10 Essential Film Tools You Should Know About

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@grad-dd9zj]

usefulness rating of this video: 6 out of 5!

[@sjmheron]

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

[@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!

[@Iceking007]

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

[@ricekings]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@BasicFilmmaker]

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

[@SatanicJamnic]

I NEED MORE OF THIS GUY ON KZbin

[@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.

[@KeepitOneHunnedGrand]

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

[@CinemaTeacher]

WE NEED MORE MARTIN! He's awesome 👏🏼

[@SpencerPhotography]

FAVE new channel. So good. Thanks

[@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🙏👍🏻🦀

[@jholowka]

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

[@flutechannel]

Small grip package setup video please!

[@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

[@eshackproductions]

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

[@2MinuteTech]

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

[@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!

[@AustinHo]

Love this video, just one small nitpick-a combo stand is named that because it has the retractable baby pin just to the left of the adapter pin shown at 2:12. Just loosen the small knob on the left and it’ll pop up.

[@NOMADCINEMATICS1]

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

[@davetinoco]

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

[@dslrdave]

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

[@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!

[@losangelesnative1586]

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

[@davisfan]

Hi. I've been a director of photography on 3 small features, and I'm considered a successful videographer in Veracruz, Mexico. I've also worked on big movie sets as an AC and trainee. Yes - watch this video. I actually own a number of all of these clamps, and they have all saved my job in one way or another. Film school is great, if you can have it, take it. But the reality is that 95 percent of filmmaking is mostly practical stuff. I've met many 'filmmakers' who can't soften a light without spending a fortune on overpriced softboxes, and many experienced grips who can build and control a booklight with great firepower, make it look easy, even if they never put a foot on film school. TLDR - this is a great video - simple and real. Now get out and shoot more.

[@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.

[@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."

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Ben-id1tc]

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

[@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.

[@253emiliano]

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

[@funk4ever]

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

[@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

[@vertusmatjaz]

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

[@TheFirstMillion]

One of the most valuable video I’ve ever seen on this topic . Thank you guys

[@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!

[@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!

[@Pierorocks]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@sleightlyimpossible]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@shkspear52]

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

[@sowza1]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@lukago677]

once again great video ,advice, and commentary

[@pascaldeshayes5459]

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

[@NealJohnson]

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

[@John_Lilley]

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

[@chromacosm]

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

[@eyeconikmedia2058]

martin is the best!!

[@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

[@PedroHofmann]

sooo many useful tips! Thanks Indy Mogul and Ted!

[@XavierPil]

These super specific videos are awesome

[@just.do.something]

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

[@Brian-Hansen]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@ingolfurarnar697]

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

[@cinema-q]

This was crucial.👌🏾 & Loooove Martin!

[@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

[@KinemaReviews]

I don't even have a C-stand hahaha

[@matoflynn]

Won't regret it!

[@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

[@Holtenstein]

Yes! Fantastic episode.

[@MyJeanf]

Ted loving these new episodes

[@clangsison]

insanely useful, thank you

[@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!

[@peterevans8194]

This is a really great video, super interesting and very entertaining/fun! Re the apple boxes, I am in a completely different industry, but we had very similar boxes for a similar task...ours were a bit bigger than the standard apple box shown here, and we're colloquially known as "elephant boxes"...For film work it's only a shame you can't access the inside of the large apple box to use as storage....Again great video!

[@oneeyedphotographer]

Those look more like tilted chevrons than stars. That chain grip. Something like that is/was used to hold pipe still while it's being cut or threaded.

[@nklostit4617]

good work indy mogul making our life's easier

[@Writtenmirror]

Beautiful stuff as always useful AF!!!

[@CraigHollabaugh]

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

[@Iliasschneider]

Great insight, thank you Martin and Ted!!

[@dominiccole]

1:14 also know as a buttplug. 2:10 also many junior stands have a springloaded baby pin built in.

[@roeschdan]

A gaffer I've worked with doesn't like using the spring-loaded pin because when you're putting a light on it, it can push in. I've seen a light bounce on the ground because of that. You are correct though that the combo stand already has one though so I would say the usefulness is lower on a bare-bones indie set.

[@bobhuynh1974]

Very educational stuff here! Excellent video!

[@h.ar.2937]

Hahaha that talk about the apple boxes reminds me of my own workspace (not filmmaking) we have similar boxes in the workshop (that items are meant to be placed on) most people when they come to work they take these boxes away and sit somewhere and they NEVER return them back

[@StravaigingMTB]

I have two wall spreaders rigged vertically supporting paper photo backdrops for a temp neutral backdrop. 100% of the time, they work everytime.

[@juliusherrmann4876]

Does the apple box matthelini combination also work with the small end clamp? Would have been really intruiged to see a whole package of grip and indy lights coming to action. With little reserach I found possible negative fill (30 bucks molton 2m * 1m) and so on. One might use shower curtains and work lights, some of the aputure lights (f7) etc. Awesome video though

[@flaviopresutti]

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

[@Chucky4631]

You should make a video in which you build a basic grip kit for indie productions, something maybe around 1/2 thousand dollars with all the essentials stands/clamps/rails/adaptors and so on needed for being able to rig lights on an indie shoot.

[@indymogul]

Alright Indy Mogulers. What'd we miss??

[@DavidKudellMusic]

One of the best uses for the spud adapter is to use it with a C-stand's turtle base legs (the removable type legs) to mount a light low to the ground.

[@Kwintreepler]

French flags? (Maybe they are dead) Gobo arms (extensions) Gripheads (for butterflys) Special grip (car mounts for example) Crocodile clamp Spring clamp Magic Arms (the big ones 16mm)

[@SunDevilThor]

Digital Chicken Damn, they should make a part 2 of this video to show everything you listed.

[@timkang1980]

@@DavidKudellMusic I was about to say this too, especially if you have a lowboy roller.

[@robertdouble559]

Love it. Great vid guys.

[@JaronMarquisTV]

Pretty useful video for budgeting for those small ancillary production costs

[@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🤣

[@alexsawyer7313]

SUCH a fantastic video

[@ChrisLeeX]

Wow. This was the missing piece to understanding the janky lighting connectors that's been boggling my mind for close to a DECADE. It's good to know that the jankiness is normal - thank you so much!

[@inkeyst]

Awesome man! We can do anything we want! ... If we've got an apple box!