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VR Filmmaking

Basics of operating a multi-GoPro 360 rig

David Vincent

Here are the basics of operating a multi-GoPro camera rig for 360 video. We use a hero360 H7, which has 7 GoPros. The process below works with any GoPro Rig, and is meant to simplify the production workflow for you.

CAMERA SETTINGS

Here are the best settings for GoPro capture in 360:

  • do not use SuperView
  • do not use 1080P
  • Choose Wide FOV
  • record at 2.7k or 1440P
  • record in 4:3
  • Avoid ISO 6400
  • Set date and time on camera
  • make sure all cameras have the same settings
  • Auto Low Light OFF
  • Sharpness Medium
  • Color Flat
  • Protune ON

(Double check these settings with your manufacturer, this works for most hero360 and freedom360 rigs we've used)

RECORDING

After shooting a bunch of scenes you start to notice the need for a formal recording process. We came up with this sequence:

  1. Label cameras and SDs for easy organisation
  2. Delete all content form the SDs/Format the SD on the camera
  3. Start cameras as close together as possible, or with remote
    1. Count out loud when pressing to match the number
  4. Record 2 seconds
  5. Create a sync point
    1. One clear, defined sound – a clap, clicker, or slate;
    2. A clear rotating motion in both directions;
  6. Wait 2 seconds
  7. Action
  8. Stop
  9. Transfer files to your computer as often as possible, at least every 3 takes, this makes file management easier, and prevents data loss.

If a shot gets messed up or something is wrong, the shot is Void. Sometimes one camera doesn’t work and the other two are filming. What you end up with is a nightmare of files that dont match. The easiest file management to have is a clean sequence of shots on each SD – take 1 – take 2 – take 3, etc

To Void a shot, place your hands over all cameras (black image) and say “Void”.

FILE MANAGEMENT

Getting your footage off the camera can be time-consuming on set. If you fill up your numerous SD cards, you’ll have to transfer 100s of GBs of data to your computer. Multi-SD USB drives help. When scheduling your shoot, account for data transfer times, or purchase extra sets of SD cards. When transferring, make sure you label each folder with its corresponding camera number. 

Once on your computer, you’ll have a folder for each camera with all takes and shots in it. Go through each folder and label your files in this format: cameraNumber + Shot + Take. Make folders for each shot, and corresponding folders for each take within them. Now move all files into their corresponding folders. You should have a folder for each shot, filled with folders for each take. Each folder should contain the same amount of files as you have cameras in your rig. Each file can be characterised by camera is came from, shot and take number.

We are in a folder called "shot 20", each file is clearly marked cameraNumber + Shot

UPCOMING POSTS

Visual Composition and Staging in 360 degrees

Screenplay Conceptualisation and Writing for Virtual Reality

What is an edit in VR Film?

 

 

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tags VR