6 Crucial Things to Do Before Your First Remote Video Shoot
While both provide you with exceptional video footage, remote video production is very different from traditional video production. By establishing appropriate expectations of what the experience is like for all participants, you can ensure a smoother shoot. Here are a few things to think about before conducting your first remote video shoot.
Preproduction and planning are more important than ever
Because virtual sets are vastly different from in-person sets, planning during the preproduction phase requires even more attention and diligence. Overcommunicate all aspects of the planned shoot with your entire team, Subjects included. For many Subjects, this is their first experience with remote shooting, so you need to talk them through the whole experience before they even connect to the Session. Schedule a formal pre-production meeting to discuss the shoot, experiment in the Subject’s filming space, and get the Subject comfortable on camera
Where your Subject films will influence the audio of the final file
The built-in microphones on newer iPhones and Androids provide strong audio for many video needs, including social media posts, internal communication videos, e-learning courses, and online marketing. There also are many affordable external microphones that can improve the clarity and quality of what you record. But even a high-quality microphone is only as good as the environment in which it is recording audio. In the pre-production meeting, work with your Subject to reduce — or choose a room that lacks — reflective surfaces, like appliances or flat blank walls, and encourage furnishings and decor that will absorb audio. This will reduce reverb and improve your audio quality.
The visuals will also be impacted by the space
The visual side of things is similar. Even with the latest and greatest iOS or Android device, the picture quality is only going to be as good as the room your Subject is filming in. In the pre-production meeting, work with your Subject to establish a set-up that has natural light facing them. You can also secure an inexpensive professional light, like a Ring or panel light to give them additional control of the space.
Camera angles matter
In most cases, the Subject’s camera device should be at eye level. Mobile Subjects should place their device on a tripod. Webcam Subjects can either use an external webcam, attaching it to a computer monitor or setting it on a stack of books to raise the camera up. If they’re using a built-in laptop webcam, have them create a stack of books or board games that will raise the camera lens to eye level. This is another great item to cover in your pre-production call.
Ensure internet speed is 3mb/s or higher
In most cases, the Subject’s camera device should be at eye level. Mobile Subjects should place their device on a tripod. Webcam Subjects can either use an external webcam, attaching it to a computer monitor or setting it on a stack of books to raise the camera up. If they’re using a built-in laptop webcam, have them create a stack of books or board games that will raise the camera lens to eye level. This is another great item to cover in your pre-production call.
Remember: you can’t do more than the camera’s capabilities
Too often we hear questions from our users regarding the audio or video capabilities of our platform. Remember: remote filming platforms are not cameras themselves. A cloud-based platform like OpenReel may allow you to remotely control a camera device from afar but it can not give you more control than what the device allows. For example, while our platform allows you to select between three frame rates on supported iOS or Android devices, we can empower users to select the frame rates at which the device is capable of shooting.
Want more tips for nailing your remote video shoot? Chat or email our experts. They’re happy to help! And you can always schedule time with our video specialists today to discuss your goals.
