You want to be a pro? You'll need the tools. The Equipment. The Expendables. This is a good place to start... The reason I know, I am currently a gaffer living in Los Angeles. Los Angeles demands having cool gaffer tools and here are a few. Also, have a look at the resume if you care to... Head Honchos Resume.
Sekonic L-608C Light Meter - Man oh man. This is the meter to have. All in one, Spot/Incident. The price tag is kind of up there but if you had to buy two meters, it would be about the same, if not more. I've heard tell that the batteries run out fast but with a cool meter like this, who cares. Get production to buy you some Engergizers.
Gaffer's Glass with Chain by Harrison - You have to see if a light is pointed at your actors but if you look directly at the light too long, you'll be seeing spots for a few hours. In comes The Gaffers Glass, if your lighting, how can you live without one? Strong enough for a DP but made for a Gaffer.
Aluminum Paper Holder - Now, if you want to look like a DP worth your weight in gold, this is a nice piece of equipment. Keep all your papers nice and neat in this bad boy.
Minolta Color Meter IIIF - Only for the very serious Gaffer or DP. You had better be getting enough work to warrant this addition to your tool kit. However, it's great to know that all your lights are color balanced the way you want them. PS: You know tools and equipment for work is Tax deductible!.
Gaffers Tape - This seems to be a popular item with film crews and none film crew alike. You can never find enough uses for this tape as well as all the other tape used in the industry. "Gaffer's tape, is there anything it can't do?"
Leatherman Wave with Deluxe Leather Sheath - Or what I like to call the Lazyman Tool cause I hate going to my tool bag every five seconds. No matter what department, Grip, Electric, Make-up, Director, you can't have a better tool, on set or off. Or if your one of the Gerber fans, try this.
Porter-Cable 19.2-Volt Cordless Drill and Saw Combo - If you are a grip or just a handyman, you will love this combo set. I love Porter Cable. It's a damn good price and worth every penny. Plus, you don't want to wait for the electrics to get the genny up and running.
Mitt Clip -Leather - Here is something anyone who uses a pair of work gloves could use. It clips to your belt so you will never be without your gloves again. I had to make one before they were avalible but now someone has already done the work for you. (Gloves not included)
The Klutz Book of Knots - The book that made me look like a knot master. On set and in life, we need knots. This basic book has the 24 most useful knots, all the knots you'll ever need. It's very colorful, has easy to read directions and comes with two colorful ropes to help you get started. If 24 knots are not enough, try Morrow Guide to Knot
Deep Six Nail Bag -Reyes - Man I love this nail and screw bag. First time I saw it, my friend Sean McCague had it on set and I've been in love with it ever since. Has a bunch of pockets and it cinches on the top when you carry it, so no nails or screws spill out. I like it better than the bucket buddy.
New Wave in Gloves - These are better than your Grand Dads Gloves. You can actually feel your fingers in these. Also, they keep your hands warm, you can't beat that.
200 Yard Laser Pointer - The difference between looking like a Tech and looking like a cooltech can be this very laser pointer. Now I have found it useful from time to time but really, it's just damn cool.
Electric Volt/Amp Meters - There are more meters here than I can shake a stick at (I have no idea what that means?), so maybe it's best if you look at them all and pick one yourself. No good Electric should be without their meters.
Xenon Flash Light - OK, this here is very cool. I know a few people who have actually lit shots with this flash light, that is how powerful it is. It's pricy and the batteries die quick (They have a rechargeable one too) but it's killer. If you are looking for other flash lights, check here.
Spyderco Knife - I have never been one to carry a knife on set but then again, since I have seen so many people use them, I thought I would post one. Plus, you never know when you are going to run into and up-ity AD. More knifes here.
Pouches and Belts - There are far too many pouches and far to many ideas on which bag is the best, so go have a look for yourself and find the right ones for you.
