Sayso Shooting Guidelines

📌 Estimated Reading Time: ~2 minutes

1. ESSENTIAL GEAR
- Laptop → Required for remote supervision (filming is guided live via Zoom)
- Cameras → Must support laptop connection and record at defined settings
- Stabilization → Tripod (interview), gimbal (B-roll)
- Lighting → Three-point setup (Key Light, Fill Light, Back Light) with diffusers
- Audio → Lavalier mic connected to camera (AI will handle most sound cleanup)
- WhatsApp App → Required for instant communication and setup tour

2. CAMERA & RECORDING SETTINGS
- United States → 30FPS (interviews), 60FPS (B-roll)
- Rest of the world → 25FPS (interviews), 50FPS (B-roll)
- Resolution → 4K / 10-bit 4:2:2
- Preferred Log Profiles → S-Log or C-Log (based on camera)
- Lenses → Full-frame 24mm - 35mm (28mm preferred); Crop sensor users adjust accordingly.

3. INTERVIEW SETUP
- Frame with depth → Choose open, naturally lit spaces (not offices/boardrooms)
- Background → Should represent the company’s identity
- Framing→ Medium shot, subject in left/right third, camera at chin height
- Lighting → Soft and even with natural contrast
- Shine control→ Use soft cloth if needed (ask first)
- Angle & lines → Shoot into the open side of the frame, ideally toward a corner
- Eye contact → Interviewee looks slightly off-camera, toward you
- Audio → Lavalier plugged into camera
- Recording → Preferably stop after each answer. If not, break every 10 min
- Autofocus – Set the autofocus to a slower speed mode and ensure it is locked on the interviewee’s eyes throughout the interview.

📌 Examples: Sayso Portfolio

4. B-ROLL GUIDELINES
- Purpose → Contrast the static interview with movement and emotion
- What to film → Faces, hands, meaningful context, people doing things
- Avoid → Back-facing shots, over-the-shoulder walking shots, generic filler
- Time → You’ll usually have ~1 hour → Get at least 15 usable clips
- Flexibility → Use our brief as inspiration and adapt as needed

5. REMOTE SUPERVISION & ON-SET COLLABORATION
- Before shoot →Setup guidance → Via WhatsApp (location tour and positioning)
- Setup guidance → Via WhatsApp (location tour and positioning)
- Interview direction → Via Zoom (framing, lighting, pacing)
- Client → May join Zoom for feedback
- You → Ask the questions on-site (we guide you)
- Balance → Follow our structure, but adapt details as needed

6. SHOOTING-DAY SCHEDULE (Further details in briefing call)
‍- Confirm preparations → WhatsApp message 1 hour before shoot
- Arrive early → 15 minutes before scheduled time
- Quick location tour → Initial WhatsApp video call with the director
- Confirm shooting spot → Discuss with the director
- Set up camera & connect to Zoom
- Finalize framing → Under the director’s guidance
- Arrange lighting & check audio
- Director-interviewee check-in
- Record interview → 4K, 10-bit, 25fps
- Capture B-roll → 50fps

📌 Full guidance will be provided during the briefing call.