Camera Assistant Tool Guide: Level I - Starter Kit

So you know you want to be a camera assistant, but you don't know what tools to start with. Here is a list I have shared over the years with newcomers moving out to Los Angeles. This list is the BARE BONES essentials of what you may need. There are lots of tools that exist, but this specific list is to try to limit the amount of money you may have to spend when you are just barely starting out. As you grow in your career, your kit will grow as well.

NOTE: Cost may not be accurate. Prices may have changed since writing this article.

Starter Kit: Expendables

When you work on a feature or TV show, production should have an expendable budget. Sometimes commercials and smaller jobs have them too - just ask if they do. Expendables are items that can be used up, such as tape, lens cleaner, or kim wipes. If you are to list out expendables for production to buy, it should be reasonable for the job. Don't add unreasonable items on there. If you have leftover expendables after the job is over, it's typically yours to keep.

Cost	Item	Purpose	Link
$7.64	Paper tape - 1" red	Marking actors, mag tags, marking camera positions to come back later, etc	https://www.filmtools.com/protapes-1-console-tape-7-colors-1-x-180-feet.html
$7.64	Paper tape - 1" blue	Marking actors, mag tags, marking camera positions to come back later, etc	https://www.filmtools.com/protapes-1-console-tape-7-colors-1-x-180-feet.html
$7.64	Paper tape - 1" yellow	Marking actors, mag tags, marking camera positions to come back later, etc	https://www.filmtools.com/protapes-1-console-tape-7-colors-1-x-180-feet.html
$7.64	Paper tape - 1" green	Marking actors, mag tags, marking camera positions to come back later, etc	https://www.filmtools.com/protapes-1-console-tape-7-colors-1-x-180-feet.html
$7.64	Camera log book	Lots of people pay for an app to keep logs, but here is a paper log	https://www.filmtools.com/camera-log-booklet-3-color-choices-0.html
$1.29	Pens	I prefer ones that don't make clicking sounds so you can write notes while the take is going	https://www.amazon.com/BIC-Round-Ballpoint-Medium-10-Count/dp/B00005249G/
$2.46	Twin tip permanent marker black	I specifically like using the thin one for my marking discs as a 1st AC (you may not always get the fancier wireless follow focus units starting out)	https://www.filmtools.com/shartwintipp-2133.html
$1.75	Slate marker	Chisel tip is the best :) and you can write nicer with chisel tip if you practice	https://www.filmtools.com/marksalot-dry-erase-whiteboard-markers-ave24408.html
$8.99	Bongo ties	It's a fancy rubber band. Things just need to be tied sometimes	https://www.filmtools.com/bongo-ties-cable-ties-10-pk.html
$17.95	Pancro	Special liquid to clean lenses	https://www.filmtools.com/pancro-4oz-professional-lens-cleaner-spray-bottle-pan001.html
$5.10	Kim wipes	Special lens tissue to clean lenses	https://www.filmtools.com/kimexl45x852.html
$17.97	2" velcro (hook and loop)	Various uses. Mostly to velcro items onto camera (timecode box, etc)	https://www.filmtools.com/2-black-hook-and-loop-adhesive-backed-material.html
$5.00	Small notebook

This list of expendables will be approximately $100. If you truly are starting out, it's unlikely you'll have these things laying around. Make sure to ask the producer if they can pay for expendables. It does not hurt to ask. If they don't have a budget for expendables and you need to make this purchase, be sure to keep the receipts so you can write them off during tax season.

Starter Kit: Long-term Tools

Here is a list of tools that you will have to use your own money on, but it will be tools that you can use for the duration of your camera assistant career. You won't need to purchase it again unless you lose it, have wear and tear, or find better tools to use.

