Director Prep Checklist: Mobile Recording – OpenReel Help Center

While conducting a video shoot is as simple as following the five basic steps of OpenReel, the platform offers many additional features and advanced functionality that a Director can utilize.

We've included a checklist below detailing when to make use of those features during your Day of Shoot workflow. Feel free to take this checklist and make it your own. Add and omit steps according to your processes, and build your own unique workflow checklist from here!

Prior to Shoot

1. Create a Project.
2. Create a Session for your shoot, inviting Collaborators or Subjects.
3. Optimize your (the Director’s) computer.
4. Send the Subject a prep sheet to optimize their device.

Pro Tip: Prior to your video shoot it may be a GREAT idea to schedule a 10-minute phone call with the person you are filming to go over the things they can do to prepare for the shoot ahead of time. Find a non-echoey location with minimal background noise, and natural and/or adjustable light.

Day of Shoot

1. Enter the Session.
2. Confirm that the Subject is ready to film and has...

Downloaded the OpenReel Capture Ap p
Plugged in any external mics after joining the Session.
Connected their device to WiFi with at least 3 Mb/s upload speed.
Turned on Do Not Disturb
Share Session ID or Subject Access Link with Subject(s)

3. Subject enters the Session. You should now...

Confirm Subject’s Upload speed is >3Mb/s
If the connection is slow, check to ensure they are connected to WiFi
Check the device’s battery level to make sure it can last the entire shoot
- Best practice: Charge the device before the shoot!

4. Frame the Shot by...

Starting with a tripod 3 - 4 feet away from Subject.
Ensuring the camera is at or just about eye level.
Advising the Subject to be at least 3 feet from everything behind them.
Adjusting Camera Settings

5. Test Recording by uploading a 30-second test video to verify that everything looks and sounds as expected.

NOTE: You will only see the streaming quality from the device during recording, so uploading and previewing the test recording ensures that all settings and creative components are set up correctly.

6. Load and prepare Teleprompter as necessary.

7. Record footage

Pro Tip: Optimize 4k recordings and uploads with shorter segments (10-15mins). Stop recording at natural pauses and start a new recording.

8. Upload footage.

9. Download and/or share footage.

10. Close the Session.