Edinburgh Film Equipment Share Fundraiser

We are regularly reaching our capacity and need funds to repair and upgrade the filmmaking equipment on offer!

Through the provision of film equipment we have supported over 150 local film projects, distributed over £100,000 of equipment and saved filmmakers over £30,000.

Over 90% of surveyed users say they would not have been able to access the equipment at all if the project did not exist.

We have collected over 230 pieces of filmmaking equipment and through a dedicated volunteering effort we have just about managed to maintain and ensure the continued running of the project over the last year.

We are looking for funds in order to complete maintenance on our regularly used equipment so that it can last for future users of the share. We also hope to purchase new equipment to expand what we can offer filmmakers, levelling up the gear options for indie filmmakers.

The Equipment Share Story:

The Equipment Share is a project run as part of The Film Cult. We are a group of filmmakers dedicated to supporting grassroots filmmaking in the pursuit of a sustainable alternative to inaccessible and toxic industry practices. You can read more about the groups wider aims on our website: https://www.thefilmcult.com/

Share Project Origins

Our first step in realising our vision of filmmaking for our community was breaking down the expensive barrier to film equipment. One of the first barriers faced by anyone pursuing filmmaking is the cost of equipment. The tools of filmmaking are inherently only accessible behind a paywall.

After launching the project we received donations of film equipment from a roster of individuals who believed in the concept, and through the extreme generosity of Neon Eye Productions we had a home. Since launching, the share has been used by hundreds of locals to make film productions with an unprecedented access to film equipment.

Impact & Testimonials

Over 90% of surveyed users say they would not have been able to access the equipment at all if the project did not exist. Below are some testimonials from users alongside some stills of projects completed using the kit!

"My project wouldn't have been possible without the amazing work of the film cult and the support they gave via their kit share project. [...] The ability to get good rates on equipment is vital in supporting working class creatives in breaking down the barrier that prevent them from creating their art"

"I have so many ideas that I want to turn into films but I can not afford a camera, the equipment share has allowed me to start turning those ideas into films."

"Where I simply could not afford the equipment I needed to progress as a filmmaker, now I know there is a collection of equipment accessible to me. My only hope would be that I could continue to access this and that it could grow to include more of the equipment I need."

"The Film Cults Kit Share initiative has been instrumental in tangibly and materially pushing for further democratisation in filmmaking; like easels and brushes, having access to the tools of the trade at a non-prohibitive entry point is invaluable when there are voices who may otherwise never have access to the medium."

Project Stills in order: 'Extrovert' Music Video, 'Happened' Short Film, 'No Man is an Island' Short Film

Challenges

Having completed a year of the project our volunteers have a good sense for how things are running.

There are currently two challenges facing the project: maintenance and capacity.

Maintenance - Having the proper tools, time and funds to maintain, repair and replace the many parts used in the film equipment such as expensive and proprietary bulbs, cables, batteries, screws, baseplates and thingmebobs.

Capacity - We find the same items are often booked out each week or are being requested by our community, suggesting a bottleneck. We are looking to purchase these items so we can expand what is on offer for our community.

We need your help in order to successfully run this project for another year!

How will we use the money?

We have compiled a list of the most important items for us to purchase. These include essential repairs and replacements, accessibility and safety items, storage, cleaning supplies and some of our most needed items that we can't yet offer.

All of our purchases where possible are second hand in order to reduce electronic waste and to make sure we get the most out of any money invested in the project.

• Sound: £2,400
  • (multitrack mixer, boom pole, radio transmitters, headphones)
• Camera: £1,610
  • (C-stands, monitor, sandbags, follow focus, video transmitter)
• Accessibility & Safety: £870
  • (wheelchair ramp, cable covers, folding chairs, walkie talkies)
• Maintenance & Repair: £1,365
  • (Office supplies, printing, cases, repairs fund, repair tools)
• Costume: £80
  • (cleaning sprays, treatments & storage boxes)

How Do You Access the Equipment?

Anyone can browse and reserve film equipment through our online catalogue which can be accessed here: https://thefilmcult.myturn.com/library/inventory/browse

The only fees involved are a percentage of the cost to insure the items. This means we handle the confusing and time-consuming process of insurance for all the equipment and then users pay for the coverage (usually several pounds rather than a more typical hundreds had they tried to get kit elsewhere.)

Feel free to have a look around at what we are hoping to secure for the next year!

Help us secure the next year of the equipment share project!