Each student is required to have a set of personal items for use in classes and film productions. Please acquire all these items before the start of film school orientation. You will be asked to bring these items to the orientation to ensure that you have everything you’ll need to start the semester off without a hitch.
Required Technology
Most of the coursework will be completed using school production equipment and computers, but there is some hardware and software that each student must own:
- Computer
- Production & Writing students: Laptop computer
- Animation students: Tablet style computer device that you can draw on using a stylus (such as an iPad with iPencil and keyboard; OR Surface Pro with surface slim pen and keyboard)
- Final Draft 13 Educational
- Production & Writing students:
- Final Draft 13 Educational ($99.99)
- Animation students:
- For Surface Pro: Final Draft 13 Educational ($99.99)
- For iPad: Final Draft Go iOS ($9.99 yearly subscription)
- Production & Writing students:
- Smartphone – with data plan and camera
- Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro 250 ohm Closed-back Studio Mixing Headphones ($169.00)
- Nole Techlist – a list of tech required for all FSU students
If you are planning to purchase a new computer or software, and would like guidance on what to buy, contact Paige Roberts for assistance.
Required Production Tools
The following items are all required for students of all majors (Production, Writing, and Animation) since everybody participates in on-set production during the first year of the program. Included in the descriptions below are recommendations for each item, at different price points.
Closed-Toe Boots
You will be carrying many heavy, bulky pieces of equipment and it is important to wear closed-toe/steel toe boots to protect your feet from anything heavy dropping on them.
Recommendations:
- CAT Women’s Mae Steel Toe Waterproof Work Boot ($130)
- CAT Men’s Invader Hi Steel Toe Work Boot ($130)
- CAT Women’s Invader Steel Toe Work Shoe ($115)
- CAT Men’s Invader Steel Toe Work Shoe ($115)
- Brahma Women’s Combustion 6″ Steel Toe Work Boots ($30)
- Ozark Trail Men’s Troy Boots ($30)
Leather Gloves
A must-have for handling hot lights on set so you don’t burn yourself. Also a huge safety must-have for handling anything electric or handling bulbs.
Recommendations:
- Setware Hot Hand Gloves ($55)
- Milwaukee Goatskin Leather Gloves ($21)
- ARRI Leather Grip Gloves ($15) – only available in large
Tool Belt
You’ll need to carry gear and have it handy at split-second notice. There’s no better way than to use a tool belt to carry these items around.
Recommendations:
- Kupo Utility AC Bag ($56)
- Huskey 6-Pocket Black Tool Belt Pouch ($25)
- Huskey 9-Pocket Black Tool Pouch ($15) – no belt included
Headlamp
Don’t be left in the dark. Always carry a headlamp so you can work safely in hard-to-see situations on set.
Recommendations:
Suggested Production Tools
Some students may wish to put together their own kit of additional production tools. This is not required, as the school will provide all the additional tools needed to perform each crew position. Should you wish to purchase some of your own personal gear, however, we’ve put together a suggested production tool guide with some recommendations.