The Filmtools Blog - Filmmaking Equipment & Industry News

Black Friday Filmtools Coupon

filmtools — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 00:23:05 +0000

Filmtools.com Black Friday Coupon Code

From now through “Black Friday” 11/27/09 use coupon code: BLACKFRIDAYTEN at checkout to receive 10% off the following items:

* Excluding Tripods already on sale (Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Tripod Sale)

The same deals can be found at Filmtools in Burbank, CA! CLICK HERE for address, hours and directions!

Big Schneider Filter Sale @ Filmtools Burbank 11/14

filmtools — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:50:33 +0000

EVENT: Schneider Filter Tent Sale @ Filmtools, Burbank

WHEN: Saturday, November 14th, 2009 • 10am-5pm

WHERE: 1400 W. Burbank Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506 PARKING LOT

You are cordially invited to the Schneider Filter Tent Sale Event at Filmtools in Burbank. For 1 Day Only take advantage of 10%, 20%, up to 50% Off Schneider Filters. Factory reps from Schneider Optics, TVLogic, Chrosziel, and J.L. Fisher will be on-site for Q&A and demonstrations.

Other sale items include: Books 10% off, Car Mounts 15% off, Flashlights 10% off, Leatherman 10% off, Lindcraft 20% off, Matthews 10% off, Pelican 10% off, Ripoffs 20% off, TV Logic 10% off, and Westcott 10% off. There will even be refreshments catered by Santoro’s. And it’s all happening Saturday, November 14th from 10am – 5pm at Filmtools in Burbank ONLY!

Filmtools Booth @ HD EXPO-Createasphere in Burbank Nov 4-5, 2009

filmtools — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 23:32:18 +0000

A few photos in and around the Filmtools booth at HD EXPO-Createasphere 2009. Click to enlarge!

Filmtools booth at HD EXPO-Createasphere 2009

The HD EXPO-Createasphere booth crew - Stan McClain (Filmtools President), Joe Hollins (Filmtools Operations Manager), and Jim Martin (Sales Associate). Canon XL H1a camera with Chroziel mattebox + follow focus and Marshall monitor mounted on GearNex Gear Head w/ Mitchell mount on a J.L. Fisher camera dolly.

B&H enthusiast checking out the Filmtools booth while Zacuto Matt chats with interested attendees.

Stan McClain shows a young filmmaker the new Filmtools bicycle and skateboard P.O.V. camera mounts.

Zacuto Matt showing some awesome Zacuto gear

Zacuto Matt talking about the Z-Finder

General hubub

Jim Martin discussing the GearNex Gear Head (off camera) with an HD EXPO attendee in front of the monitor display.

Stan McClain and fellows.

Stan McClain and Joe Hollins showing off Filmtools' Inc. 5000 award.

GearNex Gear Head Now In-Stock @ Filmtools, Burbank

filmtools — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 21:27:07 +0000

UPDATE 10/28/09: All pre-orders have been fulfilled and the GearNex Gear Head is now in-stock at Filmtools in Burbank and Filmtools.com.

10/15/09: Our GearNex Gear Head Demo Model just arrived today at our Filmtools store in Burbank, CA. If you’re in the area and want to check out this awesome new piece of equipment in-person, definitely come in to demo it.

Below is a video from GearNex demonstrating the Gear Head’s movement, but there is nothing like experiencing it first-hand. It’s super smooth with pro precision – and it’s just plain fun to use.

GearNex Gear Head at Filmtools.com

Sun Oven – Solar Powered Cooking at Filmtools Headquarters

filmtools — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:09:10 +0000

Filmtools continues to expand our “Green Team” projects. Just recently, we acquired a Sun Oven and wow – we are impressed. It has a thermometer that you can watch as it quickly begins rising. So far, we’ve seen it read 300^°. We are experimenting with vegetable stew for starters, and so far so good. The only problem we’re having is that the customers are asking more about the oven than they are for our camera, grip and electric gear. (Kidding!)

Filmtools is also remodeling some of the downstairs area and we’re taking over the recently vacated upstairs section for our offices. For both sections, we are adding Solatube® Daylighting Systems. These “solar tubes” channel daylight from the roof and spread it evenly throughout the room. We’ll be able to turn off most lights and probably not have to use any electrical lighting upstairs during daylight hours. We’ll be sure to take pictures and share them with you when the project is completed.

Below is a video of Paul Munsen, President of SUN OVENS International, demonstrating the Sun Oven.

Sun Oven Official Site

Sound Blankets / Moving Pads and Their Many Uses in Production

filmtools — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:21:13 +0000

Furniture pads are one of those essential items that every production team should have a healthy supply of in their arsenal. Furni Pads – also known as Sound Blankets – are made of Heavy Duty, padded material that can be hung in a room for added sound insulation. Filmtools Sound Blankets are opaque black, so they can also be used to block out unwanted light from a shot. Wrap them around your grip equipment, props, or any other items you want to protect during transportation or while on a prolonged standby. See below for a partial list of their many uses.

