ALUMINUM TRIPOD

This tripod is super sturdy, easy to adjust, and has a balance meter on it for guidance.  It will also flip for vertical filming, which is helpful for full-body 360 slates and social media videos. 

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BOX LIGHTS

You will love the efficiency of this light that comes with an adjustable tripod.  I have one box light mounted higher for overall flood lighting, as well as one on the floor/tripod to adjust with natural light that varies during the day. Easy to travel in the car, but not as easy for air travel. See below for that! 

DJI 2 MIC SET- NOISE CANCELLING

$$$- The more expensive of the 2 sets of mics listed here.  These are between $180-200 with tax. If you want to up your self-tape game with high-quality sound, or make superior content, these are a game-changer.  I am still learning all the things they can do, but so far, I am impressed!  These are a more expensive version than the other set I have here. You don't NEED them, but if you make a lot of content, they are really great to have. 

BACKDROP LIGHT / ZOOM LIGHT

This is a desk lamp, yes. BUT it's so much more.  I bought it for my desk to use during zooms because the arm is super flexible, but what I discovered  is that it is abslutely brilliant on the floor shining against my backdrop. You can angle it and create some very cool affects!  

ROUND PANEL LIGHT

This is an outstanding professional light that is heavy-duty and can be adjusted a thousand different ways to create beautiful mood lighting or a bright commercial light for self-tapes. It is controlled by an app (and can be controlled manually as well). It doesn't come with a tripod stand, but it includes a durable carry case and travels easily.  It is heavy, so keep that in mind. It's a good light for filming scenes or even using it for micro shorts!  Best for home studios that don't need to be packed up every time you do a self-tape. I leave mine up and use my iPad to control the lighting.  

COMPUTER STAND- ADJUSTABLE 

No need to stack pillows on top of books on top of pillows and small furniture the next time you have a live callback or virtual parter for an audition.  This is a super sturdy adjustable stand that is perfect for eye-level zooms. It also makes a great table for an audition when you need a desk or table in the scene.  

MINI SCREEN MONITOR 

This is so nice to have when you want to use your good 'back camera' but you're taping alone for commercials or taping with someone over Zoom.  It provides a real-time view of what is being recorded, so you can ensure your lighting and framing are good. 

GREY DROP/BACKDROP

You have many choices for a backdrop. I painted my wall, but this drop travels with me every time I leave town. I cut it in half because it's so large! I keep one in a bag ready to go, and one in my closet as backup.  It's a great, deep grey color and steams easily. ​

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GREY & BLUE POP UP

Mixed opinions on the blue (ask me, I have mine!), but this is also a good option for travel or a home setup you cannot leave up all the time. Good luck folding it.  Some people are a wizard at it... as for me, it's a comedy routine every time.  There are many videos on Youtube, btw. 

LED PORTABLE SELFIE LIGHT

If you have online meetings or auditions often, this is super helpful!  I am a filmmaker, so I frequently meet with other creatives to talk about projects.  I am also using social media to promote my business and my career, and this little light is great for the phone.  It's bright, changes from cool to warm and adjusts to different levels of brightness. I bought two! 

LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL TRIPOD

Another tool that is not necessary, but can be very helpful.  This is a travel tripod that adjusts to up to 63" tall.  It folds easily and is lightweight.  I carry a travel tripod with me every time I leave on an overnight trip.  There are many different options out there! 

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SMALL FLOOR LIGHTS

These are helpful for backlighting a wall that is catching a lot of shadows. Placing one on each side of the wall, about 3 feet back and aiming up behind the subject (you), is a great way to help blur the shadows and make you stand out. 

TRAVEL LIGHTS

A good option for travel is a lightweight light that comes with a tripod and phone holder.  Comes apart easily and lays flat in luggage or a carry on.  I bring a grey fabric backdrop and clips/tacs to hang it and it works reallly well for self taping on trips! 

LAVALIER LAPEL MIC

$- The less expensive option. They run between $20-30. This is not a necessary item if you have good sound in your recording space, but it certainly levels up your self-tapes. I also find it helpful when recording social media videos, especially instructional. These last a very long time on one charge and come with two mics.