underrated item (and skill) you can add is KNOT TYING! Amazing the things you can do on the fly with that skill and some cheap paracord (or any rope) laying around. Know it - you use it on everything. Without it - you struggle with numerous hacks and frustrations; not knowing how easy it could have been.

[@iborov]

Quite set of useful and affordable items. 😮 thank you for sharing useful items and tricks!❤ I’ll subscribe for more. But I cannot agree that paper tape does not tear paint off the walls also. 😢

[@RobertShaverOfAustin]

Hey, I liked this video. Very practical, easy and useful. So now I'm *SUBSCRIBED!*

[@LucForsyth]

Hey, thanks!

[@mossgatherer1797]

I really appreciate your awareness of ewaste....others would do well to be as on the ball!

[@readwrecks]

This is probably a tip that’s only of concern to beginners, but paper tape has a time limit, and that limit fluctuates. If you buy a roll and leave it lying around without using it, it will eventually lose its adhesiveness. I’m not sure what the right conditions are, but it’ll last for years under the right conditions. However, under some conditions, it won’t last a full year. And you can also have the opposite problem. When you do use it, if you leave it in place for too long, it can be really difficult to pull off, and it can damage walls and painted surfaces. And in these cases, it’s only a matter of days. But, you can get it to loosen up again with a heat gun or a hair dryer. So, if you get stuck on a project and have to set it aside for a few days, you might want to pull up the paper tape and reapply it later. Of if your working on something and it’s taking a while, consider going around and refreshing the paper tape every so often. Or be prepared to spend some time running over it with a heat gun when you finally do pull up the tape. And if you finish a project, and it’s months or years before you start another one, test out the tape that you have, and be prepared to buy some new rolls.

[@tommystrange]

very helpful thank you.

[@recandcut]

Great tips! Which lamp/bulb do you use for the chinaball?

[@joefernet9897]

Very inspiring. Thanx.

[@seanopenshaw]

Beyond helpful! Thank you!

[@LucForsyth]

You’re welcome!

[@shayanthis]

masking tape is a solid win. I use it for my temporary photo studios. I also use a black shower curtain for a cheap blackout screen

[@LucForsyth]

Black shower curtain, I love it!

[@TexpatOTG]

Good show -- I use many of those. I also like zip ties when I need a really strong tie down. Her in Saigon a big bag of 100 costs about 1.50 USD ... Clothes pins, cheap plastic carpenter clanmps and other stuff is in my bag too. Great info, great presentation.

[@LucForsyth]

Nice! I love Vietnam, even more now that I know they have cheap bongo ties!

[@4sightfilmsLLC]

Great Video!!

[@nicolasclarke]

Great video! You just earned yourself a new subscriber. I am definitely making some purchases after this LOL

[@LucForsyth]

Amazing, glad to have you!

[@moderateadventuring1437]

Cheap shower curtain alternative: go to the fabric store and get some muslin (bleached or unbleached based on your preference). Still cheaper than an 8x8, but you can get it any size you like.

[@LucForsyth]

yes, 💯

[@GettingNegative]

Two China balls with bulb cords that have dimmer switches on them are fantastic. I even put a China ball over an LED strip light.

[@Alchemetica]

Hook & Eye Tape - AKA Velcro. Better than tape in many circumstances - stronger, leaves no residue and sticks to itself and thus can be wrapped tightly around objects. Best of all it is reusable.

[@RogerAVHansen]

Lots of nice tips! ☺️ Thanks 😊

[@LucForsyth]

You’re welcome!

[@buenaventuralife]

I realize this is way late, but I proceed. The photographic lens papers are treated with chemicals to make the lens stay clean longer. I think the primary is an alcohol compound. Something to add to the kit is a handful of old fashioned clip clothes pins. Safer than any tape on clothes. A model needs a wrinkle pulled back or a curtain will not stay in place, clothes pins. I also carried (i was a photog in the 60's) aluminum foil, great reflector and great light blocker.

[@MorraWork]

Super helpful! Thank you. Just wanted to let u know that u have a broken link in the desc. The best tripod in the world

[@avaoehrlein5945]

Rubber Bands. Bread ties. Carabiners and clips. Storage, organization, labelling is key to a smooth set and post.

[@LucForsyth]

bread ties for the win!

