Checking Out Equipment from Hodges Library
- The equipment desk is located in South Commons on the 2nd floor of Hodges (Starbucks level)
- If you get lost, you can ask the front desk across from Starbucks and they will point you in the right direction.
- Link to equipment catalog in the library: https://libguides.utk.edu/hodgesequipment
- Basic/minimum equipment you’ll want for short films:
- SLR Camera, tripod, audio recorder, boom/shotgun mic, boom pole/mic stand (if using a boom mic)
- If you need a non-specific area to film, you can reserve the video production room through the Studio (they also have equipment you can use)
- More info on the Studio under "Recording Rooms"
Media Pool
1. The Media Pool is located in the Art & Architecture Building in room 343 and is open to those enrolled in the School of Art
2. Make sure to have Vol-Card on hand when checking out equipment.
3. More information on rentals, late fees, guidelines, and equipment at the Media Pool's website: https://art.utk.edu/mediapool/
2. Make sure to have Vol-Card on hand when checking out equipment.
3. More information on rentals, late fees, guidelines, and equipment at the Media Pool's website: https://art.utk.edu/mediapool/
Figuring Out What Equipment You Need
- Camera
- For our purposes, almost always want an SLR camera (better quality than camcorders and has more functions)
- Microphone
- Shotgun mics sit on top of the camera in a little slot. They are directional, meaning they mostly capture audio that is directed straight at it (the small end). Best used for projects where you are filming close to the audio source (think vlog or follow shots) or you are the only person on your film crew
- Boom mics clip onto a boom pole or mic stand. They are directional, meaning they mostly capture audio that is directed straight at it (the small end). Best used for projects where you have someone helping you and want to move your camera independently from the microphone while keeping audio consistent
- Usually want a boom mic for our purposes
- Audio recorders have microphones attached to them that you can record with. They are omnidirectional, meaning they record sound evenly all around the microphone. Best used for projects where you want to capture every sound in an environment (ex: if you want the ambience of a rainy day) or if you’re in a jam and need something you can just set down and record
- Mic Stand
- Boom poles are held by the boom operator to capture sound while filming. Best used for projects that require the actor/source of sound to move in the shot, projects with multiple actors, and projects that have a bigger crew
- Mic stands are like tripods for microphones. Best used for projects where you’re recording yourself or for stationary subjects (ex: interviewing someone who is sitting down)
- Audio Recorder & Tripod
- Any tripod and audio recorder the library gives you will work just fine
- Audio recorders have ports where you can plug in a microphone (sometimes more than one). Audio recorders are recommended with boom mics (rather than plugging your microphone into your camera) so you are not trapped near the camera, and can move anywhere to capture audio. It is also good to have a backup source of audio in case something goes wrong recording
Recording Rooms
- We recommend reserving one of the audio rooms from the Studio, using their microphones, and recording with the provided computer.
- The Studio is located at the small desk past the equipment desk in South Commons
- Link to reserve Studio rooms: https://libcal.utk.edu/booking/studio
- There will be a section when reserving a room asking if you require equipment, which is where you can put you need a microphone
- If you need help using the microphones/software, the person at the Studio desk will be able to help you
- If you don’t want to use the Studio room, you can check out a boom mic, mic stand, and audio recorder from the library and take them wherever you plan to record
- More info above
If you have any questions, feel free to hit us up on GroupMe or email ([email protected]).