My favorite budget filmmaking tools I use right now

Summary

In this video, the creator shares five filmmaking tools they've been using this year that are both budget-friendly and highly effective. These include a compact Sidewinder multi-tool, a versatile Godox TL30 tube light, a motorized Axion Top Rig S40 slider, a music subscription with AI song suggestions from Audio, and affordable Ulanzi light stands. They also recommend cheap but high-quality Newer black diffusion filters for softening images and reducing aliasing. Each product is praised for its functionality, compactness, and price, helping filmmakers elevate their work without breaking the bank.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Scott Sidewinder is a versatile, pocket-sized tool that functions as a razor blade, Phillips head, and flathead screwdriver, making it a handy and compact addition to any filmmaker’s kit.
• 😀 The Godox TL30 Tube Light offers full color control and can be magnetically mounted for flexible lighting setups, making it a great option for practical, small-scale lighting needs.
• 😀 The Top Rig S40 Motorized Slider is an affordable and simple motorized slider that doesn’t require an app for control, ideal for dynamic b-roll and interview shots.
• 😀 The Audio subscription service provides a vast library of music and sound effects, with features like the Hans AI music suggestion tool that makes finding the right track easier and faster.
• 😀 Ulanzi’s compact light stand is lightweight, sturdy, and versatile, with tripod-style legs and the ability to adjust the base for more stability when using smaller lights.
• 😀 Neewer Black Diffusion Filters are affordable tools for softening sharp, high-resolution footage and reducing moiré and aliasing, giving videos a more cinematic feel.
• 😀 All of the recommended products are budget-friendly yet highly practical, providing good value for filmmakers looking for quality gear without spending a lot of money.
• 😀 The Scott Sidewinder’s slim profile makes it convenient for everyday carry, and it’s easy to replace the razor blade, which adds to its long-term usability.
• 😀 The Godox TL30’s magnetic attachments and velcro clips make it adaptable to a variety of filming environments, offering flexibility without the need for bulky stands.
• 😀 The Top Rig S40 is praised for its ease of use, with the ability to set slide points and adjust speed directly on the slider without needing to open an app.
• 😀 Audio’s Hans AI feature helps filmmakers save time in music selection by suggesting songs based on scene descriptions, improving workflow efficiency.
• 😀 Ulanzi’s compact light stands are made from aluminum and plastic, offering durability and reliability for supporting smaller light fixtures, making them a great addition to any lighting setup.

Q & A

What is the primary benefit of using the Scott Sidewinder tool mentioned in the script?

The Scott Sidewinder tool is compact, versatile, and extremely useful for everyday tasks like opening boxes or packages. It also features a Phillips head and flathead screwdriver, making it handy for tightening or loosening QR plates, while being slim enough to fit easily into your pocket without being bulky.

How does the Godox TL30 tube light improve lighting setups for filmmakers?

The Godox TL30 tube light offers full color spectrum lighting, is portable, and can be controlled via the Godox app. Its magnetic ends and Velcro magnet clips provide flexible mounting options. It's especially useful as a hair light, and can be adjusted with accessories like a grid to control light spill, making it highly versatile for different setups.

What makes the Axion Top Rig S40 motorized slider stand out?

The Axion Top Rig S40 motorized slider is compact, affordable, and doesn't require an app to control, which simplifies the setup. It features built-in controls for setting A and B points and adjusting the speed. It’s perfect for creative b-roll or interview shots, offering a smooth slide for professional results at a reasonable price.

What role does the Audio Pro subscription and Hans AI feature play in the filmmaking process?

The Audio Pro subscription, paired with its Hans AI feature, helps filmmakers save time when selecting music by suggesting tracks based on scene descriptions or existing music links. This tool streamlines the process of finding the perfect soundtrack, enhancing the quality of videos without requiring hours of music searching.

What are the benefits of using the Ulanzi compact light stands in filmmaking?

The Ulanzi compact light stands are lightweight, sturdy, and offer a more reliable alternative to traditional flimsy stands. They feature adjustable legs for a wider base and are made of aluminum with some plastic components, making them durable and ideal for holding smaller light fixtures. They are also highly portable and inexpensive.

How does the use of black diffusion filters affect the image in filmmaking?

Black diffusion filters soften the image and add a bloom effect to highlights, reducing the clinical sharpness of high-resolution cameras. They help minimize moiré and aliasing, making the footage look more cinematic and aesthetically pleasing. These filters offer a low-cost solution for filmmakers seeking to soften their image quality.

What makes the newer black diffusion filters from Neewer a good choice for filmmakers on a budget?

Neewer's black diffusion filters provide excellent value for money by offering the desired softening and blooming effects without the high price tag typically associated with premium filters. Despite being inexpensive, they deliver satisfying results for filmmakers who want to reduce the harshness of sharp cameras like the GH5 or S5 IIX.

Why is portability a key feature of the Godox TL30 tube light?

Portability is one of the key selling points of the Godox TL30 tube light. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack, making it ideal for filmmakers on the go. The light can be used in a variety of locations and easily mounted, offering both flexibility and ease of use in different shooting scenarios.

How does the Axion Top Rig S40 motorized slider benefit filmmakers during interviews or talking-head shots?

The Axion Top Rig S40 motorized slider offers smooth panning and sliding motions that can add dynamic movement to talking-head interviews. The ability to control the slide speed and direction directly from the slider makes it an efficient and easy tool for adding cinematic quality to otherwise static shots.

What makes the Scott Sidewinder tool a smart addition to a filmmaker's toolkit despite its simplicity?

The Scott Sidewinder's simplicity makes it a reliable and multifunctional tool. With its razor blade, screwdrivers, and the option to replace the blade, it's perfect for quick fixes or adjustments on set. Its compact design ensures that filmmakers can carry it without feeling weighed down, making it an ideal everyday carry tool.