As any craftsman will tell you, it’s not only a matter of knowing what you’re doing, but also having the right tools for the job. We published a (subjective) list of essential tools for video pros a few months back and asked for your additions, too. Here goes…
- See and be seen
- Protect and serve
- Get access
- Go measure
SEE AND BE SEEN
We often work in environments where the lighting is low. Additionally, if you're working at, say, a trade show or event, there's a risk that you'll have a lot of people and equipment moving around you (if you've even been at RAI on the evening before ISE opens, you'll know what I mean). So you need to see and, for your own safety, be seen!
HEAD TORCH
There are several brands out there, with the Petzl range often spotted strapped to diligent foreheads in the industry. To avoid the deer-caught-in-headlights-look among co-workers, remember to turn the light off or down before engaging someone in conversation!
HIGH VISIBILITY VEST OR CLOTHING
In a busy, stressful environment with lots of people, lots of activity and lots of machinery, make sure you can be seen!
BINOCULARS
Thanks to Dylan Finlay who pointed this one out: "I like to keep a small pair of binoculars with me in case my FOH is very far from the screen so I can quickly check the line up."
PROTECT AND SERVE
Look after yourself! We've already mentioned hi-vis vests and ear protectors (in the original post), but don't stint on your personal protective equipment. Check the regulations for your industry segment and then make sure you use it!
PPE
Gloves, safety helmet, eye protection, high visibility clothing, safety footwear, safety harnesses.
GET ACCESS
PHOTO ID
In some countries and cultures, carrying and showing identification is a just part of everyday life. When you're on site, being able to show you are who you say you are, is a given and may make your day (and the security staff's) run a little smoother.
GO MEASURE
MULTIMETER
Listed among items "I never leave home without" by Gary O, a multimeter (multitester) can be helpful when you run into problems. The multimeter is an electronic tool that was initially designed to measure current, resistance and voltage, but which has been developed to support more measurements such as frequency, capacitance, transistor life and temperature. Some of the digital multimeters also support sensors that read light levels and sound pressure. A decent multimeter can be very handy!
and DECIMATOR: We'd listed scaler/converters in the earlier post, but Roger D specifies the decimator – "that thing will save your life".
Don't forget…
Read the original blog post here: What are the most important tools for a a video professional?
