"What should I have in my kit?" "What are the essential tools?" "Do I need to bring gear to set?"
If you’re just starting your journey in the camera department, particularly in the fast-paced world of car commercials, these questions are paramount. Landing a gig in automotive advertising often hinges on having the right tools. But with so much gear out there, where do you even begin?
This is a common dilemma, and for good reason. Every seasoned camera assistant develops a personalized toolkit based on their experience and the demands of the jobs they undertake. To shed light on this, we’ll explore what constitutes a robust toolkit, especially tailored for the commercial car filming environment, drawing insights from experienced professionals in the field.
Film vs. Digital Toolkits in Car Commercials
Just like a mechanic uses specialized tools for different car models, camera toolkits vary depending on the shooting format. The fundamental difference lies between film and digital cameras. While film cameras involve intricate mechanical components, digital cameras are largely electronic. This distinction is crucial when working on car commercials, as both formats are still utilized depending on the director’s vision and the commercial’s aesthetic.
Maintaining these camera types requires different approaches. Film cameras necessitate gate checks and careful handling of film stock, while digital cameras demand sensor cleaning and data management expertise. In the context of car commercials, the choice between film and digital might be driven by factors like desired image quality, shooting speed, and post-production workflow.
When assembling your initial toolkit, it’s vital to have a versatile base set. However, it’s equally important to consider the type of car commercial productions you aim to work on. Will you be focusing on high-definition digital shoots for major automotive brands? Or perhaps assisting on projects utilizing vintage film cameras for a retro car commercial feel? Understanding your target market within car commercials will guide your toolkit choices.
While the film vs. digital divide is a good starting point, the specifics go deeper. Different digital cinema cameras and film formats, along with the unique demands of commercial versus narrative work, influence toolkit requirements. For instance, shooting car commercials with specialized rigs like camera cars or drones might necessitate tools for vibration dampening or remote camera control.
Early in my career, I primarily worked on feature films using RED cameras. Consequently, my initial toolkit was geared towards that type of production. However, my work shifted towards car commercials, often utilizing DSLR and mirrorless systems for their flexibility and size, especially in tight car interiors. Many of my RED-specific tools became less relevant, while the core essentials remained invaluable across both types of gigs.
Therefore, before investing heavily in specialized adapters or accessories, consider the direction of your car commercial work. What types of cameras and shooting scenarios are prevalent in the commercials you aspire to be part of?
There’s no single "right" toolkit, and your choices will evolve with the car commercial job market you’re entering. Remember, building a toolkit is about smart investment, not immediate perfection. You can always expand and acquire specialized tools as specific car commercial projects demand them. The goal is to start with a solid foundation relevant to the car commercial landscape you aim to navigate.
1st AC vs. 2nd AC Toolkits in Commercial Car Filming
Your role within the camera department significantly shapes your toolkit. If you’re stepping into a 1st Assistant Camera (1st AC) position on a car commercial, even a smaller-scale one, prioritize 1st AC essentials. This might mean investing in a precise tape measure for focus pulling on moving vehicles before acquiring a clapperboard.
However, a crucial point for 1st ACs in car commercials: you’re often expected to be comprehensively equipped, potentially even covering some 2nd AC needs. This is especially true when working with less experienced 2nd ACs, common in the freelance nature of commercial car shoots. They may lack a clear understanding of essential on-set tools. On my first 2nd AC job, I heavily relied on the 1st AC’s complete toolkit.
Moreover, in the context of car commercials, which often involve shorter shooting schedules and smaller crews, you might be the only AC on set. In such scenarios, your toolkit becomes the toolkit. The last thing you want is to be tool-less when a quick camera adjustment is needed under the time pressure typical of commercial productions. Imagine needing to reposition a camera rig on a car quickly and lacking the right Allen key!
Therefore, if you aim for 1st AC roles in car commercials, ensure your toolkit is at least 90% complete with essential items.
If you anticipate starting as a 2nd AC or in a lower position within the camera department for car commercials, you can build your toolkit more gradually. As mentioned, you can initially supplement your kit by utilizing some of the 1st AC’s tools. This allows you to learn on the job and invest in tools as you gain experience and identify your specific needs within car commercial sets.
Taking Stock: Tools You Might Already Own for Car Commercial Sets
Tools are fundamentally tools, and many instruments useful for home repairs are surprisingly applicable to camera work, including on car commercial sets. You likely already possess a significant portion of a basic toolkit in your garage or toolbox. While not every household tool translates to filmmaking, the most fundamental ones are incredibly handy.
