Our first step in realising our vision of filmmaking for our community was breaking down the expensive barrier to film equipment. One of the first barriers faced by anyone pursuing filmmaking is the cost of equipment. The tools of filmmaking are inherently only accessible behind a paywall.
Over 90% of surveyed users say they would not have been able to access the equipment at all if the project did not exist. Below are some testimonials from users alongside some stills of projects completed using the kit!
“I have so many ideas that I want to turn into films but I can not afford a camera, the equipment share has allowed me to start turning those ideas into films.”
“Where I simply could not afford the equipment I needed to progress as a filmmaker, now I know there is a collection of equipment accessible to me. My only hope would be that I could continue to access this and that it could grow to include more of the equipment I need.”
“The Film Cults Kit Share initiative has been instrumental in tangibly and materially pushing for further democratisation in filmmaking; like easels and brushes, having access to the tools of the trade at a non-prohibitive entry point is invaluable when there are voices who may otherwise never have access to the medium.“
Through the provision of film equipment we have supported over 150 local film projects, distributed over £100,000 of equipment and saved filmmakers over £30,000.
Challenges
Having completed a year of the project our volunteers have a good sense for how things are running.
There are currently two challenges facing the project: maintenance and capacity.
Maintenance – Having the proper tools, time and funds to maintain, repair and replace the many parts used in the film equipment such as expensive and proprietary bulbs, cables, batteries, screws, baseplates and thingmebobs.
Capacity – We find the same items are often booked out each week or are being requested by our community, suggesting a bottleneck. We are looking to purchase these items so we can expand what is on offer for our community.
We need your help in order to successfully run this project for another year!
We are looking for funds in order to complete maintenance on our regularly used equipment so that it can last for future users of the share. We also hope to purchase new equipment to expand what we can offer filmmakers, levelling up the gear options for indie filmmakers.
How will we use the money?
We have compiled a list of the most important items for us to purchase. These include essential repairs and replacements, accessibility and safety items, storage, cleaning supplies and some of our most needed items that we can’t yet offer.
All of our purchases where possible are second hand in order to reduce electronic waste and to make sure we get the most out of any money invested in the project.
- Sound: £2,400
- (multitrack mixer, boom pole, radio transmitters, headphones)
- Camera: £1,610
- (C-stands, monitor, sandbags, follow focus, video transmitter)
- Accessibility & Safety: £870
- (wheelchair ramp, cable covers, folding chairs, walkie talkies)
- Maintenance & Repair: £1,365
- (Office supplies, printing, cases, repairs fund, repair tools)
- Costume: £80
- (cleaning sprays, treatments & storage boxes)
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How Do You Access the Equipment?
The only fees involved are a percentage of the cost to insure the items. This means we handle the confusing and time-consuming process of insurance for all the equipment and then users pay for the coverage (usually several pounds rather than a more typical hundreds had they tried to get kit elsewhere.)
