Hors-Champ
Free filmmaker gear checklist: what to buy first on a zero budget
Free checklist for filmmakers, videographers and creators starting with almost no budget.
What to buy first when you can’t afford a full kit
If you are starting with a phone, one camera, borrowed gear or a tiny budget, do not buy random accessories first. Buy small tools that help you create cleaner images, prepare better shoots and show your work more professionally.
The 5-item zero-budget creator checklist
- A way to control light: even a small LED, reflector or mini studio helps more than people expect.
- A clean surface/background: useful for props, product shots, inserts, thumbnails and gear photos.
- Stable support: tripod, clamp, phone mount or table stand before expensive camera accessories.
- Audio basics: get closer to the sound source before spending on complicated audio kits.
- Organization: labels, pouches, batteries and cards prevent lost time on set.
First useful pick under 20€
For creators who need better photos of small objects, props, products, gear or thumbnails, the first Hors-Champ test product is a portable LED mini photo studio at 19,90€.
It is not a replacement for a full lighting kit. It is a small practical tool for clean shots when you are building from zero.
Launch code: FIRST10 for 10% off.
Use this checklist before buying anything
- Will this tool help me shoot more often?
- Will it solve a real problem I have today?
- Can I use it with my current phone/camera?
- Can it improve my portfolio, product photos, thumbnails or client presentation?
- Would I still use it after I upgrade my camera?
Want to help build Hors-Champ?
I’m Ismaël, an indie filmmaker building this shop without paid ads. If you came from Reddit, Discord, Facebook or a filmmaking group, your feedback matters: what affordable tool should be added next?
More starter picks: creator gear under 20€ · Community page: Hors-Champ for filmmakers