Gear Purchase Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Annual Wrap-Up and Business Focus
3. Tax Considerations for a Texas Resident
4. Transitioning to a Texas Entity
5. Benefits of Shutting Down the California Entity
6. Equipment Repairs and Final Purchase Decisions
7. Tax Brackets and Deductions for Business Expenses
8. Equipment Purchases and Depreciation
9. Aperture Lighting Instruments for Owner Operators
10. Choosing the Right Lighting Equipment
11. Audio Kit and Sound Personnel Challenges
12. Building a High-End Audio Kit
13. The Importance of Clean Final Audio On Camera
14. Power Distribution and Cable Management in the Audio Bag
15. Timecode Lockit Boxes and Syncing Devices

Annual Wrap-Up and Business Focus

In this article, we will Delve into the annual wrap-up of a freelance director of photography's business and discuss the focus for the upcoming year. As an independent director of photography who shoots videos for business and Broadcast purposes, the Narrator shares insights and experiences related to his recent trip, tax considerations, equipment repairs, and final purchase decisions. The article will also cover the transition from a California entity to a Texas entity, discussing the benefits and implications of shutting down the California entity. Additionally, the article explores the challenges and considerations related to building a high-end audio kit and choosing the right lighting equipment for owner operators. The importance of clean final audio on camera and power distribution in the audio bag will also be emphasized. Finally, the article will touch upon timecode lockit boxes and the significance of syncing devices in the production process.

1. Introduction

Welcome to my YouTube Channel, Cranky Cameraman! As an independent director of photography, I have had the opportunity to shoot videos for various businesses and broadcast purposes. In this article, I will provide an overview of my experiences and insights related to the annual wrap-up of my business and the focus for the upcoming year. Join me as I discuss tax considerations, equipment purchases, lighting instruments, audio kits, and more. Let's dive in!

2. Annual Wrap-Up and Business Focus

As the year comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the successes and challenges I faced as a freelance director of photography. This year, I embarked on an eight-day trip to shoot a commercial Package for a hotel and resort in Utah. Now that I am back home and nearing the end of the year, I take this time to wrap up my business affairs and make important decisions for the upcoming year.

3. Tax Considerations for a Texas Resident

One of the key considerations for me, as a resident of Texas, is the difference in tax laws compared to my previous state of residence, California. While Texas does not have a state income tax, California has some of the highest state taxes in the United States. In this section, I will discuss the implications of establishing a new S-corporation in Texas and the benefits of switching my business entity from California to Texas. I will also explore the requirements and expenses associated with maintaining a mailing address in California and paying annual fees to a law firm.

4. Transitioning to a Texas Entity

As I look ahead to the new year, I have decided to establish a new S-corporation as a Texas entity. This means acquiring a new employer identification number (EIN) and rebranding my company with the same name but under the Texas jurisdiction. In this section, I will explain the paperwork involved in shutting down my California entity and the reasons behind this decision. I will also discuss the advantages of operating a business in Texas, including the absence of state income tax.

5. Benefits of Shutting Down the California Entity

Shutting down my California entity entails more than just a change in mailing address. In this section, I will Outline the three main reasons behind my decision to close the California entity. Firstly, I will no longer be required to pay an annual fee to a law firm to maintain a mailing address in California. Secondly, I will no longer be burdened with the $800 fee to the franchise tax board for the privilege of having an entity in California. Lastly, I will need to switch over my business insurance to the new Texas entity. Although there are some administrative tasks involved, the benefits of shutting down the California entity far outweigh the drawbacks.

6. Equipment Repairs and Final Purchase Decisions

With the end of the year approaching, I have set aside time to focus on equipment repairs and make final purchase decisions. This section will explore the importance of addressing equipment repairs before the close of the year for tax purposes. I will also discuss the benefits of purchasing new equipment and taking AdVantage of same-year depreciation to reduce taxable income. Additionally, I will share my plans to emulate the lighting equipment preferences of other owner operators and the value they place on Aperture lighting instruments.

