CINEMATOGRAPHY | SHOULD A DP OWN GEAR?

WHAT DO YOU THINK? Should a DP own their own Camera, Lighting & G/E Gear? Let me know in the comments below :)
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[@BobAquatic]

I agree with you and went down this route. By the end of it I owned a 5-ton lighting package and a massive storage space with high overhead. Over time the gear got out of date and LED CRI was getting better. Arri released the skypanel, things changed. One lesson I learned is that producers on large budget shoots don't really care for DP's that own lights. The setups were getting bigger and the lights I owned were not the right tool for the job. Then you start traveling more as a DP, your network gets global, the lights sit around. You're doing it right with a manageable interview/doc kit. KZbin has been recommending your vids to me, props dude. Have fun out there!

[@Dontlicktheballoons]

Hey, first off thank you so much for your videos man you helped a lot. Think number two, and this is some serious important stuff, please get a cage for your van. I was working as an AC on an indie feature, the DP hit a deer coming back late at night and all the stuff from the backflow for words. She lost half her face. Even if it's like a dog cage type thing, get something to keep the gear from flying into your face if the worst should happen. Sorry for the doom-and-gloom but yeah, scary shit

[@carlostigs]

Hey man I appreciate this a lot thank you for your advice

[@Brian-Hansen]

True! A simple cage is less than $100 on Amazon. I got one, and holy cow it makes for great peace of mind.

[@colinhpham9877]

@@Brian-Hansen Can you link your cage?

[@nicholasolivas317]

@@Brian-Hansen how does one set iT up? How does it attach to the van?

[@hansenmultimedia]

@@colinhpham9877 www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07NX1XLR6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@timdanyo898]

I like owning my own gear. It’s like an artist owning their own paint brushes, paints, canvases, wood frames, nails, and easels. It’s important to know every piece of gear: how it works, how it’s organized, how it all connects together to improvise and create.

[@robtrent4167]

Love the video man. As a DP who owns gear (both cam & electric) I couldn’t agree more. Maybe you’ve already posted an update but would love to see more about the van!

[@jonwaldman94]

Loved this video! Totally agree that owning gear as a DP is important.

[@alghufrankhan9093]

Definitely, once you bring certain production value, you can for sure charge more. I'm building commercial portfolio and building my equipment items for different production needs, going forward I definitely want to charge more knowing that I will be bringing certain amount of equipment items on set.

[@carlostigs]

That’s right man!

[@travisminneapolis]

Grip, gaffer, or swing positions plus van rental rate helps push up your day rate.

[@JesusMartinezCreates]

Just got a honda pilot and debating on expanding my gear. Thanks for this man I need to update my stuff cheers 🤙🏼

[@piusgyagenda]

Thank you so much Carlo for this video its supper helpful with a lot of take away points for a DP and anyone that hopes to be one

[@josephfriedman614]

I've been a DP for some time, and I own my own gear. The decision to buy gear was one of the most intelligent and ultimately financially rewarding/logical decisions I've made. I used to get gear from a rental house and what a pain in the butt that was, not to mention time consuming. All the points you raise about owning gear, knowing it intimately, being able to pull the camera out and work with it in your down time, etc. all make good sense.

[@dallassurfersclub8872]

Depends. I show up as a day-hire I get on some reality shows and have regular corporate clients. I'm making $450-$600 per day just as a camera op. I shoot with Sony FS7, Panasonic P2, Large field cameras for sports. I'm pretty familiar with these cameras because I use them on a regular basis. You can make money as a freelance cam op only. I do agree though, that you have more money making potential with gear rental however.

[@scottchristie5324]

My Monday mornings + Carlo = happiness

[@carlostigs]

Love you

[@Sam-em1ic]

Found you on Danny’s video. You’re the man! Congrats on getting engaged btw

[@ryvnphvm]

Proud of you bro! Always great keeping up with your videos, and was especially cool hearing someone else's thoughts with this topic since i get asked this a lot too.

[@carlostigs]

Love you dude

[@jijivishant]

thank you for providing the confidence

[@JohnLuna]

Glad you're growing your business!

[@carlostigs]

Thanks dude!

[@tremarquise4675]

Great information bruh!

[@carlostigs]

Thanks!

[@tylerjames9021]

been checking your channel every week for a new vid! keep going, you make awesome shit. That is all, take care.

[@JacobVossFilms]

Dang bro, KZbin didn't even put this in my sub box - solid points though, gonna need some gear racks for the van soon tho ;) Glad to see your business growing man! Thanks for putting this info out

[@carlostigs]

Thanks bro I appreciate it

[@JusttJC]

Valuable stuff man!

[@carlostigs]

thanks bro

[@kolecava]

Now I need to pass my license, (rip first test). The van idea is just a win, all around. *edit* I mean any 4 wheels is a win at my rate 😂 booosh passssssed that shit first time

[@QuentinWillemse]

Hey man quick question since I heard you say this in the van explainer vid aswell. When you say the van rental pays for the van, does that include all the gear? Or just the van? Otherwise maybe 90% of the rate is the gear and only 10% the van while the entire 100% of the rate is busy paying off just the van while the gear depreciates right? Would love to know!

[@TJ-TJ]

What’s up my dude

[@JuanOrtiz-wn3ww]

We love you bro

[@carlostigs]

I love you

[@KoolCreation]

Great info!

[@carlostigs]

Thanks!

[@promzybc]

Is ten light to much for a music cinematographyer

[@LaurentiuRobu]

Very informative 🤘🏻 btw I would've come as a bts shooter but kinda live in the UK 😅

[@carlostigs]

Thank you!

[@TLFILMS]

a year after... I BOUGHT A SONY VENICE ahah

[@rolithesecond]

Hey, at 7:25 when you show your list, you say you charge .71 cents per mile, you probably wanted to say 71 cents instead.

[@walkeredelmannn]

hey! how do you fit the 6ft speed rail in there?

[@carlostigs]

Slide that bad boy right in the middle

[@walkeredelmannn]

@@carlostigs thank you!

[@pedrohenriquedavila4152]

Kubrick had his own lenses, so...

[@seanmccoyphotography]

Hey Carlo! Did you buy another Ursa?

[@carlostigs]

Still have 1 I bought a pocket

[@adambobroy7682]

!!!