Been thinking about this a lot recently, but only recently come across the name of it. Gear Acquisition Syndrome. Often see this on blogs and forums, and I'm guilty of it myself at times too. Where people let their lack of equipment stop them from shooting something.
If only they had this one piece of kit, then they can shoot this film and it would be great. And once they get that bit of gear, rarely do they shoot said film. Instead, they lust over this over piece of kit, and the cycle continues. Almost seems like an addiction to placing roadblocks that really shouldn't be there. And in that time, they could have made that film.
I'm in no way knocking the idea of getting new kit, or saying that new kit doesn't add to a project. Not at all. But I'm saying not having new kit shouldn't take away from it.
That being said, I do keep a list I call the "nice-to-have list" where I don't desperately need something, but it would either be cool to use, make something easier, or create a specific shot. I just wanted to ask you guys if you had a "nice-to-have" list, would would be on it? And what would be the things that you'd definitely need?
Oh, DUDE - Gear acquisition syndrome is LEGIT a thing. In fact, I have some gear that I purchased and still haven't had a chance to use (namely an old-school pocket dolly, but also an ancient jib) - so if anyone wants to take a day and go shoot something, HOLLA! LOL
I'm going to start this list right now so I can tell you for sure 'cause if feels like everything I want is "nice-to-have" and I should really determine what part of it is a legitimate need. What is part of your essential kit, Jethro Randell?
I do gear test for some companies and sometimes I get more gears than I want... Gears are great to help make your 'filmmaking' journey easier, but it's up to the talent to know the gear's strengths and weaknesses to know how to best utilize it for the best visual/audio result you can get.
I made a rule for myself and Leya. I said that we would get the equipment and gear that would let us shoot our own stuff even though we had to make some compromises or change something but never something that when we're doing a bigger project that we couldn't rent because it's always cheaper.
So now we only have the basic stuff like camera, lighting and sound gear and if we need something more, well for our stuff we either change the concept, borrow it from someone or if it's a paid project rent it.
That's how I keep the gear spending to a minimum that actually never get's paid off anyway. Last couple of years we were able to cover all the gear with smaller project and that's enough for me. But if it's an expense that I know will never get covered that's an indicator that it should be rented or borrowed.
Karen "Kay" Ross Oh for sure, really would be "nice-to-have" everything haha. Ooo, difficult question. If I had to pick anything it would be some smaller LED lights. Never not used them on a set, and sometimes prefer them to the big boy lights
@Johnny Have there been pieces of equipment that you thought "you honestly don't need this"?
Aye Vital, that's a good rule that
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Jethro Randell plenty, I have right now: 4 gimbals which I may just needed 2, a slider, which I never used (only once) 2 slypod (motorized slider/monopod, which I actually just needed 1), 10 different wireless mics, which I may only use 3 sets. So yea, I have a lot of gears that I actually don't need. (not to mention a tons of lights that I got that only used 1% of them)
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Thanks, @Johnny - you just made me so much better LOL Although, I just dug through my equipment storage, and I still see what I need more than what I have too much of LOL - the gear acquisition syndrome continues! O.O
LOL yea, I need to get rid of a few stuff now...