The versatility of basic tools explains their crossover from home repair to camera maintenance. Pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches – these are universally practical. In the unpredictable environment of a car commercial shoot, improvisation is often key. Having these versatile tools allows you to adapt to unexpected situations and quick fixes, essential for keeping the shoot on schedule.
Examples of common tools in my kit, equally useful on a car commercial set, include:
- Screwdrivers (Phillips & Flat Head)
- Wrenches (Adjustable and sets)
- Pliers (Various types, including needle-nose)
- Scissors (Heavy-duty and precision)
- Work Gloves (For grip and protection when handling equipment around cars)
- Zip Ties (For quick rigging and cable management)
- Tape Measures (For precise camera placement and distance measurements)
These are just a few items you might already own. Before making new purchases, inventory your existing tools. This prevents unnecessary spending when building your car commercial toolkit. Tools, even small ones, accumulate cost when filling an entire bag. Utilizing tools you already have at home is a cost-effective starting point.
Of course, if these tools belong to your household, investing in your own set is a good professional step. Having your dedicated toolkit ensures you’re always prepared for a car commercial shoot, without borrowing or causing inconvenience.
Essential Tools: Must-Haves for Car Commercial Camera Kits
Not all tools are equally critical. Some are indispensable, while others are situational luxuries. Consider the frequency of use when prioritizing your car commercial toolkit.
Think about specialized tools versus everyday essentials. A laser pointer might be rarely used on a car commercial, while a set of Allen keys is likely used daily. The reality is, we don’t need every tool on every car commercial shoot, at all times. Some tools are fundamental to AC work and are used almost constantly. These are essential for competent performance, especially in the demanding environment of car commercials where speed and precision are paramount.
Here’s a list of “Must-have” tools before stepping onto a car commercial set:
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and Flat-head, various sizes): For camera and rig adjustments.
- Pliers (Needle-nose, regular, multi-tool): Gripping, tightening, and manipulating small parts.
- Scissors (Heavy-duty and precision): Cutting tape, fabrics, and various materials.
- Wrenches (Adjustable and Hex key/Allen wrench sets, metric and imperial): Essential for rigging and camera hardware.
- Hex Keys/Allen Wrenches (Metric and Imperial sets): Specifically for camera and lens adjustments, tripod and head adjustments, and car rigging hardware.
- Sharpies (Black, and a variety of colors): Marking marks, labeling equipment, and scene notes.
- Dry Erase Marker (and small whiteboard or slate): For quick notes and communication on set.
- Flashlight (Small and powerful headlamp or handheld): For working in low-light conditions, common in car interiors or night shoots.
- Measuring Tape (Soft cloth tape, rigid tape, and potentially a laser measure): Accurate focus pulling, camera positioning within cars, and set measurements.
- Grease Pencil or Marking Pen (White and black): Marking focus points on lenses and surfaces.
- Camera Tape (Various colors, paper and gaffer tape): Securing cables, marking positions, and countless on-set fixes.
- Velcro (Straps and tape): Cable management, securing accessories, and quick fixes.
- Compressed Air or Blower (and sensor cleaning kit): Dust removal from lenses and camera sensors, crucial for pristine car commercial footage.
- Lens Tissue and Lens Cleaning Fluid: Maintaining lens clarity, especially important in outdoor car shoots and varied weather.
- Pen and Pencil: General note-taking and paperwork.
- Multi-tool (Leatherman or similar): A compact, versatile tool combining many essentials.
- Advil/Pain Reliever: Long days on set can be physically demanding.
This list is a strong foundation, not an exhaustive decree. Consider it a bare-bones starting point for car commercial work. With just these tools, you’ll be prepared for most situations, but specialized scenarios will require additional gear.
Customize this list based on the specific types of car commercials you’re targeting, your expected roles, and your budget. If you can afford more tools, like a professional clapperboard or specialized rigging accessories, invest accordingly.
A quality tool bag is essential to organize and transport your kit. For a professional-grade option, the Cinebag CB-01 Production Bag is highly recommended. However, if budget is a constraint, a robust hardware store bag will suffice.
Also, consider the benefits of having two toolbags – a larger main bag and a smaller, more mobile on-set bag – for enhanced efficiency and organization on fast-paced car commercial shoots.
Customization and DIY Gear for Car Commercial Shoots
Don’t limit yourself to the conventional uses of tools. Some of the most effective tools are homemade or repurposed for specific car commercial shooting challenges.
