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Remote Video Production

Prior to March 2020, almost all of the work that we did, our work environments, and the basis for our professional being were anchored to in-person activity. We pivoted swiftly in the year and have become quick experts in Remote Video Production. Most recently, we shot with over 70 different on-camera subjects, across 12 different countries, with 5 different agencies.

Choosing The Right Remote Video Production Method

Each method is nuanced but is also built out to be a hybrid with the other two categories. And each new remote project we take on requires a full review of which method best suits the audience, outlet, and outcome for each video. Through lengthy research and awesome client collaboration, we have developed best practices and full production strategies for each method and all potential cross-over strategies.

Remote Video Production Methods: Definitions & Examples

User-Generated Content (UGC)

  • We employ a few different remote video capture apps and the participant’s mobile devices to direct the user as they capture footage and upload it to the cloud. This is a great method for very personal, intimate, and authentic storytelling without any in-person interaction.
  • This is the most effective and efficient way to get a broad spectrum of people to contribute to engaging, easily digestible content without big budgetary or technological barriers to entry.

Remote Assisted Production (RAP)

  • Postmodern has built out the remote video and audio capture kits (cameras, lights, microphones, recorders, laptops) that we can send out to participants all over the world to set up (under our direction and instruction) in order to capture well lit, well-composed, and clear video and audio.
  • We use a software application called OpenReel that allows us to record HD video, in real-time while having full interaction with the subject(s) of the video shoot so that we, with our clients, can direct and manage the shoot without leaving our home offices.
  • All footage is uploaded to the cloud in near real-time and we’re editing shortly after we wrap production.

(Safe) On-site Remote Production (SORP)

  • To avoid the inherent risks of traveling in the age of pandemic, we have sourced local production crews all over the country in order to shoot in remote locations without leaving our studios in Denver. Since the beginning of the year, we have shot in New Hampshire, Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Arizona, Montana, California, and Colorado using local crews and production support and producing and directing remotely. This has cut out the risk for any travel-related risks entirely and the end results have been awesome.
  • When we can shoot locally in Colorado, we are not only adhering to strict safe production protocols, but we’re also employing a production strategy for interview shoots called the Intertron system. It is very interesting aesthetically and is a great way to shoot in-person without increasing the risks or vulnerabilities that come with in-person production.

Breakdown of the Remote Video Production Process

  1. Review of the intended audience, production value, and overall creative approach
  2. Scope out the best production strategy to hit the desired creative approach
  3. Prepare all parties for the logistics of the Remote Video Method(s) that are best suited for the production strategy
  4. Dedicate time to review the best practices, map out locations and internet access for all parties involved in the shoot
  5. Send out any necessary equipment to participants and dedicate time to walking through how to set-up and use the equipment (including personal mobile devices)
  6. Shoot!
  7. Gather all footage and audio recordings from the cloud to start the editing process

Post-Production for Remote Video Production

Through the power of the internet, there isn’t anything we can’t edit, mix or color remotely. The process is the same as it was pre-pandemic. Because we love our studio spaces we are selecting some work to be produced in the studio and some work to be done from home. The flight of our work through the edit, VO record, mix, color correction, and mastering is just as fluid as ever, despite some of it being done at home.

Equipment Used for Remote Video Production

We can record remotely from our offices using 4K and HD cameras, full professional audio packages, teleprompters, and professional lighting – all without any in-person contact with the crew and on-camera talent. We have scalable production platforms that integrate remote production capture tools like Cinebody, OpenReel, and even Zoom.

Conversely, we’ve also developed protocols and production strategies to shoot remotely with limited, in-person crews all across the country. And we’ve built full-blown remote video and audio recording kits that we can ship anywhere in the world to be set up and used by even the most technologically challenged participants.

We’ve jumped in and ahead to map out how we can consider every video production proactively, rather than reactively. Remote Video Production strategy becomes intertwined with the full communication strategy without cutting corners and watering down the value of the video’s performance. The production value for Remote Video Production can still be high-quality and be fully in line with brand continuity, even as we work remotely. We’re here to help.

Wanna know more about how we do it all without you having to leave your seat – send us an email or give us a call.

 

Let’s wow them.