In Part 4 of Shane Hurlbut ASC’s Best Cinematography Tools, Shane explains his favorite travel tool kit to guarantee he’s ready for anything while in transit.

You’re going to learn:

About what Shane keeps in his travel tool kit to support him both personally and as a cinematographer. Some of his tools may surprise you!

1. 4-IN-1 CHARGING STATION:

While on the road, Shane uses the 4-in-1 magnetic charging station to charge devices like his iPhone, Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Pencil which he uses along with his iPad to draw while on set.

He keeps the charging station by his bedside table alongside his alarm clock. That way, he won’t miss any of his devices in the morning.

2. MULTI PLUG OUTLET EXTENDER:

Since you can never have enough power ports, Shane brings a Multi Plug Outlet Extender. It contains outlets for two Edisons and two USB ports. This allows Shane the ability to charge his additional devices.

3. EYE MASK:

While working nights, the worst thing is when the sun blasts through the morning during the day when you’re trying to sleep. This is why Shane never leaves home without his Eye Mask.

His eye mask is soft, lightweight, and concave. This permits Shane to comfortably open his eyes while still keeping all of the light out.

4. LE THIERS SOMMELIER CORKSCREW:

And, of course, Shane always packs his trusty Le Thiers Sommelier Corkscrew. It’s perfect for opening bottles of beer and wine.

Shane loves wine and food – so it’s important that he curates his kit to reflect his needs. This may differ from your needs, but you should consider your travel kit in the same way. What are the absolute essentials for your journey?

What’s unique about the Le Thiers Sommelier Corkscrew is its cantilever system, which is spring-loaded and adjusts to any bottle and lip.

5. QUIET CONTOUR EARPLUGS:

Next is the Quiet Contour Earplugs. Just like with the eye mask, it’s a tool that ensures you get the crucial sleep you need to perform to the best of your abilities. The last thing you want is construction around your hotel waking you up. Especially if you just worked all night.

The Quiet Contour Earplugs are perfectly designed. They go into the ear and then expand fitting beautifully. Whether it’s construction or a loud neighbor, these earplugs will keep the noise out.

6. 5LB DUMBBELL SET:

Shane always tries to keep fit on location. Sometimes the gym is closed or there isn’t access to a fitness center, so Shane packs a 5LB Dumbbell Set. Wherever he travels, Shane likes to walk the city with his dumbbell weights.

Exercise is very important for your health and longevity. Even the demanding lifestyle of a cinematographer shouldn’t stop you from pursuing workouts. Whether he exercises before or after work, Shane makes sure that he sets aside the time to do so.

7. ANKLE WEIGHTS:

Why are ankle weights in Shane’s travel tool kit? Well, we promise you it’s related to his work as a cinematographer. Shane oftentimes squats with the camera and needs to ensure that his legs are strong enough to hold a position. So, walking for 30 minutes a day with his ankle weights is an incredible workout.

Both ankle weights are five pounds and are great for endurance. There are even times when Shane doesn’t have time to work out so he wears his ankle weights on set. That in itself is a great workout and ideal for the physical demands of a director of photography.

As we have covered, health is a central part of maintaining a long career as a filmmaker. It’s not easy to maintain the energy one needs to operate at a high level. So, for more ways to stay healthy, we recommend Lydia Hurlbut’s Energy Management Is Your Key To Success.

8. O’KEEFE’S HEALTHY FEET & WORKING HANDS:

When you’re in a particularly dry location, such as Anywhere, New Mexico (where Shane shot two movies back to back), your hands are bound to crack. That’s not so good for a cinematographer or camera operator. Especially, when it comes to the pandemic when we’re washing hands more than ever.

O’Keefe’s Working Hands are ideal for filmmakers because it’s not oily like other lotions. You can grip the camera immediately after application without leaving grease on the equipment.

In regard to O’Keefe’s Healthy Feet, it’s amazing because not only does it heal cracks on your feet but also breaks down the calluses, making them nice and smooth. And for a profession where you’re on your feet for most of the day, this is ideal for your travel tool kit.

9. BRITA WATER FILTER PITCHER:

Water is undoubtedly vital when traveling – and you won’t always have access. Just like with the CambelBak Backpack that Shane referenced in his On Set Tools, you want to make sure you have access even during the traveling phase.

Shane will drink around two or three pitchers of water from his Brita each day. He brings it with him to his hotel, apartment, or temporary house that he rents, so he always has pure water available. It comes with two filters and double the purity!

10. SUNGLASSES:

As a cinematographer, your eyes are your best tool. This is why you always need to have sunglasses on you – as well as a backup pair. When traveling, there have been lots of times when Shane’s sunglasses fly off his head and break, or he loses them altogether. Your future self will thank you for storing a backup pair.