Remote Video Production: Tools and tips

Producing high-quality video in remote locations brings unique challenges, from  pre-production through production beyond; in the various stages of post-production. Throughout the process, proper preparation is essential and will help ensure a smooth, efficient, and successful experience. Following are a few essential tips that could prove invaluable.

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Pre-Production Planning: Research, Permissions, and Shot List

Effective pre-production planning is the foundation of any successful remote video production. Begin with thorough research to understand your location and what you want from it, including the environment, potential challenges, and available resources. Make sure to research weather conditions, terrain, and accessibility to anticipate any limitations.

Next, ensure that you secure all necessary permissions well in advance, including local permits for filming, permissions for private property access, and compliance with any environmental or wildlife regulations. Failing to secure these can result in production delays or fines.

Understanding what the necessary and hoped-for shots are is important. Conceptualizing and organizing a shot list that encompasses both  mandatory and desired shots, in advance, will help make sure you secure the important footage and possibly secure additional, desirable shots. Identify the critical shots needed and prioritize them, which will allow you to maximize the value of time on set. In remote production, knowing what needs to be photographed is absolutely essential. Some productions use a detailed storyboard to visualize scenes and help the crew execute each shot efficiently. This pre-production step helps prevent last-minute adjustments, minimizing delays in a remote location where resources are limited. Whether using a storyboard or a shot list, visualizing and outlining the imagery needed is a critical step.

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‍Prepare for Durability, Power, and Storage By Planning For Essential Gear

Bringing the proper gear is crucial when shooting in remote areas, without it, production success could be in peril. In remote locations, resources for repairs or replacements might be unavailable, and production could be at risk. Depending on your locations, must-have items might include:

• Durable Equipment: A good choice could mean rugged, weather-resistant gear that can withstand extreme conditions. Invest in waterproof and dustproof cases to protect cameras, lenses, and other sensitive equipment.
• Portable Power Sources: With limited access to electricity, portable power solutions such as high-capacity power banks, solar chargers, or a small generator may be critical. Test these sources in advance and bring extra batteries for all critical devices.
• Ample Storage Options: It’s important to bring storage devices, like high-capacity SD cards, hard drives, and SSDs, to ensure you have enough space for footage. Using rugged, waterproof storage solutions is also wise to protect against extreme elements.
• Portable Lighting Solutions: Natural lighting can be unpredictable. Pack portable lights and reflectors to ensure consistent lighting quality. LED panels are lightweight and versatile, making them ideal for outdoor shoots

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Staying Connected: Satellite Phones and Offline Resources

Reliable connectivity in remote areas can be challenging and it is advisable to understand what is actually available on location. Setting up production connectivity  -  internet or WiFi - needs to be considered and arranged in advance.  Production phones, and if deemed necessary a satellite phone, or a mobile hotspot with global coverage could  be important to stay in touch with your team and access essential tools. For production teams using remote collaboration tools,connections can provide the necessary link to share files, update schedules, and discuss adjustments in real time. Making sure that there is support for your services is also goal-worthy.

It is advisable to download offline maps and apps that will support work in case of connectivity loss. Navigation apps like Google Maps and specific photography apps with offline modes can help guide crew through unfamiliar terrain and plan shots based on weather conditions and lighting. Bring a hard copy backup of any critical information, such as maps, shot lists, and contact details, to avoid disruptions due to device malfunctions. 

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Setting Up the Shooting Environment: Noise Control, Lighting, and More

Upon arrival at the location, assess and control the shooting environment to achieve the best quality production possible. 

• Control Background Noise: Background noise in remote locations can vary, from strong winds to distant wildlife sounds. Test audio at different times to understand noise patterns and use windshields on microphones to reduce noise. If necessary, schedule shots during quieter periods for clearer sound.
• Optimize Lighting: Evaluate the natural lighting at the location, and take note of changes throughout the day. Use portable lighting, reflectors, and filters to ensure consistent quality. Keep in mind the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) for optimal natural light.

• Leverage the Natural Setting: Simplify the setup by using natural elements for an authentic look and feel. However, consider how each element, from landscape features to props, will impact the visual composition and adjust accordingly.

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Sticking to the Plan: Efficient Shooting on Location

‍In remote video production, efficiency is key, especially when working against limited daylight or unpredictable weather. Stick to the shot list and script to avoid wasting time on unnecessary shots or retakes. Assign specific roles and responsibilities to crew members to keep everyone focused and productive.Rely upon the remote collaboration tools that have been chosen and use them to keep in touch with the team.  Regular communication and easy access will enable swift action if unforeseen changes arise. These tools can help keep everyone on the same page, no matter the challenges presented by the environment.

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‍Preparing for Post-Production: Backup Footage

‍Once production has wrapped, or in some cases during production, take steps to ensure that all footage is secure before leaving the remote location. Back up all footage on multiple devices or drives. In remote settings, consider using portable, high-capacity storage devices that are weather-resistant and shockproof.It’s a good idea to know what you have gotten, and when possible, review footage during production on-site to identify any reshoots that might be needed. Fixing issues on location could save significant time and costs during post-production.

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‍Conclusion: Tips for a Successful Remote Video Production

‍Producing any video project in remote locations requires thorough pre-production planning, efficient use of resources, and close attention to the unique challenges of each environment. By investing time in planning, packing the right gear, establishing reliable connectivity, and ensuring that the production has the tools for post-production, many common pitfalls can be avoided. With these tips in hand, remote video production will be well-equipped for success, and bring high-quality footage to the project, no matter where the location may be.

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Sohonet provides remote productions with a variety of tried and tested services including production phones, WiFi/Lan services, and production internet. Explore our film production services or contact us for more details!