9 Filmgear Hacks using Cardboard

Published on February 25, 2020

Cinematography & Filmmaking

DIY, film gear, Hacks

Being a filmmaker is a super expensive hobby or job, so we love making some DIY stuff to make those expenses way cheaper. This week we decided to use cardboard for some handy DIY tricks. From a slider to a focus assist, we show you have to make it and how to use it.

What is the craziest DIY piece of gear that you ever made? Last year, Jordy and Yannick also made some DIY stabilizers for a Cinebattle, they turned out way better than expected.

Honestly, I think that being a great filmmaker isn’t about owning expensive cameras, lenses or other gear. It’s about being creative, thinking outside of the box and bending the rules to create something extraordinary. No one ever said that you need to shoot your shortmovie with an Arri Alexa, Cooke Cinema lenses and a dolly from Chapman Leonard. You can use a simple DSLR or mirrorless camera, a nifty fifty lens (the basic 50mm f1.8 lenses that are super cheap) and a piece of cardboard. Or you can even use your phone!

When you think about it, the possibilities are endless. You can create anything from just a piece of cardboard and the best thing about it is that you’re kind of recycling so it’s also good for the environment. How awesome would it be if you ever arrive on a filmset and all the gear is made out of (cardboard) DIY stuff that actually works super good?! I would totally love that! Well, I guess we’re gonna create some more DIY stuff now, see you on Friday! Oh and a last questions, what would you create with cardboard?

StoryBlocks Video

This video was supported by Storyblocks Video, an easy to use site full of stock footage, After Effects templates, backgrounds, motion Graphics and much more.