There will be many situations where you'll be glad you have a stack of Filmtools Sound Blankets!

Sound insulation
To eliminate sounds of walking on hard floors
Floor protection
Blocking out unwanted light
Protecting props or gear during transportation
Protecting props or gear during standby
Moving furniture
Drape on equipment carts for padding
Wrap around yourself for insulation on location in cold weather!
What are some of your favorite uses?

We have a huge supply of these blankets, so we’re offering a bulk quantity discount!

78″ x 72″ SOUND BLANKETS

—————————————-

BUY MORE, SAVE MORE

—————————————-

1 – 11 Blankets = $17.95 ea

12 or more Blankets = $12.95 ea

CLICK HERE

Canon Camcorders Now Available at Filmtools

filmtools — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 23:57:48 +0000

It was bound to happen. Filmtools – known as Hollywood’s source for grip, electrical, lighting, sound, camera & expendable supplies – is now your source for Canon Camcorders!

We’re currently showcasing Canon models XL H1a, XL H1s, XH A1s, HX G1s, the Vixia HF S100, and Vixia HV40, as well as Canon DV Camera Accessories (batteries, lenses, etc) but there is more to come.

You know ‘em, you love ‘em, and if you’re in the L.A. County area, come visit the Filmtools Burbank store to see these babies in person. If you aren’t familiar with Canon’s line of professional camcorders, swing by the store for a demo or drop us a line and one of our sales associates will be happy to provide you with more information.

We are truly excited to be an official Canon Dealer and look forward to providing our customers with such universally known and highly revered cameras. Not only do we strive to stock some of the best digital video cameras on the market today, but we also take pride in having one of the largest assortments of camera support equipment, camcorder accessories, and camera cleaning supplies you’ll find on the West Coast. And with same-day shipping on all in-stock items* you’ll have your new gear at your doorstep in no-time at all.

CLICK HERE FOR CANON CAMCORDERS

* Filmtools.com ships SAME DAY Monday-Friday on all in-stock items as long as the order is placed prior to 2pm PST for Standard UPS Ground, and 2:30pm PST for 3-day, 2-day, and Next-day Delivery. (We continue to process orders right up to the time the UPS driver is loading his truck!) Orders placed after said times on Friday, as well as any time on Saturday or Sunday will be shipped the following business day. See individual product pages for Availability and shipping details.

GearNex Visits Filmtools, Gives New ETA. Gear Head Improvements Look Great!

filmtools — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:38:59 +0000

Latest GearNex Models

The guys from GearNex paid a visit to Filmtools last Friday to show us the new and improved model of the GearNex Gear Head, and WOW it looks great!

Employees and customers alike were gushing over the improvements made since the last version we saw; functionality-wise as well as aesthetic. The thing looks and feels amazing.

They also gave us the latest ETA and as of 09/04/09 it sounds like they’ll start shipping the Last Week of September. One of the recent fires in Southern California just missed the GearNex manufacturing plant by a few blocks (destroying over 60 buildings nearby), so we’re all breathing a collective sigh of relief. The release date was pushed back a few times unexpectedly due to a couple of last minute refinements, but this has us confident that the GearNex team will not put out anything less than flawless. Everyone we talk to is anxious for the GearNex to arrive, but happy to wait for the finishing touches that will make it perfect.

Filmtools will also be adding the GearNex Carrying Case as well as all of the available accessories to the website and store. We will be making a huge announcement when the GearNex Gear Head arrives, so stay tuned!

CLICK HERE FOR THE GEARNEX GEAR HEAD

Add your Photos to our Facebook Fan Page

filmtools — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:50:01 +0000

Filmtools customer Rick from Newport Beach, CA on the island of Bora Bora

Calling All Friends and Fans of Filmtools – Contribute your own photos to our Facebook Page

Have photos of you wearing your Filmtools t-shirt on set or at an interesting location? Or perhaps some snapshots of you using gear that you purchased from Filmtools?

We want to see them! Visit our Facebook Fan Page, (become a Fan if you haven’t already) and add your photos to our Fan Photos album by posting them to our wall. Feel free to caption and tag yourself.

LINK: The Filmtools Facebook Page

Massive New Light Stands @ Filmtools

filmtools — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:28:11 +0000

Filmtools is now stocking the largest stands we’ve ever had. Come by Filmtools, Burbank to size them up or view them at Filmtools.com.

The Long John Silver and Long John Silver Jr. stands by Avenger are designed to hoist and support some of the biggest and most important lighting kits in our industry. The crank system makes them easy to use and the pneumatic tires make them easy to move.

If you’re local and ordering online, you can choose either Will Call Pickup (free) or Local Delivery in Southern California for a flat rate of $55.

If you’re ordering from Northern California or elsewhere in the Contiguous U.S., freight is a flat rate of $275.

Customers outside of the Contiguous U.S., or anyone looking to purchase quantities of 2 or more of these stands should call us for a shipping quote!

Full Specs & Info:

Long John Silver

Long John Silver Jr.