[@sivasudhanbalamanoha]

Dude, your choice of music is amazing, elevates your storytelling.. and all the things in your list are spot on.

[@WintaAssefa]

yesss. I agree!

[@Jambo1999]

Nice tips. You have a backing music track at low level. Its nice but I'm like, "Did I really stop Radio Paradise? Let me check" lol You could add little doorbell chimes and maybe some would run to their doors.

[@beachcomberfilms8615]

Bongo ties are the bomb, they changed my life for rigging my camera.

[@jacobkrone]

Awesome ideas! The overcovers are blowing my mind too. I'm just starting to dabble in audio and mic'ing up people causes me a lot of stress. I always feel uncomfortable when I'm attaching microphones to people, especially if it involves going under the shirt. Also working with women can be tricky. How do you approach this? A video about different ways to attach a lav mic would be awesome!

[@LucForsyth]

game changers! For mic'ing women, just have to be professional and tell them what you need to do most of the time. If you're trying to put it very far down their shirt or need to hide it in a bra, maybe talk them through what you need and let them do it themselves. But I love this video idea - will add it to the list!

[@longwelsh]

Fibreglass pen. Really good for cleaning battery contacts. Also Spike Tape, small rolls of flurogaff for marking marks. Has a nice quality adhesive so doesn't leave residue unless you leave it on for months. Oh, and cheap packing blankets. When you're in a horrible acoustic space they'll save your ass. The Producers Choice Acoustic Blanket is nice but those cheap recycled ones still do the job.

[@Gentlemans_sport]

As a beginner KZbinr, would you recommend me to buy DJI mic? Now I do all my voiceover in postproduction but I really would like to shoot it right away

[@Smamaj]

really enjoy this chanel! great Job!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks Sebastian, glad you're on board!

[@GriffinConway]

Nice video! I use a lot of these same things in my kit as well.

[@LucForsyth]

Nice!

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

Thanks for the great tips.

[@LucForsyth]

My pleasure!

[@lukasschramm9887]

Baking paper! If you have harsh LEDs as front lighting for example at concert venues, you can soften them up a bit

[@LucForsyth]

Yes! Great tip

[@peterhdge]

Ironic in that is precisely what is currently defusing one of my Neweer LEDs as I wait for the soft box for it to arrive. Works surprisingly well.

[@joelpeters750]

This video is INVALUABLE. Thank you Sir.

[@LucForsyth]

For sure, glad it was useful!

[@focusmedia2465]

New to your channel. Great info here! Undercovers and the lens tissue was new info for me. Liked and subbed, cheers!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks, glad to have you!

[@lmenting]

Such an underrated channel!

[@LucForsyth]

Thanks! We'll get there Im sure!

[@mopanda81]

actually a lot of useful ideas! diffusion and tape that's all we need in life

[@yourilliterate]

actually learned something. thank you for that

[@LucForsyth]

Nice, mission accomplished!

[@asirus]

I film my own content in my home office, the afternoon sun can be too much but a shower curtain will be perfect! Thank you! 🫶🏽

[@LucForsyth]

Yes! More shower curtains the better!

[@asirus]

@@LucForsyth I found the off cut of a cheap, cream colour, tab top curtain in the cupboard and that is serving my purpose perfectly! Yay to repurposing.

[@MrPERPS]

Good talk without the fluff, subbed.

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome, glad to have you!

I studied filmmaking in Argentina and we only used paper tape because we couldn’t afford Gaffer taper or anything else…. I’m glad to see it vindicated here! #povertyhacks

[@LucForsyth]

That’s amazing! VINDICATION!

[@HollyHargreaves]

Relatable. Mum asked me what i wanted for my bday. I need a new Sony camera, but I just said 'towels'. Great video.

[@LucForsyth]

Haha, the struggle is real!

[@johnwaldmann5222]

The best gift a mother can give a film maker, is gel soled possum/wool socks, so you can stand around all day long on cold ground.

[@Jambo1999]

I used the Sony lav mics for years, not i'm always using a clip-on with subdued/no branding letters.

[@mikepatton309]

Great video

[@southernguy35]

On the lens tissue, you use it flat against the lens. If you double it up or crinkle it, it can and will scratch your lens.

[@martinzulu1402]

the intro 😂 I thought I was the only one who did that lol

[@LucForsyth]

hahah, nope!

