Streaming On Set
The film world is a constantly changing environment. The spaces of a production can change within a few hours, both for the need of the set position and for scene changes. In this article, we will explain how the On Set Streaming Service can improve the logistics of the film set with the ultimate aim of efficient communication between the various members of a film project.
1. What is On Set Streaming
Live streaming of the footage, also known as "video assist", is a technology that allows real-time transmission of a film's shooting to a production team. This can include the director, the director of photography, the screenwriters, the producers, and other members of the production team who may not be physically present on the set. Having a constant connection and, therefore, allowing continuous viewing of the footage to every on/off set member, are real challenges.
2. Post-pandemic Evolution
On Set Streaming has always been used as a minority service compared to others. During the pandemic, however, it saw considerable diffusion. In fact, the possibility that key figures such as directors and DOPs could not be present on the set, given the limitations, made it necessary to find a solution for the live viewing of what was being produced on the set. Therefore, more and more, production houses have started to request a streaming service to allow on-set work to continue without hitches. We can say that from that moment on, the way of working in film productions has really changed, with producers noticing significant improvements in logistics during shooting.
2.1 Streaming for U-crane
This service has also been requested for all those situations where having a continuous signal allows to simplify and speed up shooting. A key example is the shooting of moving cars. The norm was that a U-crane (Russian Arm), followed the moving car and in the tail, always maintaining a right distance, the production base camp followed the shooting from inside a vehicle provided with various technical materials. This was not only a dangerous and not exactly practical situation, but there was also the risk of losing the signal and not being able to see in real time what was happening inside the camera. The introduction of streaming for this type of shooting has marked a turning point for the work of the technicians on set, no longer forced to "chase" the shooting.
3. Video Assist
The video assist is equipment installed on the video camera and connected to a monitor that allows the director to observe precisely what the operator is framing. This ensures that the shots are made in accordance with the previously decided instructions. Some directors choose to rely on the operator, allowing him to film freely, while others want to verify that each scene is recorded exactly as planned.
3.1 Live Streaming for Set Movements
It often happens on the Set that the director has to move inside the Set and that, therefore, he needs to see the live footage, always, at all times. For this reason, Colorshape provides I-pads, equipped with a support for manual transport, which show the live signal. Read our I-pad article and discover Ipad 5th Generation 12.9".
3.2 Streaming Service for VTR
In situations where the production base camp is located away from the shooting location - see the case of shooting in large spaces or in different locations - the Video Assist figure is bound to the bnc ruzzola to be able to maintain a signal over long distances. In some cases, the video village is so far away that the shots are made and only later shown as playback at the videovillage. Colorshape is designing a streaming service that helps to simplify the work of the Video Assist and consequently to speed up shooting by reducing the possibility of having to shoot entire scenes. Thanks to a Teradek Serv Pro connected with a 5g Router, the signal will no longer be a problem but, on the contrary, an advantage. In fact, the signal will not only be at the local level, allowing to simplify the logistics on the set, but will also be in streaming, allowing agency figures or the client to monitor the shooting remotely (anywhere in the world), thus also reducing production costs. This new service allows to connect in streaming:
- all the devices present on the set (both at the local level and not)
- devices anywhere in the world (directors or DOPs not on the set)
- Ipad for set movements for both director and DOP
Write to us at info@colorshape.it for a personalized consultation and be one of the first to launch into the future with our Streaming Service!
STREAMING ON SET