7. Tax Brackets and Deductions for Business Expenses

When it comes to tax planning, understanding the applicable tax brackets and deductions for business expenses is crucial. In this section, I will discuss the two tax brackets I will likely fall into Based on my projected income for the year. I will explain how purchasing equipment can help reduce taxable income and potentially lower my tax liability. I will also touch upon the significance of distributing profits to shareholders and the tax implications associated with this decision.

8. Equipment Purchases and Depreciation

As part of my end-of-the-year planning, I am considering various equipment purchases. This section will delve into the specific equipment I have been procrastinating on and the benefits of purchasing it before the close of the year. I will explain how the depreciation of equipment can be deducted from my taxable income, providing a financial advantage. By strategically selecting equipment and taking advantage of depreciation, I can optimize my business expenses and reduce my tax liability.

9. Aperture Lighting Instruments for Owner Operators

Throughout my career, I have come across many lighting professionals who have adopted Aperture lighting instruments, particularly the 300 and 600 series. In this section, I will discuss the advantages of these instruments and the positive feedback I have received from fellow owner operators. I will highlight the versatility of the Aperture 600d as a key light for various shooting scenarios and the importance of spill control using barn doors. Additionally, I will explore the options for softboxes and domes that complement the Aperture lighting system.

10. Choosing the Right Lighting Equipment

Selecting the right lighting equipment is crucial for achieving the desired look and feel in video production. In this section, I will delve into the factors that influence my decision-making process when it comes to lighting equipment. I will discuss the recommendations I have received from experienced lighting professionals and my preference for instruments that offer bi-color functionality. Additionally, I will explore the options for softboxes and grids that allow for fine control of light distribution during shoots.

11. Audio Kit and Sound Personnel Challenges

As a freelance director of photography, I often encounter challenges in sourcing sound personnel and building a suitable audio kit. In this section, I will discuss the difficulties of finding available and affordable sound professionals in my local market. I will explore the options for building a high-end audio kit that meets the requirements of broadcast-quality audio capture. Additionally, I will touch upon the importance of team collaboration and the need for sound personnel who can handle multiple tasks on set.

12. Building a High-End Audio Kit

Building a high-end audio kit requires careful consideration of various components and their compatibility with existing equipment. In this section, I will outline the key components of my ideal audio kit, including the mixer, transmitter, receiver, microphones, and cables. I will discuss my requirements for timecode synchronization and the importance of clean, final audio on camera. Furthermore, I will explain my power distribution strategy and the role of breakout cables in ensuring seamless signal transmission.

13. The Importance of Clean Final Audio On Camera

Clean final audio on camera is essential for delivering professional video content. In this section, I will emphasize the significance of capturing high-quality audio directly on camera, especially for broadcast television and corporate communications. I will discuss the challenges of achieving clean audio in different shooting scenarios and highlight the benefits of using a dedicated audio kit. Additionally, I will touch upon the benefits of audio redundancy and the importance of monitoring audio levels during shoots.

14. Power Distribution and Cable Management in the Audio Bag

Efficient power distribution and cable management are essential aspects of an audio kit setup. In this section, I will discuss my power distribution strategy and the advantages of using D-tap connectors for powering audio equipment. I will explain the setup of my audio bag and the components used to ensure reliable and seamless power supply. Additionally, I will explore cable management techniques and the importance of organizing cables to minimize the risk of interference and damage.

15. Timecode Lockit Boxes and Syncing Devices

Timecode lockit boxes and syncing devices play a crucial role in maintaining synchronization between audio and video recordings. In this final section, I will introduce the concept of timecode lockit boxes and their significance in multi-camera shoots. I will discuss the practical application of lockit boxes in generating a common timecode reference for all devices. Furthermore, I will highlight the benefits of syncing devices and explore the different options available in the market.

Note: The headings and subheadings above are subject to change during the actual writing process to ensure a logical flow and coherence in the article.