The Ultimate Film School Supply List: What Aspiring Filmmakers Actually Need
Starting film school—or simply deciding you want to become a filmmaker—can make you feel like you need to immediately buy thousands of dollars' worth of gear.
You don't.
One of the biggest misconceptions about filmmaking is that having better equipment automatically makes you a better filmmaker. It doesn't. Understanding how a film set works, learning how to collaborate, developing your storytelling skills, and actually making things will take you much further than owning the newest camera. Below are the Get Reelisms Film School Supply List you should have.
That said, there are a few things every aspiring filmmaker should have.
Table of Content
1. A Notebook You’ll Actually Carry
Filmmaking involves a ridiculous amount of information. Shot ideas. Blocking notes. Phone numbers. Call times. Changes from the director. Things you need to remember for tomorrow. Yes, you can use your phone, but there are plenty of situations on set where pulling out your phone isn't ideal—or where you'll want to quickly scribble something down. Find a small notebook that fits in your pocket or bag and keep it with you.
2. Comfortable, Closed-Toe Shoes
Film sets involve a lot more standing and walking than most beginners expect.
A 12-hour production day is normal in many parts of the industry. Depending on your position, you may spend most of those hours on your feet.
Your cool shoes are considerably less cool around Hour 10 when your feet are screaming.
Wear something comfortable, supportive, and practical.
3. Weather-Appropriate Clothing
Film sets don't care about the weather.
Productions happen in the heat, cold, rain, mud, fields, warehouses, parking lots, and just about everywhere else imaginable.
Dress in layers and check the weather before heading to set.
Dark or neutral clothing is also useful because crew members occasionally need to work close to camera without creating distracting reflections.
Must-have gear for aspiring filmmakers
4. A Reusable Water Bottle
This sounds incredibly basic, but filmmaking is physical work. Stay hydrated. Productions should provide water, but carrying your own reusable bottle makes it much easier to drink throughout the day.
5. Portable Phone Charger
Your phone may become your clock, calculator, map, contact list, production email hub, and emergency communication device.
A portable battery can be a lifesaver on long shoot days. Below is a sidebrick, an attachment on a traditional Walkie battery that allows you to charge your phone. It's awesome. Our co-founder Christine, often uses them herself on a long set.
Your most important piece of filmmaking equipment isn't your camera. It's knowing what you're doing when someone finally gives you the opportunity to step onto set.
6. Pens, Sharpies, and Basic Supplies
Pens disappear on film sets with almost supernatural efficiency. Bring several. Depending on your department, Sharpies, highlighters, tape, scissors, and other small supplies can also be useful. But don't feel like you need to buy an entire hardware store before your first production. You'll learn what YOUR department requires as you gain experience.
7. Work Gloves
If you're working in a department that regularly moves equipment, a pair of basic work gloves is worth having.
Grip and electric departments have specialized needs, so learn from experienced crew members before investing heavily in department-specific equipment.
Summer Film Bundles for Beginners
Film sets essentially have their own language, hierarchy, etiquette, and culture. Learning those things makes the difference between looking completely lost and becoming the person someone wants to hire again.
8. A Good Backpack or Set Bag
You want something durable enough to survive being tossed into production vehicles, placed on concrete, and carried around locations.
Organization matters.
When someone needs something quickly, you don't want to spend five minutes digging through a black hole of cables, snacks, notebooks, and chargers.
9. Snacks
Productions typically provide meals, and many provide craft services, but schedules change. Always having a small snack in your bag isn't a bad idea. Filmmaking becomes significantly harder when you're hungry.
One of the biggest misconceptions about filmmaking is that having better equipment automatically makes you a better filmmaker. It doesn't.
10. Something More Important Than Gear: Set Knowledge
This is the thing I wish more aspiring filmmakers understood. You can buy a camera. You can buy a fancy backpack. You can buy every filmmaking gadget on the internet. But none of those things teach you how to behave on a professional film set. What does "10-1" mean? What's a hot brick? Who is the Best Boy? Why is everyone suddenly yelling "points"? When should you talk on the walkie? Who do you report to? What does "copy" mean?
Film sets essentially have their own language, hierarchy, etiquette, and culture. Learning those things can make the difference between looking completely lost on your first production and becoming the person someone wants to hire again.
That's exactly why we created Get Reelisms: A Practical Guide to Working in Film and Television.
Get Reelisms was designed to teach aspiring filmmakers the practical information about working on professional sets that often isn't covered in traditional filmmaking education.
Because your most important piece of filmmaking equipment isn't your camera.
It's knowing what you're doing when someone finally gives you the opportunity to step onto set.
Ready to feel more prepared for your first professional film set? Pick up your copy of Get Reelisms and start learning the language, etiquette, and realities of working in film and television.
Christine Chen
Christine W Chen is a narrative director and writer whose filmmaking journey began in 1993 with an early-edition VHS camcorder. She holds a B.A. from Rice University and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business.
Her films have screened at festivals including HollyShorts, the New Orleans Film Festival, and Fantasia. Her most recent feature, Erzulie, premiered theatrically in May 2022 and is now available on VOD.
Christine is also a DGA 1st Assistant Director and a recent Shorts Branch member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. She co-authored Get Reelisms, a practical guide to filmmaking, and co-hosts the Get Reelisms Podcast, a platform dedicated to building community in the film and television industry through education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy expensive gear to start filmmaking?
No. One of the biggest misconceptions about filmmaking is that better equipment makes you a better filmmaker. Understanding how a set works and developing your storytelling skills are much more important.
What should I wear to a film set?
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and dress in layers. Film sets don't care about the weather, and you'll likely spend 12 hours on your feet. Dark or neutral clothing is also recommended.
What is the most important thing to bring to a film set?
Set knowledge. Knowing how to behave, understanding the terminology (like "10-1" or "points"), and understanding set hierarchy are critical to getting hired again.
