BRINGING THE SET TO YOU: THE REMOTE CLIENT WORKFLOW

Teleworking has become the new normal for many industries, and video production is no different. At Aurora Films, our working solution is a combination of video conference calling and a livestream that allows clients to review what’s being captured on-set, putting them in the director’s chair anywhere in the world.

“Typically, clients oversee the video production in-person on a set monitor, allowing them to watch each camera feed while collaborating on creative decisions,” Dan Giangiulio, Director of Photography at Aurora Films, said. “But in this new normal, we wanted to give our clients the ability to produce remotely while maintaining that instant communication with the crew.”

Giangiulio and Post Production Supervisor Darren Iovino constructed the remote system with the ATEM Mini by Blackmagic Design, a low-profile live camera switcher. The ATEM Mini can connect up to four camera sources and two microphones for communicating with the client.

The ATEM Mini is connected to a laptop running OBS Studio, an open-source live stream software. The program combines the camera feeds, audio, and the laptop’s built-in webcam, giving the client a face-to-face interaction with the DP and crew.

OBS outputs the stream to a video conference meeting for the client to watch. In a recent production, there were two cameras, the DP’s webcam, and an audio mix all on one screen in Zoom, giving the client everything they needed to review and participate in the shoot remotely.

For a cherry on top, not only could the client see the live footage, they could edit it too!

Each ATEM Mini is outfitted with a Teradek Cube, which wirelessly uploads proxy files every time the DP cuts the camera. The Teredek’s Camera to Cloud feature uploads the footage to Frame.IO, a video review platform, from which our editors can download the footage and immediately begin working on the project.

This entire solution is made possible by the new Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) station at Aurora Films. The station is a mobile unit capable of small livestream productions, on-location editing, and serves as an overall bridge between production and post production.

“We knew how to run OBS Studio with the ATEM Mini, we knew how to use Camera to Cloud, we just needed to put it all together in this big puzzle,” Giangiulio said. “The workflow we came up with fit the client’s needs and is valuable for us going forward.”

GOING FORWARD

Creative solutions allow Aurora Films to remove obstacles and dramatically accelerate the handoff from production to post production.

“Without a doubt, this system has led to increased opportunities to help us convert estimates into closed business, Doug Krane, Director of Business Development at Aurora Films, said. “The inherent efficiencies provided by remote direction have allowed us to confidently broaden our reach into new industries and make location work a more affordable option for our clients while ensuring they can remain integral to the production process. Thoughtful solutions like this are what sets us apart and keeps our clients coming back!”