Every successful shoot comes down to five basic steps. Of course, there are advanced features and additional functionality you, as the Director, may need to enable to prepare for your shoot, but we can think of those as sub-steps. 

You will follow the five basic steps regardless of your shoot setup or workflow. See below for additional information on each step and click the links to visit the specific support articles with screenshots and details.

5 Basic Steps Detailed Reference

Step One: Get Organized

First, optimize your computer and browser for a smooth operating experience, and instruct your Subjects to prepare their computers or Mobile devices as well.

Then create a new Project. This is where you set up and organize all of your recording Sessions for this particular Project. 

Once you create your Project, it is time to create a new Session. Think of every Session as the virtual set for each shoot. 

FIf you have video shoots planned and scheduled, you can create multiple Sessions in advance! Part of creating these Sessions will be inviting Collaborators and Subjects. 

If you’re using the Teleprompter, you can save any scripts needed within the Project prior to starting your Sessions. 

Step Two: Begin Session

If you did not invite them when you created the Session, you can invite Collaborators and Subjects from within a Session.

When it is time to begin your shoot, click Enter Session.

Once your Subject(s) pair(s) into the room, you’ll want to check a few things before filming.

Step Three: Prepare to Record

Adjust your camera settings, and frame your shot.

There is no need to adjust any audio settings as OpenReel detects any mics automatically, but if you are shooting with external mics, you may need to utilize our handy Hold to Speak or Professional Audio feature. 

When using the Teleprompter, select any of the published scripts within this Project.

Step Four: Record

Do a short test record to verify that everything is set up to your liking. Upload the footage and click Play to preview it.

After you have previewed your test shot and make any final adjustments, you’re ready to begin shooting! Hit that big red record button…. 3… 2… 1… Record! 

Step Five: Get Your Videos

Because OpenReel is not capturing streaming footage, you will need to upload the footage from the device to your OpenReel account.

When you click Upload, the footage will begin transferring and the file status will change, alerting you when it’s complete. As soon as it’s finished uploading, it will delete itself from the recording device.

Note: Uploading from a computer for a Webcam Subject will auto-initiate. 

You can download (or share) the full resolution, uncompressed .MOV or .webm file from within the Session or from within the Project. 

By clicking on the Request .MP4 button, the transcoding process will begin and you’ll be alerted when it’s complete so you can download the .MP4 file.