If the story is planned, the summary written and time to shoot, equipment choice will now come forth. Choosing the right tool for the job is as important in video production as it is in any other field. Too much kit and it will get in the way, too little and the shoot will suffer, and the wrong kit and the shoot will be a write off.

To decide what kit you need, you need to know the type of shoot you’re going to. What the style is and what any director might want to see. You also need to bear in mind the weight and if you’re single manning the shoot, if you can carry everything all day. It isn’t only the camera you’ll be carrying if you’re working alone, or with a journalist or interviewer. You’ll need sound too.

Ensuring all the elements of the kit are compatible is also something worth checking before you even leave the building. If working with sound and video, they must be able to communicate otherwise you’ll only get one or the other. Everyone has their own favorite brands and models of equipment. Some are better than others and as long as you’re familiar with it all then you should be able to produce results.

There is no camera yet made that can do everything. Neither is there a microphone that is suitable for all situations. Have an idea of what to expect before setting out will prevent you from having to compromise when it comes time to shoot.

Another aspect of equipment you need to consider is lighting. For most shoots, ambient light will be sufficient, especially if using DV kit as light correction is often automatic. There may be situations where you will also need to add light. Battery lights are the favorite if single manning the shoot as they can bolt on to the top of the camera. Extra lighting you may need could include batteries, stand or tripod, reflector, preferably a fold out one and blue and orange color correction gel.

As if that wasn’t enough, what about the mounting for the camera? Often for short shoots or where the subject is moving, the camera can be hand held. Static shots or fast moving shots will need a monopod or tripod. Monopods are just a tripod with a single leg. They are lighter and easier to carry than a tripod, but aren’t quite as steady. The average video production shoot won’t need specialist mounts like the limpet or magic arm, but they are tools to be borne in mind for shoots if you have one. Either will affix to an object and offer great stability with a good range of movement.

Choosing the right equipment will make a difference to your day. Not always in the quality of the film you make, but in how flexible and comfortable you are during the shoot. Knowing your gear, and what works with what, in which situations will not only make your job easier, but enables you to react much quicker if something unexpected happens.