This is how we do remote shoots with multiple subjects in different locations
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Our challenge: get an iPhone camera as close as possible to the webcam, for the perfect eyeline. The solution that often works best is very simple, a gaffers tape mount!
Gaff tape is a filmmaker's best friend. It tears like strong paper or cloth.
Try not to let the two sticky sides touch unintentionally or they may be become permanently stuck. (ruler is for reference only)
- Secure tape to the back of the iPhone, wrapped around the bottom edge.
While image quality is important for a professional shoot, people often ignore the need for high quality sound. If the sound is good, nobody really notices, but if it’s awful it stands out and can ruin the footage. We’ve experimented with various techniques on iPhone shoots, including using AirPods and plugging lav mics directly into the phone, but we’ve had the best results from recording sound separately. For this we use the affordable Tascam DR 10L.
We recently received this helpful tip to add powerful control to our remote iPhone workflow, giving the producer remote access to the camera features of the phone, a very desirable feature:
The iPhone 11 is becoming a common tool for remote shoots. The following tools are are helpful for lighting and for getting more interesting shots with the phone.
As the world has shut down due to the pandemic, there’s a greater and greater demand and need for safe ways to do video shoots. We’re compiling the information we’re learning - from colleagues, or from firsthand experience. We’ll continue to update as we learn more, and as things open up and new kinds of production become a reality. If you have thoughts, questions, or any suggestions from your own experience, please get in touch!