How can you pack your field production kit for success?

1 Assess your needs

Before you start packing, you need to have a clear idea of what kind of project you are working on, what are the goals and expectations, and what are the potential scenarios and risks. You need to consider factors such as the location, the weather, the duration, the budget, the crew size, the style, and the audience of your video. Based on these factors, you can determine what kind of gear you need, how much of it, and how to prioritize it. For example, if you are shooting in a remote area with limited access to power, you might want to pack extra batteries, chargers, and solar panels. If you are shooting in a crowded or noisy place, you might want to pack wireless microphones, headphones, and noise-canceling devices.

2 Choose your core equipment

Your core equipment is the essential gear that you need to capture high-quality video and audio. Depending on your project and preferences, this might include a camera, a tripod, a microphone, a recorder, a monitor, a light, and a reflector. You should choose your core equipment based on the specifications, features, and compatibility that suit your needs and goals. For example, if you are shooting in low-light conditions, you might want to choose a camera with a large sensor, a fast lens, and a high ISO range. If you are shooting interviews, you might want to choose a microphone with a cardioid or supercardioid pattern that rejects unwanted sounds. You should also make sure that your core equipment works well together and that you have the necessary cables, connectors, and adapters to connect them.

3 Pack your backup and support gear

Your backup and support gear is the extra gear that you need to ensure redundancy, versatility, and safety. This might include a spare camera, a backup microphone, a second tripod, additional memory cards, external hard drives, filters, lenses, gaffers tape, clamps, tools, cleaning supplies, and first aid kits. You should pack your backup and support gear based on the likelihood and impact of potential problems and emergencies. For example, if you are shooting in a humid or dusty environment, you might want to pack a backup camera and a lens cleaning kit. If you are shooting in a dynamic or unpredictable situation, you might want to pack a second tripod and a zoom lens.

4 Organize your kit

Once you have selected your gear, you need to organize it in a way that is easy to access, transport, and protect. You should use bags, cases, pouches, labels, dividers, and foam inserts to separate and secure your gear. You should also use color-coded or numbered stickers, tags, or markers to identify your gear and avoid confusion or loss. You should also pack your kit in a logical order, placing the most frequently used or urgently needed items on top or in front. For example, you might want to pack your camera, tripod, and microphone in one bag, your recorder, monitor, and light in another bag, and your backup and support gear in a third bag.

5 Test your kit

Before you head out to the field, you should test your kit to make sure that everything works properly and that you have everything you need. You should check the functionality, compatibility, and battery level of your gear. You should also check the format, capacity, and speed of your memory cards and hard drives. You should also check the settings, menus, and presets of your camera, microphone, recorder, monitor, and light. You should also test your kit in different conditions and scenarios, simulating the ones that you might encounter in the field. For example, you might want to test your kit in low-light or high-contrast situations, or with different subjects or distances.

6 Adapt to the field

Finally, when you arrive at the field, you should be ready to adapt to the reality and challenges of the location. You should scout the area, look for the best angles and spots, and adjust your gear accordingly. You should also monitor the weather, the light, the sound, and the movement of your subjects and surroundings, and change your gear as needed. You should also be flexible and creative, using your gear in different ways or finding alternative solutions. For example, you might want to use your light as a fill or a bounce, or use your reflector as a diffuser or a flag.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?