Getting Quotes for Equipment

There is some specific information that is always needed when requesting equipment from vendors. DP's will usually submit the camera equipment, while the CLT and ACLT will work on the lighting list, and Key Grip and Best Boy Grip will do grip.

Submitting Lists

When you are submitting a list you can't be too overly specific. For camera you can use the Camera Builder App to make standardized packages and submit lists to rental houses. Contact Ryan to set it up for you. For lighting, use the Tech Scout Touch App. Otherwise, make sure you submit the following:

• Prep Date
• Start Date
• End Date
• Return Date
• Equipment Items and Quantities
• Estimated budget if possible

As the DP, you should look to also pass your list to your 1st AC and Operator first before sending it to the rental house. They can help confirm there is nothing missing. As the CLT, you would do the same with your ACLT.

Once you receive the quote, make sure everything you asked for on your list has made it onto the quote. Often times rental houses will swap out items or miss items, so it's important to double-check their work.

Negotiating Quotes

The best way to do all of this is to stay out of as much negotiation as you can, you can come in to cut a few things, explain why you need things, or work with the director once you find out the quote is not approved. You can also ask the production if they have tried to negotiate the quote at all, as sometimes they'll let you know that they haven't tried at all. If it gets to a point where you realize production cannot negotiate the deal on their own, it's best to get a firm number of what they can do, then work with the rental house to make the equipment package you have work for that number. With that being said, you don't have to make it work every time, sometimes their budget is just unrealistic and thats not your fault. Look at the negotiating section to look at possible tactics to try here.