Without fail, whenever I film Chris and Curaytor events, people ask what gear I’m using. There’s a perception that gear maketh the videographer. This is a fashion-oriented way of looking at things. Is that suit bespoke or Brooks Brothers? Is that shirt tailored or off-the-rack? There’s a feeling that because you don’t have The Gear That Curaytor Uses, you can’t make your own videos.
This is an excuse.
Listen, I love Christopher Nolan’s movies. I’m constantly inspired by his work. Christopher Nolan likes to shoot on IMAX cameras, of which there are only 26 in the world. They cost $12,000-$16,000 a week to rent. That will never fit my budget.
You probably have better gear in your pocket than Christopher Nolan had when he made his first movie. So chances are, you already have the minimum of what you need to get started. You can use your phone as a camera, or as an audio recorder, or both. I’ve met people who use GoPros for everything because they’re tiny and easy to use. Whatever works.
So if you’re ready to start creating video content, here are the fundamentals of what I’m using now: