Video Production Gear List | Commercial and Documentary Shoots

Thanks to Nolan Johnson of Quantum Productions in Bismarck, North Dakota for sharing his video production gear list. He says the gear listed below is used primarily for commercial and documentary style shoots. "Usually we have a small crew 2-3 people," says Johnson. "These pieces of equipment are easily handled by a smaller group."

Video Production Gear List | Quantum Productions
Submitted by: Nolan Johnson - Cinematographer/Director
Location: Bismarck, North Dakota (USA)
Date: October 2014 (updated Feb. 2015)
Website: www.quantumprond.com

|Cameras
Canon 5D III
Canon 7D
GoPro Hero3

|Lenses
Canon 16-35 f2.8L
Canon 24-105 f4L
Canon 50mm f1.8
Canon 70-300 f3.5-5.6
*All with UV and CPL filters, ND Filters for some.

|Audio
Sennheiser wireless microphone system with lapel mic
Zoom H4N 2 Channel Recorder
Rode On Camera Boom Mic

|Lighting
KinoFlo 4' 4Bank Gaffer Kit w/ 2 C-Stands and Shot Bags
F&V 3-Light BiColor LED Panel kit
Bescor On-Camera BiColor LED
Lens Mounted Continuous ring light 5600K
Reversible Reflector (Silver/White)

|Rig & Support
Cowboy Studio shoulder mount w/ matte box and follow focus
Manfrotto 3 section tripod with swivel mount
GlideGear 4000
Kessler Pocket Jib Pro
Kessler CineSlider (3ft)
Kessler Crane Second Shooter (motorized time lapse add on for Cineslider)
(2) Pelican 1550 Waterproof Cases

|Monitors
7" Marshall HDMI 720p Monitor

|Media
32GB Extreme Plus CF Cards
1TB Seagate Backup Plus External Hard Drives

|Studio
Impact 12' Backdrop kit w/ Green/Black/White muslin

----
About | Nolan Johnson/Quantum Productions
Nolan Johnson grew up in the small town of Washburn, North Dakota. He developed a love of film and television at an early age. He attended college in Bismarck, North Dakota, graduating in 2009 with a degree in Communication/Journalism. Shortly before graduation, he started his career as a video journalist. He has spent the last few years developing his skills through television production, writing, and commercial production. In 2013, he got his first chance to operate camera on a feature length documentary. In 2014, Johnson founded Quantum Productions, a video production company that produces television commercials, music videos, and documentaries.

To connect with Nolan: www.quantumprond.com

---
More Video Production Gear Lists
See more filmmaker's gear here: Video Production Gear.

Questions/Comments
Got a question or comment for Nolan about his gear? Post your comment below.

(Archived) Comments for Video Production Gear List | Commercial and Documentary Shoots

Oct 30, 2014
teacher assistant
by: Debbie

Hi -
The students I work with are learning to make documentaries. It seems to me that if the students had an equipment/to do checklist when they were planning to leave school to film at a remote location, it would help them be more organized and more prepared for each shoot.
Any ideas?

Oct 30, 2014
Gear List for Students
by: Desktop Documentaries (Faith)

Hi Debbie,

That's a great question. And I'm curious to know more about the types of documentaries the students are making and what kind of gear/check list might be most helpful. For example, where do you feel the students are the most lost and need help? Where are their biggest struggles (interview questions, story structure, pre-planning, editing, etc). Feel free to reply here or contact me offline and I'll see what I can do to help.

Faith, Publisher
Desktop-Documentaries.com
Contact Me

Jun 13, 2015
financing
by: Anonymous

With the every evolving technologies, do you recommend financing to purchase the best essentials, or does it make more sense to rent?

Jun 13, 2015
Renting vs Buying
by: Desktop Documentaries

Renting vs buying: There is no one answer for everyone. If you only need a high end camera for a day or two, then renting might make more sense. However, if you're planning to use the gear for the next year or two, obviously buying would make more sense. Plus, when you buy, you can always sell it once you're finished which may come out cheaper than renting. Remember that you don't always need the "latest and greatest" gear to make a documentary. Ultimately it's the storytelling that counts, so buy/rent the best gear you can afford and go out and tell a great story!

Jun 13, 2015
4k
by: Mike

Thanks for responding to my last comment! :)

I am going to make a documentary. I can do either HD or 4k. What should I consider when trying to decide which to go with?

Thanks,
Mike

Jun 13, 2015
4K vs HD
by: Desktop Documentaries

4K vs HD. Great question. And the answer all depends where you plan to show your documentary. Web only? HD is plenty great quality. Theater? 4K will look amazing. Will your documentary premiere 2-5 years from now on broadcast TV? Future proof your footage with 4K.

Check out this article (and the video at the end):

What Camera Should I Buy?

Nov 15, 2016
Canon XA 20 as substitute
by: Jeff C

I can get a pretty good deal on a used Canon XA20. What am I giving up versus the 5D Mark III?

Thanks to all. Just getting started here.

Share your own gear kit! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Video Production Equipment List.