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The Film Production Office Survival Guide: The Ultimate Kit
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items When I joined the film industry, my first job was in the Production Office as an Office PA. I’m embarrassed to admit that I never knew such a place existed. If a film production was a ship, the Production Office is what's driving the boat forward, an...
Sections
5
Ergonomic Or Bust!
Keep It Cute!
Keep It Comfy
Workflow Optimization
Technologically Driven
Ergonomic Or Bust!
Don't be like me. Implement all of these things first before you give yourself “mouse shoulder”.
Thorough research when trying to implement more ergonomics into my kit led me to this. More stationary than Magic Mouse. Both are nice to have
Magic Trackpad (USB‑C) - Black Multi-Touch Surface - Apple
An absolute game changer for my comfort and “mouse shoulder”. This is the specific one I got. It's pretty light, all things considered and is easy to lift and put down.
Workstation Sit to Stand Riser
The slim design and the sturdiness of this laptop stand really impressed me.
Foldable Laptop Stand for Desk
My partner built me his version of an “apple box” to hold my monitor at eye level to help with my ergonomic overhaul. An Apple Box is used in the film industry, particularly in the camera dept. for temporarily propping things up like talent, furnitur...<3
DIY Monitor Stand via Apple Box
I LOVE my wobble board! Super great if you're feeling restless, because it helps you focus and move around while still being stationary.
Wobble Board
So many different uses for this!! I got mine to sit up straighter, and to encourage core activation to minimize shoulder and back pain.
Balance Disc
Standing desks are so affordable now, it's kinda crazy! Mainly because they are such a treat, I'd thought people who continue to capitalize on the need for these. I've worked in offices where these already existed, and I felt so lucky!
Standing Desk (Electrical Adjustable)
Keep It Cute!
If you work at the office for 12 hours a day, cute things that increase your dopamine are a must. Showing off your personality is a huge bonus.
This was one of my first desk decor finds and I always get compliments. Definitely makes my space more homey.
Persian Desk Rug
Make your workspace smell delicious (make sure you ask everyone around you if it's ok first!) and show off your personality with special candles from Etsy.
Quirky Candles
Collect all of the stickers you can to decorate the back of your computer monitor or anything else. Such a great conversation starter.
Fun Stickers!
I loved having this in my space. I'd leave the letters out for my coworkers and they'd let their creativity fly!
Letterboard
You'll need a pen a lot, might as well enjoy what you're looking at every time you have to grab one! Dopamine!!!
Decorative Pen Holders
Keep It Comfy
I have ADHD, and the quality of my environment is directly correlated to my happiness.
I really believe in this brand and I really love their product. These help you focus while also being able to hear others in case it's important. One of my favorite purchases of 2024.
Loop Earplugs
More likely than not, the office will turn into an arctic tundra most nights. A heater for your toesies is a must!
Portable Space Heater
My boss tasked me with finding him a really great chair for his standing desk. After much research, I landed on this one and it was such a good choice! A couple of other people decided to buy one too!
A Really Great Chair!
these are so precious! I fidget A LOT and I have a face picking habit which is triggered by social anxiety, boredom, and when I focus. So I like to have fidget toys out on my desk
Fidget Plants
Workflow Optimization
I'd print out a bunch of these and put them on a clipboard. It stayed next to me on my desk, and it was so helpful keeping all of my tasks organized! I'd check out their other free printables! Lots of good stuff.
Free Daily Planner Page Printable (Day Designer)
I haven't worked in a Production Office that doesn't take advantage of this great program to optimize file sharing. Makes it super seamless. Make sure you ask if your production can pay for your monthly membership, or suggest setting up a shared acco...
Dropbox.com
Another great digital collaboration tool that we commonly use.
Google Workspace: Secure Online Productivity & Collaboration Tools
Great for adjusting PDF's on the fly. Which you will absolutely have to do.
Adobe
putting everything in the iCal (which you may or may not share with your supervisor) keeps me so on track!
Calendar - Apple iCloud
Technologically Driven
The first action I took when I decided I wanted to join the film industry was setting a financial goal to invest in a new Macbook Pro (my old one couldn't hold a charge without being plugged in). I can't wait to upgrade to the even newer Mac models. ...
Apple MacBook Pro - Best Buy
I purchased an iPad for reasons not directly related to work, but I did find it useful as a third screen at my desk and the seamless integration allows for portability.
iPad - Apple
On my first gig, I noticed everyone in the Production Office had a monitor next to their laptop, and I couldn't wait until my workload was large enough to justify a monitor! It's so helpful for workflow.
24" Samsung Computer Monitor
One of my most exciting purchases when I landed my first gig. The numerical keypad became essential, and I've seen coworkers replace their keyboards for one with a keypad after asking about mine.
Apple Magic Keyboard (USB–C)
10/10 no complaints, fantastic
Magic Mouse (USB‑C) - Black Multi-Touch Surface - Apple
Any type of AirPods will do. Specifically airpods because of the easy integration with my phone & computer. I tried using other earpods, and found myself struggling with connecting from my phone to computer and back.
Apple AirPods