Streaming Your Shoot? Here Are the Top 10 Things to Consider

The Remote Filming system is a virtual service designed to stream any shoot from anywhere - with both security and clarity. It’s been crafted by filmmakers with a combined 70 years’ experience in the industry and is the go-to solution for producers and filmmakers, by producers and filmmakers. 

Even before Covid put a halt to all shoots in 2020, the founders of Remote Filming had identified a need for a producer-friendly way to cut down on unnecessary traveling to shoots - saving both the environment and budgets. 

Film Producers know better than anyone just how many things must be done to make sure that their shoots are properly prepped so they go smoothly and without hitches. The list is near-endless, and never seems to get any shorter the nearer the shoot gets.

Setting up a shoot so it’s visible to remote viewers is just another consideration to add to that list. It’s no surprise, then, that some of the most common questions asked include:

What’s the easiest and most reliable solution?

• Do I need specialist crew or equipment to set it up and operate it?
• How many viewers can I have on one link?
• How do viewers log in?
• Is the stream secure?

In other words, it’s another long list of things to sort out.

Wouldn’t it be easier if it was, well, easy?

Good news: It is.

Streamed shoots don’t have to be complicated. Remote Filming is the easiest and most reliable way to view your shoot. These are the words of our clients, not our own. Although, as it happens, we do agree!

There are several different remote streaming systems, all with good points, all with bad points. The key to getting the one that’s right for your shoot is to ask the right questions. Many Producers go with the one they know - for better or for worse - but it’s well worth looking to see what else is worth considering. 

So with that in mind, here are ten key considerations when it comes to planning out your next remote shoot:

1. THE VIEWER EXPERIENCE – this should be as easy and streamlined as possible. Many clients & agencies cannot download apps onto their business devices, and many don’t have Macs. Some don’t have access to a good internet connection for viewing.

Make sure the system you are using is easy to view - easily accessible and easy to understand by your viewers wherever they are, whatever device they are using, and whatever language they speak.

If Viewers have to download an app to view the stream, it will get complicated. What you want is for the viewers to be able to click a link to view, as simple as that.

2. SECURITY. Everything is confidential - we are all NDA’d – so ensure your system guarantees full security and encryption. Zoom, YouTube, Vimeo and other public services are NOT secure.

3. INTERNET CONNECTION – Every streaming system needs an internet connection! Make sure you consider this early on. Although Remote Filming only requires 5MBPS upload, take the time to check the internet at your studio or location. As well as the speed, check the stability.

4. COMMUNICATIONS – work out in advance who is viewing, how they are communicating with each other, and how feedback is given to the shoot. Make sure you know who is gathering the feedback and who is the direct communicator to the shoot. Keep it clear and simple.

5. ADVANCE SET UP – if in doubt, have a trial run. There is no cost, and it is easy to set up & test your streaming before the shoot day. When there is so much going on the day before and on the shoot day, this is one thing you can do in advance if you choose to.

6. EASE OF USE – all crew members have a job to do on the day, so who will do the streaming? Having a system that is easy to use, meaning you don’t need a specialist operator or equipment, can be really important - especially if you’re working with a small crew. 

7. EQUIPMENT - Some systems only work with specialist equipment. Do you have playback, for example? Does the streaming option you’re going with work with that playback system? If you are not using playback, be sure the system you have can operate without it. 

8. MULTI-CAMERA – if you have a multi-camera shoot, check if your system can handle it. With a playback system, all cameras going into the playback will be streamed – but what if you have a camera on a separate stage, a different location – even on the other side of the world?   Can you stream from anywhere to anywhere at the same time?

9. DELAY (LATENCY) – it is very important that there is only a short time lag between the shoot and the viewer, especially if your Director is remote. Ask your supplier what the delay is. It should be a lot less than half a second.

10. SUPPORT - Is there someone to help you if you have a problem? Can you pick up the phone and get an instant answer? Can they log into your system immediately and check out the issue? With shoots so time-sensitive, any delay can cost you money. Make sure that you have 24/7 support by phone – and instant remote support.

And there you have it. Of course, there is the final, eleventh top tip - and that’s to get in touch with Remote Filming. 

With seamless, easy to set up remote shoots, nothing could be easier.