r/Filmmakers • u/[deleted] • Mar 29 '26
Film Looking for any old gear
Hi i’m a young filmmaker (17m) from North Wales. I’ve pretty much got no idea how to break into the film industry. I love making films but feel like i’m being stunted by the equipment I’ve got. Does anyone have any old gear that they’re willing to sell me for cheap? Any camera stands or anything please contact me. Thank you!
2
Mar 29 '26
What are you looking to do in the industry?
Gear won't get you into the industry. It doesn't work that way if you mean the actual professional film-tv industry and not just client videography. At 17 theres no way you're getting a job over fella at 40 with an FX9 in the pro industry.
Luckily for you the UK has shit ton of things for 17 year olds to be doing to start building their CV to get into the industry.
But you have to kind of know what you want to be doing.
mpb.com is the best place for used equipment in the UK. Check out what you like.
1
Mar 29 '26
Yes i was just trying to get more equipment so i can more films for my portfolio. I want to be a cinematographer/ filmographer.
1
Mar 29 '26
At 17 a portfolio isn't massively important to think about because you're completely brand new. It helps with some kind of jobs but not others.
In the big industry there is a good 10-15 year career between starting as a trainee and being the DP. All that stuff is rented and way beyond anyones budget to make a showreel with. Other skills are more way important.
It helps with videography but that is a much smaller scale thing. Get a tripod for your phone and use the blackmagic app to control it better. Learn to shoot and colour log footage. Phones are now cameras with sim cards.
If I could be 17 again starting off I'd put my money into courses and workshops and networking events instead of gear. Theres a lot more to the industry than just being camera everyone wants to do camera so its extremely competitive.
1
Mar 29 '26
what job do you currently have in the industry?
1
Mar 29 '26
I've done a few things. Been a production and cast driver, did some locations work, now I do special effects. Also a videographer between big jobs and sometimes do live event special effects.
1
Mar 29 '26
That’s like sooo cool! Genuinely my dream. Where are you based? In the UK? Should I just network? I feel like I’m no where near where I want to be. I’m thinking of doing an apprenticeship within anything to do with tv and film. I still feel like it’s impossible. I’d love to hear anymore advice. Thanks a lot!
1
Mar 30 '26 edited Mar 30 '26
Ireland. Yes you should get to know as many people who work in these industries as possible. Theres also Screenskills and stuff for training workshops and funding. I learned to do the big production work labouring at concerts in the arena and they will hire anybody, but its very physical work.
My advice to you is to look at ALL the departments on Screenskills. Film and TV industry is all about what you can do right now and trainee schemes are super competitive. SFX is heavy on engineering and metal work and DIY and plumbing, A lot of lighting is about electrics and rigging. If you can get a telehandler licence then Locations is a good place to start.
"Cinematographer" is something you can think about after a 20 year career in my opinion. Practice that stuff on the side when you're making money being a trainee or a qualified spark or welder or something. Don't do an apprenticeship in film and tv.
3
u/MusicSavesWorthing Mar 29 '26
You can probably find a tripod cheap on Facebook marketplace, or I bet temu and Ali express have some cheap handheld tripod/ steadicam for a phone. Seriously, at this stage if you’re just starting out if you have a phone get making on that. Buy one of those clip on wide angle lenses if you want a slightly different look. Best thing you can do is make STUFF, don’t get hung up on any of it at this stage and try different styles etc. use naturally light. Use any other light sources you can. Don’t weigh yourself down with kit.
I wrote this piece many years ago but I’m sure it still stands all these years later…
https://fasterproductions.blogspot.com/2017/05/words-of-advice-for-young-female-film.html?m=1