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Tools for Remote Video Production

Sofia Villajos

Feb 15, 2024

5 min read

Remote Video Production: Tools Revolutionising Filmmaking

Even before the pandemic threw a dolly cam into the Media & Entertainment (M&E) industry’s gears, traditional ways of working had begun to shift. Productions were growing larger. Budgets were having to stretch further. And production houses were becoming increasingly global – with more and more creatives and execs based anywhere from LA and London to Wellington and Sydney. The case for digital transformation was evident, and advancements in cloud computing, AI, and other groundbreaking technologies have paved the way for the creation of high-quality, low-latency, and scalable remote production solutions, turning this vision into reality.

Now, remote production emerges as the game-changer, shaking up the age-old filmmaking process, streamlining collaboration across vast distances, embracing cutting-edge video collaboration tools, and slashing costs while also being kinder to the planet.

Technologies supporting remote production

Here we look at the key remote video collaboration tools that filmmakers are using to ensure distributed teams remain aligned and costs are kept to a minimum.

Slack

Effective and seamless communication is paramount for remote teams. Our top recommendation is Slack, a platform renowned for its user-friendly interface, robust security features, and engaging functionalities that not only enhance teamwork but also ensure the confidentiality of sensitive conversations.

Asana

Consolidate tasks across projects with a centralised platform to streamline work and minimise overruns. Asana, a user-friendly platform, facilitates tracking, organising tasks, streamlining workflows, and meeting deadlines effectively, making it an ideal choice for remote production management.

Figma

A great design collaboration platform can transform your team's creativity, streamline issue resolution, and offer project transparency. It also simplifies feedback and approvals. Figma is a real-time design tool that enables global design teams to co-create seamlessly, with instant updates and comments for efficient collaboration.

FileRunner

In remote video production, the efficient sharing of files is vital, especially when dealing with large and sensitive data. To meet this essential need, we strongly recommend focusing on tools that provide both security and user-friendliness, all while seamlessly integrating with your existing security protocols. FileRunner is a lightning-fast, easy to use file transfer software that has been designed specifically for creatives. With no plug-ins, server installs or IT hassle it’s the perfect choice for creatives looking to send large files, quickly and securely through their web browser.

Calendly

Meeting tight deadlines and coordinating a globally dispersed team with demanding schedules can be a formidable task. Fortunately, there are excellent diary scheduling tools available that can seamlessly integrate into your workflow, simplifying your workload. Our preferred choice is Calendly, a widely acclaimed scheduling app. It excels at automating calendar management, making your scheduling process nearly effortless and significantly enhancing your efficiency.

ClearView Flex and ClearView Rush

With remote video collaboration, sometimes it makes most sense for crew and creatives to view shots in their own time, to fit their busy schedules. Other times, there’s no beating the communal experience of watching a live camera feed, or reviewing shots in real-time with all key decision-makers able to share notes collaboratively. You need total flexibility to work with teams and stakeholders around the globe – on your terms. With ClearView, you can have it both ways – and work the way that’s most effective for your production’s needs. Your crew and creatives can review footage, add mark-ups and make key creative decisions as a team, either in real-time or in your own time.

With ClearView Flex off-set creatives can provide instant feedback to those on set and see the changes happen immediately. Live content is easily viewable on any internet-connected device with no extra equipment at the viewer’s end. ClearView Rush (coming soon) streamlines the dailies review process, providing a secure and near-time review tool for essential production assets. Integrated into your studio workflow, easily review, markup and feedback on dailies, in your own time, from any device (including browser, iOS or Apple TV).