If you discover a way to use a wrench to efficiently manage camera tape, embrace it. Experiment to find solutions that streamline your workflow. Sharing and adapting tricks is a hallmark of resourceful camera assistants in the commercial world.
Seek inspiration from other camera assistants and crew members, especially those experienced in car commercials. Learn how they customize their gear and tackle unique shooting scenarios. Online forums and industry groups are valuable resources for discovering DIY solutions and innovative tool modifications.
It’s counterproductive to ignore potential improvements within your toolkit. If something is causing frustration or slowing you down on set, actively seek a workaround. Your tools should be tailored to your working style and the specific demands of car commercial shoots.
DIY projects are powerful because they allow you to customize tools to your exact preferences. This leads to increased speed and efficiency, crucial in the time-sensitive environment of car commercials. Explore DIY guides and tutorials for camera assistants to find inspiration for customized solutions.
Expanding Your Toolkit: Advanced Gear for Car Commercials
Once you’ve established your core toolkit, you can progressively add advanced gadgets that enhance efficiency and capabilities on car commercial sets. This could include a laser distance measuring device for rapid focus measurements in dynamic car-to-car shots, or a smartphone loaded with specialized cinematography apps for calculations and planning.
This stage is about investing in tools that not only are needed but also make you significantly more efficient. Consider a screwdriver with adjustable torque for precise camera adjustments, a more durable and accurate tape measure, or a USB-powered lens light for easier focus pulling in dimly lit car interiors.
There’s always something to add to your toolbag – the possibilities are endless. A walk through a hardware store will reveal countless gadgets that could potentially simplify life on a car commercial set.
Non-essential yet highly useful tools for car commercials include a label maker for slate organization, a high-quality multi-tool like a Leatherman, specialized slates for vehicle shots, and sandbag T-marks for precise car positioning.
While these tools offer tangible benefits, they aren’t strictly essential in the initial stages. You can certainly function effectively without a top-of-the-line slate for a while.
Prioritize core essentials first, then gradually invest in these advanced tools as your budget allows and as you identify specific needs in your car commercial work.
Expanding your toolkit can also extend beyond strictly camera assistant tools. For digital car commercial shoots, consider including a laptop, card reader, and necessary cables for on-set data management and backups. While not always required, having these tools as backup demonstrates proactiveness and can be invaluable in certain situations.
After a few car commercial jobs, you’ll naturally identify gaps in your toolkit. Pay attention to these moments and note missing items – mentally, digitally, or on paper. Prioritize acquiring these missing tools soon after a shoot, ideally reinvesting your earnings to continually refine your kit.
What’s In My Car Commercial Toolkit?
People often ask about the contents of my toolkit. It’s quite extensive – so much so that a detailed video walkthrough is the best way to showcase it. This comprehensive video provides a detailed look at every item in my kit and the rationale behind its inclusion. Watching it offers a deep dive into the specifics of a professional camera assistant’s toolkit.
For those interested in a written inventory, a meticulously compiled list of each tool, often with purchase links, can be provided. Keep in mind that such a list might also include data management tools relevant to digital car commercial shoots, and that every toolkit is personalized. My kit represents one approach, and other camera assistants may prioritize different tools based on their experience and preferences.
The Toolbag: A Perpetual Investment
Every time I open my toolbag, I discover something else I “need.” Even after years of investing in professional gear, the toolkit feels perpetually incomplete.
It becomes a continuous investment – a cycle of acquiring, refining, and upgrading.
Consider expendables – tapes, cleaning supplies, batteries – which productions increasingly expect ACs to provide. Then there are the smaller items that get misplaced or damaged on set, constantly needing replacement. These seemingly minor expenses accumulate. And, of course, there are larger investments like laser tape measures and specialized car rigging accessories.
Coupled with the ever-present desire for enhanced efficiency and new tools, your finances can feel perpetually funneled into the seemingly bottomless pit of film production supplies.
The crucial takeaway is: you will never have a truly “complete” toolkit.
There will always be items to replace, upgrade, or add. Tools wear out, get lost, or are superseded by improved versions.
Whether you build your car commercial toolkit gradually, in a single comprehensive purchase, or by repurposing existing tools, best of luck. From this point onward, it’s an ongoing journey of refining and adapting your tools to optimize your efficiency and effectiveness on every car commercial set you encounter.
What’s a tool you particularly value in your car commercial toolkit? Share your recommendations and how you use them in the comments below!
