The question of what to bring to a video shoot sounds basic, but the answer changes significantly based on the production type, location, crew size, and brief. A one-person corporate interview shoot requires a completely different kit configuration to a three-camera branded content shoot with talent, catering, and a multi-person crew. The key is not memorising a single universal kit list but having a systematic process for building the right list for every shoot.
Camera department essentials
Camera body and all planned lenses (plus a backup if budget allows), tripod or other primary support, external monitor, all charged batteries and chargers, formatted media cards with sufficient capacity, ND filters for outdoor or mixed-light environments, lens cleaning kit, and any specialist rigging (gimbal, slider, shoulder rig). For longer shoots, add a data wrangling station for backing up media on set.
Audio essentials
Primary microphone (boom or directional shotgun), lavalier microphones for presenter or interview subjects, audio recorder or mixer if not recording direct to camera, all required cables (XLR, 3.5mm for camera), spare batteries for wireless systems, headphones for monitoring, and a boom pole if the setup requires it. Audio is the most common area of shoot-day regret — if anything sounds wrong in the monitor on set, stop and fix it rather than hoping it resolves in post.
Lighting essentials
For a professional corporate shoot, pack: a primary key light (LED panel or softbox), a fill light or reflector, a background light if the location warrants it, all required stands and clamps, power cables and extension leads, gaffer tape, and black wrap or blackout material for light control. For exterior work, add reflectors and diffusion frames. For interviews, always bring more light than you think you need — you can always turn one off.
Production essentials
Documents: the call sheet, script or interview guide, shot list, location access information, client contact numbers, and any required permits or insurance documentation. Crew supplies: printed call sheets, a first aid kit, a basic tool kit (screwdrivers, Allen keys, spare batteries for any device), and power banks for phones and small devices. These non-camera items are the ones most often forgotten and the ones that cause the most avoidable stress.
The "never forget" bag
Experienced camera operators and producers often keep a permanently packed "never forget" bag containing: a multi-socket extension lead, gaffer tape, a Leatherman or multi-tool, a range of batteries (AA, AAA, 9V), a HDMI and several common video cables, a card reader, cable ties, black wrap, and a bag of carabiners and grip clips. This bag goes to every shoot, is replenished after every shoot, and has saved countless productions from preventable problems.
Building your own shoot checklist
Build a personalised checklist based on your most common shoot types. The FileFeedback video shoot day checklist tool lets you create and customise a shoot checklist that covers your specific equipment setup. Run the checklist the evening before every shoot — not on the morning — to give yourself time to resolve any issues before your call time.
“If it is on the checklist and it was not packed, that is a process failure. If it is not on the checklist, add it before the next shoot.”
Universal shoot day kit list — core items
- Camera body + all lenses + tripod + monitor + QR plate spare
- All batteries fully charged + charger in bag
- Media cards formatted + card reader + backup drive
- Microphone + audio recorder + cables + headphones
- Key light + fill + stands + power cables + gaffer tape
- Call sheet + script + shot list + permits + client contact
- Extension lead + cable ties + multi-tool + spare batteries
Frequently asked questions
Should I bring backup equipment to every shoot?
A backup battery set and a backup microphone are minimum prudent spares on any professional shoot. A backup camera body is advisable on high-stakes or remote-location productions where replacement is not possible.
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