18 Best Production Gear Solutions for Filmmakers in 2024

Long days on set can be a struggle, but with the right gear, you’ll be ready for whatever the day brings. With so many productions adopting digital workflows, we’ve compiled a list of essential gadgets to make your paperless production effortless. From digital tools to keep you organized to reusable dish-ware for snacks, here are 18 must-have on set gear.

We want to see more productions going paperless on set. It’s better for the environment and it’s going to save you a lot of time and inevitable headaches. Scripts, call sheets, schedules, overheads, and more are all editable at at your fingertips. Plus you can AirDrop those notes and files to your crew for contactless collaboration. The new iPad Pro is a fantastic tool for filmmakers.

Don’t need all the processing power of the iPad Pro? Opt for the classic iPad. Or, for an even lighter device, the iPad Air. Want a smaller screen? Try the iPad Mini.

Okay we’re biased. But hey, if you have the iPad, why not get the Emmy® award winning app used on thousands of productions worldwide to read and mark up scripts.

Created by writers’ assistant turned TV writer, Scriptation is a PDF annotation app for your Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Windows device that allows you to read scripts, make notes, share notes, and even intelligently transfer those notes into new script revisions. If production apps are your thing, check out the best apps for filmmakers.

You can get started with Scriptation for free in the App Store.

Ideal for jotting down script notes, drawing quick storyboards, or diagramming a specific shot, the Apple Pencil is the perfect companion to an iPad running Scriptation. With Apple Pencil, you can turn iPad into your notepad, canvas, or just about anything else you can imagine. The newest Apple Pencil (second generation) is compatible with the iPad Air (2020), the first generation 11-inch iPad Pro (2018) and later and the iPad Pro 12.9-inch third generation (2018) and later. Plus, unlike the older model, this version magnetically attaches and automatically charges right on the side of your iPad. You never even need to think about charging it.

Have an older iPad? The first generation Apple Pencil is compatible with 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 10.5-inch iPad Pro, 12.9-inch iPad Pro, 3rd Generation iPad Air, 6th Generation iPad, and 5th Generation iPad mini.

At nearly $100 a pop, this is one pencil you don’t want to lose. Keep your first generation Apple Pencil magnetically secure to your iPad with this pencil grip. The magnets allow you to attach the Apple Pencil quickly to the front side of the iPad Pro, the front sides of a magnetic smart cover, or pretty much any magnet-friendly metal surface. The soft silicone grip also makes for a nicer writing experience. Note: this size grip only fits the first generation Apple Pencil.

Created by two script supervisors, the ZoopLoop is quickly becoming a must-have for iPad users on set. Whether you’ve spent twenty dollars on a generic stylus or $100+ on an Apple Pencil, the inconvenience of losing your digital pen is priceless. Keep your stylus tethered to your device with the strong, sleek, flexible ZoopLoop.

You’re on location and there’s a storm in the forecast… and you’re shooting near a pool. What’s the worst that can happen, right? Keep your iPad safe with a waterproof, shock absorbent case. This case is water and snow proof. Fully submergible to 6.6’/2 m for 1 hour and sealed from snow, ice, dirt, and dust particles. It’s also shockproof and can withstand drops from 6.6’/2 m.

Spare c-stand or tripod? Mount your tablet with this universal clamp for hands-free, easy viewing. It’s lightweight and can extend to fit whatever size tablet you have.

iPads are great. You know what’s not great? Dropping them. With the added security of a hand grip, you don’t have to worry about butterfingers ruining your shoot. Tighten the hand strap to fit your hand, lock into the accompanying case, and you’re good to go.

Go hands-free with this shoulder strap for your iPad. Easily access your production documents where ever you are on set. Plus you’ll never set your iPad down and forget where you left it. This version also comes with a built-in kickstand, an elastic pencil holder, an adjustable hand strap, and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap.

Be ready for any type of weather when shooting on location. Protect your gear with a waterproof backpack. With tons of storage and added durability, you’re ready for any location or a quick backpacking trip through the outback. This bag has 40L of storage space, several zipped compartments, and weighs less than 2 pounds.

So we’ve shown you a bunch of cool tech, but what about when you can’t plug it? Always best to keep a portable charger in your gear bag, just in case. With 10000mAh, you can charge a dead iPhone battery 2.5 times or an iPad to one full charge.

When you do have power, plug into the video village with multiple USB ports. Perfect if you have several devices or crew members who need to charge while on set.

Your footage is too important to be tossing that card into a gear bag, or worse, forgetting which pocket you tucked it into. Keep things organized and protected in a shock-resistant case that can clip onto a belt loop. The interior of this case even has a rubberized lining to prevent SD cards from sliding out when the case is open.

Simple tool, but useful. Plus, you can be sure no one “accidentally” steals your gaff on set. Fit up to five rolls of gaff on this Filmtools lanyard.

Everyone knows coffee is essential for long production days so why not BYOC? Bring your own cup! Stojo’s unique design has become popular on sets because it can collapse to take up less space in your gear bag. Stojo mugs are made from food-grade silicone and recyclable materials which means no BPA’s, Phthalates, leads or glues. And it’s more eco-friendly than paper cups. Win-win.

Over 80% of plastic water bottles never get recycled. Now think about how many a production goes through daily. Oof. Stay hydrated with a reusable water bottle that is guaranteed to keep your drinks cool (or hot if you like) for the entire day on set. The Hydroflask stainless steel design also prevents the bottle from creating condensation so your other gear is safe from your water bottle.

Did you know we produce 150 MILLION TONS of single-use plastics in a year! Save the turtles, bring your own cutlery to set with this travel set. Plus it’s nicer to use real utensils anyway. This set is dishwasher safe, comes with a knife, fork, spoon, chopsticks, two straws, straw cleaning brush, and a travel case.

Hey audio department, this one is especially for you! Flip script pages with just a tap of your foot. And, it’s completely wireless. This pedal has 5 page turning modes: 5 page turning modes: up & down, left and right, up and down, left and right mouse buttons, space and carriage return to meet your reading habits.