What to Take to a Film Shoot

After a few times doing something, you tend to learn the ropes. Here's what helps me when I have shoots coming up:

1. Charcoal tablets. I learned about charcoal tablets a couple of years ago when I got food poisoning; they help cleanse the body. I don’t know about you, but when I drink something carbonated, it tends to give me throat gurgles that the boom mic picks up.

On my last shoot, I had a Dr Pepper, and once I started feeling that familiar feeling, I took 2 charcoal tablets and within about 5 minutes, the bubbling was gone. Thaaaaank goodness. Normally, that feeling lasts for hours.

They can be found at almost any place with a medicine aisle.

2. A clothing rod for the car. If you’re going to an indie shoot where you need to take your own clothes, a clothing rack is so helpful. It keeps clothes wrinke-free and it leaves more room in your suitcase for shoes or whatever else you need to pack.

I got this one from my dad, but I’m sure it can be found at most stores. Ask a couple of people before buying one – people sometimes forget they have one and want to get rid of it. That’s what I did.

3. Cup with a straw. The make-up artist just did your lips and then you go take a big ol’ drink of something out of a can – there goes your lips. Anything you can find with a straw will be helpful.

For one, most people will be drinking out of plastic water bottles so having your own cup makes it easier to know which one’s yours. And secondly, the straw means you can take sips (of your delicious, hot vanilla latte) in between takes and not have to worry about your lips.

Plus, if you get an aluminum one like mine, your drink will stay cold even in the heat of the day. I have two customized ones from Ashley’s Krazy Kreations on Facebook – shop small. :)

4. Wisps/toothbrush/floss/mouthwash. Any or all. You know how close you have to be to your fellow actor during scenes, and what if lunch included onions and some type of black seasoning? How are you gonna get that out of your teeth for the next scene?

I always take these with me: toothbrush, mouthwash, and floss.

5. Book or computer to pass the time. When it’s not your scene and everyone’s working, it’s nice to have something to do. Being on your phone can get old after a while and having a conversation isn't exactly the best choice when the camera's rolling, so having a book or getting work done on the computer are nice choices. Don’t forget the charger.

6. Noise machine. This one's fairly new to me, but I finally had to get one because staying in hotels means hearing doors slam, people talking at all hours of the night, and weird noises that you're not used to.

Mine's a small disc that has about 18 sounds on it and it's been amazing.

Those are top must-haves at the moment.

Actors and filmmakers, what are some things you always take to a shoot? I know there are some other good ideas out there.

I love talking about acting, so let me know if you have any questions at all!

Venus Monique