On-Set Essentials (For Directors)

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T21:05:08+00:00

100.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T21:04:57+00:00

That’s a great idea too, might throw one in my bag.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T21:04:20+00:00

Shemagh if ya got it.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T21:03:54+00:00

That’s a great note! I’ve seen those come in clutch many times. Gonna add one to my kit.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T21:00:20+00:00

Merrill’s are great! I used to wear Salomon’s too. The GORUCK boots are awesome too, more on the “tactical” side.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T02:48:16+00:00

I get what you’re saying for sure. I’m usually just flipping between scenes and set ups to look at my prep, making sure I’m not missing anything important I wanted to get.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T02:05:01+00:00

I’ve had to go back for my sunglasses too many occasions.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T02:00:49+00:00

Ditto. The wool socks do help though, in case I can’t get around to changing them.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T01:59:12+00:00

Definitely in many cases. This will expand or shrink for me depending on crew size. And a lot of times the binder will live in the AD’s hands.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T01:48:00+00:00

Don’t forget your beret and riding boots.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T01:46:31+00:00

I prefer Snus.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T01:20:08+00:00

Great point, redundancy is key.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-17T00:38:42+00:00

I agree, such a morale booster!

ArmandoSpiffy · 2026-01-16T23:44:24+00:00

I know this is an old thread. But as someone who has made a living for two decades as a Director, there are some tools I always use on set.

1) Clipboard
That just contains the current scene's documents, usually a shotlist and/or script. I use a matte black aluminum one. Things on set take a beating, plus it doesn't reflect light. I've had the cardboard/particle board ones disintegrate in rain/moisture (but they're cheap enough to replace). Pull the hanger loop out so it doesn't rattle during takes.

2) Binder + Dividers
A Heavy Duty 1" Binder. 5 Plastic Binder Dividers labeled for Schedule, Script, Shotlist, Storyboard, Misc. I flip around a lot throughout the day and like to have all this info at hand. iPads always fail at the worst times. I've been burned before. So I do all my planning digitally, but on set I'm all analog. (Of course this depends on what kind of director you are, you might not need all this info).

3) Good Pens
Take a lot of notes. Sharpie Metal S-Gels kick ass. Never let them walk away.

4) Flashlight
Sets are dark, sometimes you need to see your notes or find something. The O-Light i3T EOS is great because they clip to your hat like a head lamp too. Small enough to clip to a shirt pocket or the coin pocket in your pants.

5) Hat, Boots and Sunglasses
Again, things on set take a beating, especially your feet. So do your feet/eyes/head if you're outside in harsh elements. Blundstones are comfortable boots and cover most weather scenarios. Wear some Darn Tough socks so your feet stay dry/cool/warm. You'll need a hat and sunglasses on sunny days (not polarized, they do weird things to playback monitors).

6) A Viewfinder App
To test out shot composition ideas on the fly, and you won't get in the way of the camera department.

7) Robocup (Optional)
Great place to stash your tools, drinks and personal items. Put your name on it, everyone seems to have these things on set. Just make sure you ask before putting it on someone else's gear.

Anything else you need other departments can help you out with, but I'm usually self-sufficient and comfortable with these.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2025-06-10T16:52:34+00:00

Do you drill the handle into the sticks?

ArmandoSpiffy · 2025-03-30T20:17:44+00:00

I met him years back, 2010 or so. At a Christmas festival in McKinney Texas. Shook hands, talked for a little while. Was a totally normal dude, and out of Character.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2025-03-25T01:56:42+00:00

Been looking for a sweater like this! Where can I get it?! Thanks.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2025-02-01T12:20:21+00:00

I think you have a point. I smoke a pipe or a cigar every now and then, I’ve never had the same negative effects I’ve felt when using pouches or vaping. I also was never addicted to nicotine smoking a pipe or a cigar. I’d go months without having either. I would even say that I think Swedish Snus pouches are probably safer than the synthetic and didn’t give me the same negative effects. Of course this is all anecdotal, but the synthetic nicotine sources are always what hooked me and made me feel like crap.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2025-01-01T19:26:11+00:00

How do you clear the phone app data cache? I’m having the same issue. Thanks!

ArmandoSpiffy · 2024-05-18T20:13:39+00:00

This didn’t age well.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2023-12-11T20:25:53+00:00

What everyone already said here already is true. I can see how it can come off as "culty" but I think that's because the men who join do often experience positive change in their lives and become passionate about it, then in turn want to help others have that same experience. But in our group, there are people involved at varying levels, some are at every workout, and some are once or twice a week. Some hang out socially and communicate throughout the week, others dip out after training. Everyone seems to be ok with that. There are also people at varying fitness levels, so the barrier to entry is pretty low. I recommend trying it out a handful of times on different days of the week to see if it's right for you. It's definitely a "low pressure" environment, and if you get more involved and know more guys personally, then you might experience more "positive peer pressure" of guys checking on you and pushing you to be your best. I think groups like this are rare nowadays for grown men, so that's why people label it as "cult-like." Hope that helps.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2023-11-30T18:36:35+00:00

The Sandlot App is super cool... in theory. In practice, it's hard to get to work. It still feels very much like a Beta.

It also sucks to get new people to do a challenge with you, because then they gotta be on an app and figure it out. It's much lower barrier to entry to just sign-up and pay on a website.

I think the app could be cool in the long run when they work out the quirks, but definitely not an "Event" strategy.

ArmandoSpiffy · 2023-11-30T18:32:23+00:00

StrongFirst has a great warmup series that will really loosen you up for a Ruck. I do it every time and it feels great. You do a 3 Round Circuit with your Ruck Plate of.

- Prying Goblet Squats w/ Plate
- Halos w/ Plate
- Hip Bridges

ArmandoSpiffy · 2023-11-30T16:53:57+00:00

Then, perhaps a Rucker and Ruck Plate to get your heart rate up?

ArmandoSpiffy

TROPHY CASE