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Optimizing Computers Before a Shoot

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Why Optimization Is So Important

The pre-production steps you take prior to a remote video shoot are critical to the success of a remote video production; how well you prepare your participants and optimize your devices ahead of time will directly impact the flow of the entire shoot.

Computers and mobile devices have a finite amount of processing resources and power that are used to run all of the applications and background processes. You want to make as many of those limited resources available during a Session so that your machine runs efficiently and effectively.

Underpowered computers or computers that have not been properly optimized will struggle to keep up with the necessary processing required to conduct a shoot. Directors, Collaborators, and Subjects who do not optimize their computers can have a degraded experience during a Session (See details below). 

Reduced processing power on the device (due to too many open apps, browser tabs, background processes, etc.) can overtax the device’s resources resulting in: 

    • choppy or reduced frame rates in the final video; 
    • choppy or distorted audio in the final video; 
    • Delayed sending and receiving of commands to and from the platform;
    • Overheating the device;
    • Browser(s) crashing;
    • Slow functionality within the platform for all participants;

To conduct a Session on schedule and with as few technical problems as possible, you will want to dedicate as much time to the pre-production process as possible. Pay significant attention to the following optimization steps in order to allow your computer to allocate its resources in the most efficient way possible. 

Pro tip: Build in plenty of buffer time to prepare your Subjects in terms of how & where you’ll be filming them, and their role as a remote Subject. At a minimum, you should always build in a 15-30 minute window at the beginning of a Session to get everything set up on the Subject and Director side, and to conduct a test recording. Whenever possible, schedule a tech check before the shoot to familiarize the Subject with the setup, set expectations for during the Shoot, and record and upload a few test clips.

How to Optimize a Computer Prior to a Shoot (All participants)

Before logging into OpenReel as a Director, Collaborator, or Subject, ensure that your computer meets our recommended specs and is set up according to the following steps. 

  • Confirm that your computer's operating system (OS) is up-to-date. You want to work with the most current version of your device’s software.
  • All participants logging into OpenReel via a computer browser must use either Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Mozilla Firefox. Make sure it’s up to date! Whenever possible, clear your cache prior to a shoot. (Learn more about browser optimization here!)
  • Force quit any video conferencing applications on any computer before joining an OpenReel session. Video conferencing apps compete with OpenReel for computer resources. Having video conferencing applications open while in an OpenReel session can lead to issues communicating during the video shoot, loss of connection to OpenReel, and audio and/or visual issues on recorded footage.
  • Force quit other browser tabs, software, or applications that are not needed before joining the OpenReel Session. This includes any VPNs or personal firewalls which interfere with the connection between your device and the OpenReel servers.
  • After joining a Session, Directors, Collaborators, and Subjects need upload and download speeds of at least 3 Mb/s. A poor, fluctuating, or spotty internet connection can result in a user being disconnected from the Session unexpectedly, thus interrupting your take.
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If you experience issues during a video shoot please reach out to support@openreel.com or chat with us by clicking on the Live Chat in the lower right-hand corner of this support page.

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