{"id":148520,"date":"2021-01-29T14:10:00","date_gmt":"2021-01-29T20:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=148520"},"modified":"2021-01-29T14:21:08","modified_gmt":"2021-01-29T20:21:08","slug":"dos-and-dont-of-directing-remotely","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/dos-and-dont-of-directing-remotely\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dos and Don’t of Directing Your Next Project Remotely"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From testing your Wi-Fi to prepping your crew, here are a few things to consider on your next\u2014or first-ever\u2014remote shoot.<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019re at home finishing up the last bit of that perfectly toasted everything bagel. Your call time is at 9am, and in a matter of minutes you\u2019ll have to mute the open to Live with Kelly and Ryan<\/a><\/em> and set up. A text comes through alerting you the crew is five minutes away from having the picture up. You log on to direct a two minute package from your laptop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you told me a year ago this is how we’d be directing, not only would I have not believed you, I’d have walked away side-eyeing you while texting my bestie that you just lost your whole mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remote directing doesn\u2019t feel as rewarding at first. I directed standups and pretty intimate interviews from my dining room table for four months straight. The good news is you can still achieve fantastic storytelling and great footage this way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

DO Direct Remotely<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Direct<\/a>
Directing remotely has become the new norm. Image via doomu<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Offer this up as an option so you can keep working. It\u2019s challenging, but easier than you may think. Many of us are first-timers with no live TV experience. Research the how<\/em>. You can test it out with a colleague or friend in production on your own time. We won\u2019t abandon this once we\u2019re out of this pandemic. Learn now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

DO Prep Your Crew<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Prep<\/a>
Having a well-informed crew is essential to directing remotely. Image via AS photostudio<\/a>.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

 If you’re working on a project with a decent budget to hire a crew, make sure the crew is overly informed. Aside from adding the client\u2019s logo on a call sheet, educate the crew about the story and messaging. They are representing you and the company you’re working for. You won\u2019t be there to monitor B-roll or the chit-chat in-between takes. Don\u2019t lose sight of professionalism just because it\u2019s a low-key shoot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you’re shooting with a Coca-Cola corporate rep and your DP, camera assistant, and talent are the only ones on set, you want to make sure Pepsi products don\u2019t end up on set. You may think this is common sense, but believe me, your crew isn\u2019t thinking of it. And, why should they be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, no<\/em>, no<\/em>, and hell no<\/em> chit-chats about politics. Abort abort! And, if the talent or client starts up, keep it neutral!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

DO Prep Your Talent and Client<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Explain what should go well and what could possibly be a challenge ahead of shooting. Help build their confidence by letting them know you have backup plans and that you’re testing. Some clients want to be on the feed while you direct. If you have scripts being written by a client, make sure you\u2019ve read through the script and have given feedback to the client a few days ahead of shoot day. Give the client a drop-dead date that gives you enough time to send it to your teleprompter operator ahead of shoot. Lastly, make sure the talent gets a copy ahead of time, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n