Cost	Item	Purpose	Link
$64.98	Open Husky Runbag	As a 2nd AC, you should always bring the run bag + lenses where the camera moves. The run bag should hold everything you need to grab immediately (filters, a few batteries, camera accessories). Personally, I like the open husky so it's easy to grab things. I have seen 2nd AC's prefer using the Panavision or Burke bags. The husky bag is also the cheapest if you're starting out.	https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-20-in-Pro-Tool-Tote-with-Removable-Tool-Wall-67129-02/306052568 https://www.filmtools.com/panavision-camera-bag-w-tray.html https://www.burkbags.net/
$47.50	2nd AC pouch	A pouch to have immediate items on you as a 2nd AC. Some people prefer the vest pouch	https://www.filmtools.com/cingebags-ac-pouch-cb03.html https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1056964-REG/setwear_sw_05_538_radio_chest_pack.html/
$22.97	Hard Measuring tape	To measure lens height and other things. I like this one because it has a magnetic tip	https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-25-ft-x-1-1-16-in-Compact-Magnetic-Tape-Measure-with-15-ft-Reach-48-22-0325/311017270
$160.00	Leatherman	I use this ALL the time. It has a flathead I use as a stubby, a knife, pliers, phillips screwdriver, and scissors. I lost it recently and decided to buy two because I was so lost without it. You can find a leathermans cheaper than this if needed	https://www.victorinox.com/en-US/Products/Swiss-Army-Knives/Swiss-Tools/Swiss-Tool-MX-Clip/p/3.0327.MKB1
$5.97	Flat stubby	(If you don't have a leatherman) you can get a cheap one at Home Depot. FilmTools also has a fancy one. I have that one and I never use it.	https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-4-in-x-1-1-2-in-Square-Shaft-Stubby-Slotted-Screwdriver-H114X112SFHSD/302346669 https://www.filmtools.com/filmtools-7-screwdriver.html
$39.95	Headlamp	For working early mornings, late nights, or on a dark stage. Headlamps are good for illuminating the slate when you are slating in the shadows	https://www.rei.com/product/202758/black-diamond-astro-300-r-rechargeable-headlamp
$8.88	Power strip	For charging batteries	https://www.homedepot.com/p/6-Outlet-Power-Strip-with-4-ft-Cord-Right-Angle-Plug-2-Pack-YLPT-90B/303319020
$14.39	Scissors non-stick	Can get cheaper ones if needed, but I like these small Fiskars	https://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-5-Inch-Non-stick-coated-Scissors/dp/B0006HUJQW/
$18.97	Allen keys (standard & metric)	The linked one is the set I have, but they are easier to lose. You may want to get the folding hex key set if you're prone to losing things. The problem is you may have a more difficult time reaching hard to reach places on the camera. Other assistants opt for the T handles which give you more torque. It's all personal preference and how much your wallet can handle.	https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-SAE-Metric-Long-Arm-Hex-Key-Set-26-Piece-HLAHKSM26PC/202934869
$17.99	Rocket blower	To clean the lens and inside the camera if necessary	https://www.filmtools.com/giottos-rocket-air-blower-large-22444.html
$20.00	Flashlight	This is not necessary if you have your headlamp, but I have both. The flashlight is on my pouch and I bring out the headlamp if I'm on a dark stage or working outside at night.
$65.15	Dummy slate	If sound doesn't provide a slate	https://www.filmtools.com/engraved-camera-slate-clapperboard.html
$15.00	T Marks	You can buy these steel T marks and cover it with tape if you are on a budget to buy actual T marks	https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-3-in-x-3-in-Zinc-Plated-T-Plate-2-Pack-15169/202033997
	Emergency Cliff bar	Sometimes there are sets that will not treat you well and you should make sure you have sustenance
	Emergency deodorant :)	Personally I think it's difficult to work with people if I keep getting a whiff of their body odors. Be considerate of people's noses! Brush your teeth too lol.
	Emergency bandanna	Good for smoky places or if you sweat a lot
	Emergency sunscreen
	Emergency gum
	Emergency hat/sunglasses

Some of these items are not totally necessary for a starter kit. For example, you can live without a dummy slate (sound usually has one for you) but before a job starts you should also confirm they have one for the show. A small notebook is also not necessary, but it doesn't hurt to have one. Lastly, if you really are on a budget you don't need to have both a headlamp and flashlight. One will suffice. The total for long-term tools is $501.75 not including the emergency items.

A great place to look for used tools is on social media. People are always selling or even giving away items. Here is a popular facebook group: For Sale: Camera Assistant AKS & More! There is also a Los Angeles Young Workers Group that has bi-annual camera yard sales. Their Instagram is the best way to keep up with the events. When I first started, I stopped by Expendables Recycler for some of my tape. Harbor Freight is also a really great place for starter tools.

If you have all these items and are looking for a more advanced list, subscribe to be updated when we release these articles:

Camera Assistant Tool Guide: Level II - Leveling Up

Camera Assistant Tool Guide: Level III - Tools to Make Life Easier

Camera Assistant Tool Guide: Level IV - Rental Items

Terminology

Mag tags - short for magazine tags. This is a label for the card so you can mark that it has been rolled on and is ready to download

2nd AC - short for 2nd assistant camera. This is the position you will likely start out in in camera, if not a camera PA

What are some of your go-to tools as a camera assistant? Which tools would you feel lost without? Are there any items you think should be added to this starter kit list? Let us know by filling out our contact form. We'd love to hear from you!

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