Germainicorn{{1}} replied to the PA shopping list I created–
@TheAnonymousPA in addition to flashlight, I’d recommend a headlamp to free up your hand from using flashlights at night. External battery 2
— Germainicorn (@JudgeGermaine) July 22, 2015
This a great point, and I wish I had mentioned it earlier. Obviously, a headlamp would be useful if you’re lugging around a big crate or cooler. Probably more often, you’ll use it when doing paperwork outside of your trailer at [glossary]base camp[/glossary].
The electricians will generally have work lights set up at night, but you’re not the only person they’re trying to light up. It’s more important that the lead actor can see the label on the coffee maker than you can read the extras’ skins. (Also, the extras in question may, inadvertantly, be standing in the way of the light.) A headlamp will ensure you can read every tiny word on the page.
Still, for PAs, I actually recommend getting both a headlamp and a flashlight. For one, I just don’t like wearing anything on my head unless I have to. It’s uncomfortable.
Just as importantly, the light isn’t necessarily for you. Sometimes, you need to point something out in the distance to someone, in which case a flashlight that can be focused will come in handy. Sometimes, it’ll be your job to direct people through the dark, like when you’re on location in a rural or wilderness area.
What kind of flashlight do you recommend?
[[1]]Awesome name.[[1]]
One Response
The small, cheap, LED ones that for right in your hand; the kind you see in a checkout stand at a store. I got mine at an Orchard Supply for $4.99. Someone will borrow/lose it and you’ll have to buy a new one anyway 🙂