This episode we discussed how you can get the equipment for your independent film for under $5000. Check out what’s on our list below! Keep in mind this is just a starter kit. There are other things that you should have when making your movie, but it CAN be done for this amount. You should budget for different types of lenses (wide angle, fish eye, etc.) as well as leave a healthy portion of your overall budget for marketing your movie! But we’ll cover THAT in other episodes so keep tuning in!

1. The Camera: Canon Vixia HV30 – The Canon VIXIA HV40 is one of the latest additions to our large family of HD camcorders. For those seeking the ultimate in HD video quality, we bring a host of Canon Exclusive features you won’t find anywhere else – from our own 2.96-megapixel Full HD CMOS image sensor and advanced DIGIC DV II image processor, delivering breathtaking detail and the best in color reproduction, to SuperRange Optical Image Stabilization and Instant Auto Focus to give you the ultimate control demanded by High Definition. With the Genuine Canon 10x HD video zoom lens and a host of other advanced features the VIXIA HV40 is sure to be your choice in High Definition camcorders. If you wish to continue to use your existing Standard Definition equipment, the VIXIA HV40 has both SD and HD recording modes. The VIXIA HV40 is easy to use and delivers the high level of performance you’ve come to expect from Canon. Our vast experience with photographic and broadcast television cameras brings you the optical excellence, advanced image processing, superb performance, and the latest in technological advancements you expect. The VIXIA HV40 is the premium quality High Definition video tape camcorder for sophisticated and discerning videographers.
2. The Monitor: ASUS 24-Inch. – 16:9 Full HD, HDMI, 2ms and 2Wx2 Built in Speaker
3. The Media: Sony HDV Tapes – Designed for 1080i or 720p HDV recording and playback.63 minutes recording time of 1080i video.3dB higher carrier-to-noise ratio for greater output and less noise during recording.High Definition Video Recording.
4. The Microphone: Audio Technica Condenser Shotgun Mic - * 2 condenser microphones in one * Normal for close- and medium- distance recording, Tele for long-distance pickup * Integrated 3ft. cable terminated with 3.5mm mini plug * Designed for video use * Camera-mount, pistol-grip/mike stand clamp, foam windscreen, battery and 1/4 phone plug adapter included
5. The Editing Software: Sony Vegas Pro 9 – The Vegas Pro 9 collection offers an efficient and intuitive environment for professional video and broadcast production, as well as DVD and Blu-ray Disc authoring. This comprehensive suite supports nearly all video formats including XDCAM EX and RED ONE, and provides a full complement of editorial tools for a streamlined workflow. With broad format support, superior effects processing, and the most powerful audio tools available in a NLE, the Vegas Pro 9 collection delivers everything needed to produce outstanding results. The Vegas Pro 9 collection includes 32- and 64-bit versions of Vegas Pro 9 software, DVD Architect Pro 5 software, and the Dolby Digital professional AC-3 encoder.
6. The PC: CybertronPC X-PLORER V2Q6600BKC – * Intel Core 2 Q9300 2.50 GHz Quad Core Processor * Intel BLKDG31PR Motherboard * 4096 MB (4GB) DDR II 800MHz PC6400 Memory * 250GB SATA 7,200 RPM 8MB Cache Hard Drive * Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100 Onboard Video Graphics * 22X DVD±RW Burner Dual Layer Drive * 6 Channel High Definition onboard sound * 10/100/1000 Gigabit Network Interface * X-Plorer Mid Tower Case with 600 Watt Power Supply * Front Ports : (2) USB 2.0 * Rear Ports : (6) USB 2.0 (some by headers), (1) Serial header, Audio I/O Panel, (1) RJ45 * Expansion Slots: (1) PCI-Express x16, (1) PCI-Express x1, (2) PCI * Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate 64-Bit Edition * 1 Year Warranty on Parts & Labor
7. Assorted adapters and cables (XLR’s, A/V cables, 1/4″ cables, stereo adapters, etc.)
8. The Lighting Kit: his kit has been specifically designed to create a diffused lighting environment. Diffused lighting eliminates hard shadows and is perfect for Video, Studio or Green / Blue Screen Applications. Variable power allows you to control just the amount of light you need. Cooling fan is super quite and won’t be picked up on video. This kit can also be used with barn doors or reflectors to create a more dramatic lighting effect. The included boom can be used for hair or backlighting of the subject.
9. The Audio Shoe: BeachTek DXA-4 Dual XLR Adapter – The original mini-solution for high quality sound and control.
10. The Headphones: Sony MDRNC7/BLK Noise Canceling on-ear headphones – Reduces unwanted ambient noise by 87.4%, providing a quieter environment to enhance your listening experience. Foldable and swivel design — Allows the headphones to fold up to a small and compact size. Dual use capability — Allows for the option to listen to music with or without noise cancellation. This allows you to still beable to use the headphones as headphones when the battery runs dry. Plug Adaptor — is supplied to connect directly to stereo or dual jack of in-flight music services.