The Duct Tape of Film: Gaff Tape and All of Its Wonderful Uses

If it can't be fixed with gaff tape, you're not using enough gaff tape.

Though it hasn't yet been used to make a prom dress (though, if filmmakers had a prom just for them, I'm sure it would be), gaff tape is one of the most useful items you can have on set. It's used to secure wires to the floor, create marks for actors, and about a million other things that you might've never thought of. In this video, filmmaker Robbie Janney of Shutterstock gives you a quick rundown of how you can put gaff tape to good use on your project. Check it out below:

In all honesty, it'd probably be faster to tell you all the things that can't be done or fixed using gaff tape. Traditionally, gaff tape is used to secure cables, whether that means taping them down to the floor or against a stand, to create markers, or attach stuff to stuff, but it's such a multifaceted tool that it's used constantly to do pretty much everything, from spiking tripods to making a DIY follow focus.

It also makes a great label maker for labeling cases, bags, cables, and other gear. Furthermore, it's strong enough to rig almost anything. You can use it to mount a lightweight LED light, mic, or even an action cam to a surface that would otherwise be really tricky and laborious to do with a C-stand.

All experienced filmmaker, DP, or gaffer can regale you with stories of their weirdest gaff tape repair job or DIY gaff tape gear. What are yours? Let us know down in the comments.