FILMCART: what they are and why they are essential for professionals working on set.
If you work in the film production industry, you know how important it is to have all the tools at your disposal to best manage images and digital data. In this article, we will talk about DIT carts, manual carts that allow you to transport and use the necessary equipment for work on set. We will discover what they are, what they are used for, who uses them, what are the best models, and what are the main requests of technicians working on set.
1. What are DIT carts
A Filmcart is a metal cart equipped with wheels, support surfaces, electrical outlets, and other useful accessories to organize and power the various components of your digital workflow. It is a practical and professional solution to always have at hand everything you need to perform your role as DIT, Data Manager, Video Assist, first and second camera assistant, in general of the entire MDP department.
1.1 What are DIT Carts for
DIT Carts allow you to have a mobile, efficient, and safe workstation, which facilitates communication and collaboration between the various members of the production team. They are manual carts that are used for the transport and use of the necessary equipment for work on set. Composed of a modular and customizable structure, which can accommodate monitors, computers, hard drives, batteries, cables, accessories, and more, they are your first ally on set. Designed to be resistant, light, manageable, and adaptable to different situations and work environments, they are ideal for cinema professionals who often have to move on set, on stairs or on irregular terrain, and who always need to have their equipment at hand.
1.2 Why have a cart
Whatever the location of your film set, having a DIT cart can facilitate your work, thanks to the following advantages:
- Easily transfer your devices from one location to another, without having to disassemble and reassemble them every time
- Create an ergonomic and comfortable workstation, adaptable to different situations and environments
- Protect your equipment from shocks, dust, humidity, and other possible sources of damage;
- Optimize your time and efficiency, having everything under control and at hand.
2. Who uses Movie Carts on set
During the filming of films, commercials, fashion shows, etc.. the technicians working on set need their work material to be at hand, organized, easily transportable, and adaptable to any location. In fact, it often happens that the sets are difficult to reach (think of outdoor shooting) or in any case uncomfortable for anyone who has bulky technical equipment. For these reasons, it is effective to use a comfortable and transportable workstation anywhere. Let's now see the main users of the carts:
- The DIT (Digital Imaging Technician): is the professional figure who supervises and optimizes the workflow of digital images, from the shooting phase to the beginning of post-production. He works closely with the director of photography (DOP), camera assistants, and lighting technicians, and is responsible for setting up digital cameras, monitoring exposure, focus, and image quality, applying color corrections on set, and creating LUTs (Look Up Table) to have a preview of the final result. The DIT is also the point of connection between the production on set and the team responsible for post-production and visual effects (VFX).
- The DATA MANAGER: is the professional figure who manages and protects digital data on set, i.e. the original files of the cameras (OCF) and audio files. He works on set or near the set, in collaboration with the DIT (when present), and is responsible for downloading, copying, verifying, cataloging, and sending data to the dailies lab, the editorial, and post-production. The Data Manager must ensure the integrity, security, and traceability of data, using suitable hardware and software and following a data management plan (Data Management Plan).
- VTR: is the person in charge of positioning the monitor on which the director will check in real time what is being shot by the camera. The instant review of the footage allows the director to verify the accuracy of the performances, the focus of the camera, the framing, the choreography, and other elements.
The carts, therefore, are indispensable for the DIT, Data Manager, and Video Assist, but can also be useful for other roles, such as camera assistants (focus puller), electricians, riggers, machinists, etc..
3. How to choose the right cart for your film set
If you work in the world of cinema, you know how important it is to have a suitable backstage cart for your set. The backstage cart is a fundamental element to organize, transport, and protect the equipment and accessories necessary for shooting. But how to choose the right backstage cart based on the location of the film set? Here are some useful tips.
3.1 Sand wheels and blackout tents for outdoor sets
If your film set is located outside, you need to take into account factors such as climate, terrain, distance, and safety. If, for example, you are on sandy terrain, you will certainly find sand wheels useful. Instead, to prevent your equipment from being damaged by cold, wind, humidity, and sunlight, the best solution is to equip your cart with a blackout tent. Evaluate in time how to customize your cart by visiting on our rental service all the useful accessories for different types of sets.
3.2 Why it is convenient to rent a cart
Each set is set in very different locations and requires different equipment based on the workflow of the project. How can, therefore, a single cart meet different needs? Also, it is important to remember that these carts have very high prices, are heavy to transport when they are loaded with set equipment, and require periodic maintenance. Is there a solution that allows you to facilitate movements, customize your workstation for each set, and have a new cart every time? Here at Colorshape, you can rent your cart based on your work needs. Just write to us at info@colorshape.it to have a cart suitable for every location, customized to measure, provided with the best equipment: as if it were yours!
3.3 Best carts for technicians on set
Our warehouse is stocked with a wide choice of Carts, suitable for all your needs:
- Magliner Gemini Vertical
- Magliner Gemini Junior
- Magliner Gemini Senior
- Filmcart Smartone
- Filmcart Smartone XL
- Codex vertical
- Proaim Vertical Workstation
Magliner Gemini Junior
Magliner Gemini Vertical
To get a quote write to us at info@colorshape.it
4. How to compose a DIT cart for your film set
Organizing and deciding how to compose your own cart on set is a fundamental part of pre-production. Each technician, whether a DIT, Data Manager, or Video Assist, customizes their tools based on the type of work they will perform on set. But what are the trends? What is a "base" cart made of?
4.1 The most frequent requests to the Colorshape warehouse
Here at Colorshape, we receive many requests from various DITs, Data Managers, and VTRs who collaborate with us. This is usually the most common setup for a Film Cart:
- UPS: they are the main component of a cart because they allow you to work safely even with a lack of electricity, thus avoiding data loss. Read our article to find out how the switch from lead batteries to ecoflow batteries has revolutionized work on set.
- Computer: the heart of the DIT cart, which must be powerful, reliable, and compatible with the formats and software you use. The most requested is the Mac Studio: look among our computers for the one that best suits your needs.
- GUI Monitor: the device that allows you to view the graphical interface of a computer or program.
- Reference Monitor: the tool that allows you to view images reliably. If you want to know more, read our article on Grading Monitors.
- Hard disk: the tool that allows you to store digital data, which must be spacious, fast, and secure. Consult our shop: we are Lacie and SanDisk partners. Many of our technicians also require the Printer to print labels for our copy service. Write to us at info@colorshape.it to get a personalized quote and not waste time and space for your projects.
As you can imagine, every professional requires a very important customization on their cart. But we can't tell you everything here.
Write to us at info@colorshape.it to let us know your needs and habits on set and to discover all the latest generation products that will make your Film Cart unique and super performing.
We have a cart for every need and location
FILMCART