Expendables are the supplies used in film or video production that can be “used up” or expended. Stuff like gaffer’s tape and film stock. In this section of the ProAppsTrainer store, I’ve gathered together as many of the supplies and semi-expendable pieces of gear that I can locate. Of course for more obscure stuff you can go to specialty retailers, but here are the bargain-oriented items offered at Amazon.com.
Note that the links here are affiliate links and, although your price will be the lowest available on Amazon, you’ll earn the ProAppsTrainer site a small commision and for that I thank you!
The tapes above are all mini DV (which is the small cassette). I know a lot of people have strong feelings on this and some say you should consistently run the same brand of tape, etc., but I tend to buy pretty much on the basis of price only. I also regularly use a cleaning cassette (see above) to keep the heads clean. As for the Sony HD stuff up there, if you’re into the esoteric thing, there’re great. The tapes below are DV-CAM format which is traditionally a larger tape than the Mini, but is also available for Sony products only, in the Mini-DV size format. Always pay attention to this disticntion when ordering DV-CAM and be sure you have the right stock!
Permacell Gaffer Tape 25 Yards x 2"- Black - This is the stuff. As anyone in the film production world well knows, there is no finer tape than gaffer’s tape. The strong cloth backing makes tearing off a piece easy and the holding power is amazing.
XLR male to XLR female Microphone Cable - 15 feet. I consider this an expendable because I tend to go through them. Having a few of these 15 footers in your go bag will always enable you wire a mic over a flexible distance
Sharpie Marking Pen Black. Case Pack Of 12 Pens Per Box FINE POINT. World Famous Top Selling Sharpie Marking Pens. The Sharpie is much a part of the production world as the laminate badge (and it’s often clipped to it).
Official Film Production C-47s, 50 piece bag. These essesntial production clamps (known on the street as “clothespins”) are great for adjusting a barn door (just leave it on as a handle), attaching a gel or clipping rigging away from view.
