Equipment We’re Using To Film Our Independent Documentary

In the past few years filmmaking technology has evolved at an astounding rate, enabling a new class of filmmakers to make professional quality productions on a lower budget than ever. This has lead to an explosion in independent filmmaking that’s paved the way for storytelling enthusiasts like me to bring our passion projects to life.

My personal collection of gear has grown as my love for the film and photo mediums has grown, yet many would consider my kit to be quite small in comparison to my aspirations as a filmmaker. I’m okay with that. I like to push the envelope by using compact, cutting edge gear that minimizes the need for a bunch of specific use tools. Plus, it’s been proven over and over that you don’t need a big expensive rig to tell an amazing story. In fact, I feel like the less gear you bring to an interview, the less intimidating you are to a subject. The focus should be on their story, not on my rig.

Here are a few great short films that were made with the same gear we’re using:

Gateway to the Ganges from Brandon Li on Vimeo.

How Did I Get Here – Jamaica from Tim Kellner on Vimeo.

Sony A7S Test – Chasing Shadow from Two Bearded Men on Vimeo.

So, with all that said, here is the main equipment we’re using while traveling and shooting:

Camera Bodies:
Sony a7s
Sony a6000
Sony rx100 iii
GoPro Hero 3+ Black Edition

Mics:
Audio-Technica AT875r
JK MIC-J 044
Rodelink wireless mic

Audio Recorders:
Zoom H5
Sony PCM-M10

Tripod and stabilizer:
Benro Aero 2 (can also transform into a monopod)
Cheap Neewer shoulder rig

Storage:
8 SD cards
Two 2 terabyte external hard drives

Extras:
Spare batteries
Extra cables
Two backup Giant Squid lav mics
Giotto Air Rocket
Ape Case Cubeze

Equipment we’re considering:
DJI Ronin M
DJI Phantom 3

The best part about our scrappy but powerful documentary kit is that it all fits into a Goruck GR1 and Patagonia Black Hole Duffel.

In a future post I’ll talk about the software we’re using to edit the film, but for now I’d love to hear about your favorite must-have filmmaking gear in the comments below.