Thank you all for taking the time to reply!
Viewfinder LCD–trying to make my own.
Fluid head–I did some research and found the Manfrotto 501HDV; will that carry me for a long time or would I end up upgrading?
ND–Thanks for the tip on fader ND; the only challenge will be fitting a lens hood at the same time. I will look into polarizer as ell.
External LCD–To use an external LCD, don’t you pretty much have to have a rail?
Microphone: had forgotten the audio!
Monopod–being a film guy I have one. I wonder whether it makes sense to put the fluid head on top.