Back to School: 43 Needs and Wants for Film School

Whether it’s a four-year undergraduate program, a two-year graduate school, or a single class, studying film production is different from other fields of study. Film production classes are more like being in a trade school. Students learn and apply work skills, as well as film theory. Most importantly, you will be shooting at least one short film, and to make that film you need equipment, tools, and supplies.

Most film programs provide the cameras, sound equipment, and editing facilities you need, but, to take full advantage of them, some personal tools are necessary. Many of these tools are the same as what professionals like screenwriters, assistant directors, gaffers, and assistant camerapersons use daily.

Film instructors will supply a list of required and optional supplies for their classes, but just in case you lost that list or want another list of supplies to get you started, listed below are some of the tools of the trade that you might need; some are expendables that you will use up and some are items you can use for years to come.