STAY AT HOME
WHILE WE WORK FOR YOU
SUPERVISING
A SHOOT REMOTELY
Supervising a shoot without being physically present will be new to most people - but it isn't that complicated.
It principally comes down to two things:
1. The technical setup
2. Communication
The technical setup
There are different ways of going about the technical setup, but the most commonly used is a combination of a real-time monitoring solution called Q-take and a video conferencing platform.
Q-take allows for a continual stream from the camera (or multiple cameras), controlled by the video technician like on a regular shoot. By logging in online it basically allows people around the world to watch what would typically be showing on the client monitor on the shoot - in real-time.
In parallel, a communication line is established on a video conferencing platform - i.e. Zoom or Skype for Business.
If it makes sense for the production in question - monitoring cameras can also be installed on set, so that video village can follow along in a more general sense.
A technical dress rehearsal is always held with all participating parties prior to the shoot to ensure everything works and everyone is familiar with the workflow.
Communication
The second element is communication. This requires formal procedures, discipline, and most importantly a dedicated on-set moderator to ensure that the virtual video village is continually included and gives the required approvals and go-ahead at every stage.
To put these in place it is important to clearly agree on desired check-ins approval requirements beforehand - and that creatives and directors are fully on the same page. More so than on regular shoots - trust is important.
This also goes for pre-production, where virtual solutions will likewise be put in place so that involvement can be upheld to the same degree as if everyone were present at things like fittings and castings physically.