What to bring. What not to buy.

The production supplies the kit that does the job. You bring what keeps you safe, dry and organised.

Print the list By grade

Watch: what the first job looks like

From ScreenSkills and the Production Guild.

Everyone, every job

The basics

Waterproof jacket and trousers, and warm layers. You'll stand outside for hours.
Comfortable, waterproof footwear. Safety boots if your department needs them.
Head torch. Sets are dark between set-ups.
Phone battery pack and cable.
Notebook, pens and a Sharpie.
Refillable water bottle and a small rucksack.
An earpiece for a walkie. Production supplies the radio; most crew buy their own earpiece.

Don't buy (yet)

A camera to become a camera trainee.
Grip or lighting kit: it's hired by the production.
A course or "crew list" place that charges you. Real productions never charge you to work.
Branded crew clothing before you've got the job.

Money tight?

ScreenSkills bursaries can help with kit, travel and training costs when money is the barrier.

ScreenSkills bursaries · Checked 13 Nov 2026

Costs are a rough guide from high-street prices in November 2026, not quotes. Buy mid-range: cheap boots and gloves wear out in a week.

By entry grade

6 grades

Rough start-up cost on top of the basics. Ask your HoD before you buy anything big.

Entry grade · about £40 to £120 on top of the basics
Runner
- The everyone list, done properly: good waterproofs and shoes you can stand in for 12 hours.
- Walkie earpiece.
- Hi-vis if you're on street locations (production usually supplies).
- A clean driving licence helps: many runner jobs involve driving.
Don't buy: A car just for the job. Ask whether driving is part of it before you take the booking.
Entry grade · about £60 to £150
Camera trainee
- A belt pouch for pens, Sharpies, a small torch and a multitool.
- Lens cloth and a small blower.
- A pocket notebook for camera reports and lens data.
- Gloves for loading the truck.
Don't buy: A camera. You'll work on the production's package. Learn it, don't buy it.
Entry grade · about £80 to £200
Grip trainee
- Safety boots with toe protection.
- Rigger gloves.
- Multitool and a tape measure.
- Knee pads for laying track.
- Head torch.
Don't buy: Dollies, track or rigging kit. That comes from the grip house on the production's hire.
Entry grade · about £80 to £200
Lighting trainee (spark)
- Safety boots with toe protection.
- Rigger gloves and heat-resistant gloves for hot lamps.
- Multitool, tape measure and a head torch.
- A belt pouch for wraps, pegs and tape.
Don't buy: Testers or electrical tools until your gaffer or best boy says which. Only qualified electricians test or connect power.
Entry gradeCostume trainee
Entry grade · about £40 to £100
Costume trainee
- A set bag: safety pins, small scissors, needle and thread, fashion tape, lint roller, tape measure.
- A notebook for continuity notes.
- Comfortable shoes. Costume walks miles between trucks and set.
Don't buy: Steamers, rails or sewing machines. The department has them. Check the production's rules before using your phone for continuity photos.
Entry gradeHair and make-up trainee
Entry grade · varies: ask your HoD before you buy
Hair and make-up trainee
- A set bag with brushes, combs, clips, tissues and disposable applicators.
- Hand sanitiser and brush cleaner. Hygiene matters on every job.
- A notebook for continuity notes.
Don't buy: A full professional kit before your first booking. Ask your HoD what to bring. Some departments supply most of it.