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Protector of soles, the importance of THE SHOE cannot be underestimated – as, on set or at an event, it's par for the course to be on one’s feet for what is effectively an eternity. Generally, a false war is too often called between style and comfort – but, if we use the shoe as a barometer, there is hope (often) to find both.
We are an image-obsessed culture, and North Six is in the business of supporting the creation of images. And so, a camera – the lens through which the gaze is framed, captured, and processed – is essential. Much as a valid passport (for which we have written another Tools of the Trade entry), however, a camera is only truly a camera when it is a FUNCTIONING CAMERA (as a passport must be valid).
The form of the camera evolves – film or digital; self-contained or a part of something else (i.e. a phone) – but it must not only be able to see, but also record, the moment. Where we as individuals aim to live in the present, the camera must do the same but transform that present into a Forever – an impressive task.
To photograph or to film is an activity that takes a village, and every villager wants a different cord or lens or battery pack or device. But these many tools require a temporary home during production: the production bag.
A version of the common suitcase more akin to Mary Poppins’ carpet bag, THE PRODUCTION BAG contains multitudes but also must be as easily transported (read: small) as possible. It is the warm hug that carries the many sometimes-delicate puzzle pieces that, put together, enable world-bending creative work.
Few things in life expire with such potential drama as THE PASSPORT. Travel, when necessary, is very necessary. Borders, while they exist, need to be crossed. And, where there are many alternatives to physical mobility (i.e. planes, trains, and automobiles, with an honorable mention to ferries and feet and bicycles), there are no alternatives to the border-crossing-permitting tool of the passport.
Maintaining a valid passport – key word “valid” – is a gift one gives oneself, but also a prerequisite for keeping the engines of North Six running (we operate across offices in six countries, and clients across the globe).
In human history, few objects have been as addictive-useful as the mobile phone. And, in the production and event business, they are particularly overworked: directing the directionless to arrive at unusual locations, coordinating eleventh hour creative changes, et cetera.
And yet, its design has some critical flaws. Most notably: its lack of a perpetual battery. And so, we honor THE PORTABLE PHONE CHARGER, an accessory that liberates us from the wall plug and gives the mobile phone an even greater mobility.
Sustenance is key, and a balanced and healthy diet can give us energy and improve mood. Yet, one place where we do not seek balance is in caffeine intake: coffee of varying quality, and strong black tea are consumed liberally. Preferred options are artisanal and delicious, but honestly anything will do. In a pinch.
And why? Because we’re tired. Passion drives, but it also exhausts – and we seek to max out professional moments with as much energy as possible, even if artificially enhanced through the world’s most popular natural stimulant: CAFFEINE.
A credit card is a very practical thing, i.e., we use credit cards to pay for everything. They don’t need a passport; they are welcome in every corner of the planet. They don’t discriminate, happy to be used for a corner shop snack or a multi-thousand-dollar floral arrangement. They are the insurance for “incidentals”, in cases of an “oops”.
Yet, on top of their usefulness, they are also a beautiful piece of theater. The laying down of a CREDIT CARD at the end of an indulgent, long-lasting, late-into-the-night dinner of now-friends is the bow on a perfectly wrapped gift. And, it can be a great pleasure to tie that decorative knot – and very nice for those who needn’t.
What does it mean to be “awake”? It is a question that has been asked by philosophers and the spiritual for millennia. But, most simply, to be awake is to Not Be Asleep. And this allows you to move your body in the physical realm and take it places – most notably: the office, a shoot, an airport, a train station. This is important for getting things done.
The portal that brings us from sleep to “awake” is the ALARM, for which we are forever grateful. Particularly in times of travel, when body clocks fail us. Yet, the alarm doesn’t stop there. It is a tool for other forms of consciousness, which deserves a mention, for example announcing the time at critical milestones, from call time to show time.
The Great Protector from rain, the humble umbrella was in fact first invented several thousand years ago to provide shade from the sun – and maintains that function today. (And yes, from rain, too.)
The UMBRELLA obscures: it stands between sun and subject, rain and subject, and often paparazzo lens and subject. And what is particularly glamorous, the umbrella needn’t be carried by its beneficiary; it can also be offered as a service by a friend/henchperson. A PA, for example, might spend many hours of their day – arm erect and umbrella in hand – shading a model between shots.
Communication is key, and despite the deep feelings of gratitude we have for the mobile phone, there is another tool of physically separated ‘walking and talking’ that is delightfully analog and requires no “signal”.
Of course, it is the appropriately-named WALKIE TALKIE.These simple devices pair an element of childhood thrill with ultimate power, as they are both quite fun to use and the carriers of many critical messages.
