Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1257029
39 THE VIDEO ENGINEER Leading the Industry Back to Work Using Networking by Thomas Vanasse, Local 695 Video Engineer OVERVIEW: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a worldwide disruption and the entertainment industry is no exception. Faced with barriers to work that didn't exist a few months ago, Video Engineers have updated existing workfl ows to help circumvent some of those challenges and solve the problems of how to get back to work. These workfl ows are viable regardless of the length of the disruption and will increase effi ciency afterward. This article will highlight aspects and details of some of those workfl ows and outline a future roadmap. In short: • SAFETY - Distance is key, and networked separation allows necessary crew to maintain proper distance. • SECURITY - Encoding, watermarks, two-factor authentication, account approval, and tested secure networks allow sensitive content to remain in the proper hands. • EFFICIENCY - Networked delivery of live and recorded video, audio and metadata to on, near, and far set. 24/7 access to creative, footage, VFX, and post. Instant collaboration empowers all departments to coordinate better and faster product. • GENERAL WORKFLOW - Illustration of the video engineering networked workfl ow, and simple description of connections and procedures. • ROAD MAP - The future of data-driven production, and how Video Engineers are already at the cutting edge. SAFETY: The primary obstacle productions face is safety. Without that, the rest would be a non-starter. For this situation, the answer is distance. Some of what was once achieved by congregating on set must now be achieved by monitoring. Monitoring at a near distance, whether it be in a separate building or a near set trailer, can be achieved by setting up a local network in wired or wireless confi gurations. Access to the live stream or previously recorded shots is accomplished by either a monitor or an interactive access point such as a phone or touch screen. Support teams can occupy previously sterilized spaces and issue instructions over a chat line, with an audio feed, or physically interact with the set on a limited basis if that is the only option. Far distance monitoring can be achieved by cloud streaming to offi ces and residences. Various available hardware and software solutions may be utilized depending on the needs at distance. The cloud services can include live streams with playback only, or also include remote clip viewing 24/7 on home or mobile devices. This system was used recently on an episodic series, where the actors each had cameras at their homes. The multiple video and audio feeds, along with the metadata, were recorded by the Video Engineer. Live monitoring, playback and assorted cues & overlays were simultaneously fed to the director, DP, 1st and 2nd ADs, script supervisor, and fi ve actors in their respective homes. The footage was relayed to editorial and there was almost no person to person interaction. SECURITY: The secondary barrier is security, as many productions have sensitive content and communications. Local 695 Video Engineers have adapted several different secure encoding and transport protocols to ensure that the streams and fi les are viewed only by approved parties.