[@photographyandthecreativeyou]

Great info thanks!

[@LucForsyth]

You’re welcome!

[@catprog]

1:08 The other way of looking at it is this. Buy something cheap and see if you use it and then when it brakes buy the good one.

[@Sgyozo]

If you use something on a daily or at least weekly basis, it's good to buy it. A decent basic setup probably, but it depends on what you do. And it's also a good idea to buy (or even lease!) pro gear that you can take with you and let the production rent from you. Like if you're a 1st AC, it's good to have your own monitor, Teradek, wireless follow focus, etc. and besides your daily rate you can get a fair price for your gear. Or a freelance DP should have a camera, mattebox, sticks, lens kit, after seeing what most customers demand. If most of them want Sony, buy that, and rent an Alexa or RED for the few others, just do the maths before.

[@LucForsyth]

Yes, good advice!

[@vancamping]

I found the shower curtain idea interesting. I have some ideas on how I can put that to use. Jason

[@charlieross-BRM]

Hey Jason, if you go to the dollar stores, I used to check out shower curtains. Now I go to the hardware/paint section and found painter's drop sheets that are thin foggy/semi-transparent plastic. 12 feet x 8 feet for $2.50 and next to weightless, folding down back into the wrapper they came in. No shower curtain will match that.

[@vancamping]

@@charlieross-BRM Thanks Charlie I have to go to the hardware store today for unrelated item so I will look into that👍

[@cheehou89]

good suggestion, keep it up!!!

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻

[@mtmccornack]

I recently came across the shower curtain light diffusion trick and gave myself the facepalm.... It's such a great hack. I feel dumb not putting 2+2 together sooner!

[@sharazkhan4878]

Amazing

[@RoadJournal]

Nice!

[@yanikkendler]

i would maybe add the one smallrig tool and a uv filter on every lense lol

[@rockybproduction9038]

Haha I do make tons of wish lists with different things like cinema car rigs, jib setups, and waterproof setup just in case a client wants a specific shot. But in reality I will most likely rent it if that comes up😂😂 but I mainly make wish lists of things I already own and other setups at different price ranges to send people that are looking for a podcast, filming, or audio setups.

[@LucForsyth]

Hahaha, this is very relatable!

[@whengrapespop5728]

Gaffer tape is not the same as duct tape, for anyone wondering. Gaffer tape was invented for gaffers in film production. It is not meant to stick or leave residue like duct tape, so authentic gaffer tape should not be an issue to use.

[@santamulligan676]

Appreciated by this old filmmaker

[@DitishetNieuwsOMB]

Paper Tape. Yes sir!

[@elimayer193]

4:45 unrelated, but this guy is my camp counselor lol, crazy to see him in the video

[@JAmediaUK]

I use all the items you suggest except the bongo ties....... However, not 30 minutes before watching this video, I had ordered some on-line!

[@lamhuynh3107]

What did you use to hold the monopod in place for the china ball? Is there an clamp attachment?

[@LucForsyth]

I use the grip head and clamp that comes with the matthews mini grip system - www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/227714-REG/Matthews_350598_Minigrip_Mounting_Kit.html

[@ReelStoryFilmsLLC]

a white fabric shower curtain might still overexpose, an alternative is a Sheer Gray Curtain.

[@khari83637]

recommendation?

[@willeifler8892]

This was super helpful. Earned a subscribe from me

[@LucForsyth]

Awesome, welcome aboard!

[@laserfliptoboneless]

Tape is underrated

[@jan-hendrikswanepoel3744]

Great video 🙂

[@LucForsyth]

👊🏻

[@securityrobot]

Shocking to learn that you had never heard of lens cleaning tissues, (what are they teaching these days at Film Schools?). Camera Lens cleaning tissues have been around for more years than I care to remember, they weren’t the sole preserve of Microscopes and Telescopes which you claim, I don’t know where you got that idea from. The golden rule with lens cleaning is to avoid as much physical contact as possible, a basic method would be to use a can of air, and then if necessary progress to using cleaning tissues with fluid if necessary. Fitting a protective filter to the Lens was always a standard precaution and an economically effective first line of defence against contamination or exposure to the elements, and additional housing attachments too.

[@LucForsyth]

I never went to film school, so not sure what they’re teaching! Thanks for the background though, very interesting!