Film Production Equipment Checklist

Film production equipment needs vary for each shoot depending on a variety of factors, like budget, location, and production needs. However, every shoot will need some basic equipment, whether you’re an established professional or expanding your horizons. To help you get organized for your next production, use this film production equipment checklist!

Wits End has all the film production equipment and expendables you need for your projects in NYC or LIC. Order Now

Carts & Material Handling

One of the first necessary pieces of equipment is something to carry all of your production items. It’s more efficient and safer to load everything into a cart rather than ask people to carry items themselves. This reduces the risk of damage and makes moving equipment around safer and easier.

Vehicles

Transportation is essential for any project. Whether you need to transport your crew or equipment, you will likely need to rent vehicles. Vehicles like box trucks can also be useful for storing equipment safely on location. From box trucks to luxury SUVs, Wits End offers a range of vehicle rental options in NYC, so you can transport your equipment and crew affordably:

Power & Lighting

Quality lighting is essential to any production. From lamps and bulbs to filters and gels, there are many options to consider. Be sure to consider your lighting needs for the shoot itself as well as for behind the scenes. Your crew needs to see what they’re doing, too!

Of course, you’ll need to ensure you have the right gear to power all of your lighting and other film equipment as well. Depending on where you are filming, a generator may be necessary. Extension cords are also essential on set—and make sure you have a large stock of batteries on hand as well. Use cable ties to organize electrical cables so everyone understands which cords power which equipment, and educate your crew on potential electrical hazards.

Safety Equipment

It’s important to ensure the safety of your cast and crew at all times. There are a variety of hazards present on film sets, and you should have some supplies on hand to reduce the chance of someone getting injured. Common film production safety equipment includes:

Fall protection for people who climb ladders, handle equipment from tall heights, or film shots over ledges
Safety glasses
Surge protectors to prevent electrical hazards
Safety tape to tape down cables and prevent tripping
Extra clothing such as hats, raincoats, and gloves for cold conditions
And more

Tents

Tents are important to consider for your production, especially if you are filming outdoors. Tents can be used to protect your equipment and crew from weather like rain or sun. Tents also make it easy to organize all your items and provide a place for cast and crew to gather.

Steps & Ladders

Ladders are another important piece of equipment to keep on set. From setting up C-stands to establishing shots from a height, it helps to have ladders available so your crew can easily and safely reach any height. Wits End offers a variety of ladders to accommodate your needs, from 2’ steps to 24’ ladders.

Hair, Makeup, and Wardrobe Equipment

Create a high-functioning hair and makeup department by ensuring you have all the equipment they need on hand. This can be anything from a table to set up their tools to special bulbs for the best lighting. Other important equipment to consider in this category includes:

Wardrobe racks & hangers
Changing tents
Makeup mirrors
Hydraulic makeup chairs
Ironing boards & irons
And more

When equipping your hair, makeup and wardrobe departments, consider the Wardrobe Truck from Wits End! Our Wardrobe Trucks are professional hair, makeup and wardrobe departments on wheels. Custom cabinets, racks and shelves allow you to store and secure wardrobe items for quick access on set. Additional features include a full-length mirror, LED lighting, on board generator, hair dryers, refrigerator, and more.

Furniture

It can be exhausting to film all day. Be sure to provide furniture for your crew to give people a place to rest. This can be as simple as setting up chairs and tables for a makeshift break room. You may find other uses for furniture on set as well, like setting up a craft services table, setting up a director’s station, and more.

Floor Protection

Floor protection equipment is important, so you can leave your film location spotless. Treat your location with respect, and avoid costly fines for damage. Lumber, carpet masks, and plastic sheeting make it easy to protect the floor from scrapes, spills, and other damage.

Walkies & Communication Equipment

This category is often forgotten, but it’s one of the most important. From walkie headsets to setting up Wi-Fi, it’s essential to ensure your crew is able to communicate with each other and the outside world. Communication equipment especially comes in handy if you have several different shooting locations—and it is necessary in case of an emergency.

Miscellaneous Equipment

It is difficult to predict every single piece of film production equipment you’ll need on set. From cleaning supplies and craft services supplies to hoses, tapes, fans, lamps, and so much more, you never know what you might need. To keep production moving, it can be helpful to have a store of miscellaneous equipment and expendables on location. Wits End allows you to do just that with our unique Wits Trucks™ offering!

Outfitted with all of the equipment and expendables you could possibly need for your shoot, our Wits Trucks allow you to pay a base rental fee for the truck to be on site, then pay as you go for any items that you use.

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Find Everything You Need at Wits End

Different productions will require different kinds of equipment. No matter what type of shoot you’re preparing for, this film production checklist is a great place to get started. When you’re ready to rent or order, consider working with Wits End.

Wits End has all the film supplies and expendables you need for a successful production. We also offer vehicle rentals to serve your crew transportation needs or keep your equipment safe and organized on set.