The director's viewing and decision-making area on set containing monitors, recording devices, and communication equipment where the director watches takes in real-time and makes creative decisions about performance and technical execution.
Definition
Video Village is the technical and creative area on set where the director and producers observe the live video feeds from all cameras. Video Village allows for real-time control over performance, lighting, camera movement, and technical quality.
Video Village Components
Monitor Setup
| Monitor Type | Size | Function | Quantity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Director Monitor | 24-28" | High-res for director's observation | 1-2 |
| Focus Monitor | 21-24" | For Focus Puller (1st Assistant Camera) | 1 |
| DP Monitor | 21-24" | For Director of Photography (DP) | 1 |
| Client Monitor | 24-28" | For Producers/Clients | 1-2 |
| Playback Monitor | 21-24" | Take review & playback | 1 |
Video Equipment
| Item | Function | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Video Receiver/Decoder | Receive camera signal | €1000-3000 |
| Video Recorder | Record takes for playback | €2000-5000 |
| Wireless Video TX/RX | Signal from camera to Village | €1500-4000 |
| Video Distribution Amp | Signal to multiple monitors | €500-1500 |
| Cabling/Adapters | HDMI, SDI, Power cables | €300-800 |
| Monitor Stands/Arms | Mount & position monitors | €500-1200 |
Computing & Storage
| System | Purpose | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Video Assist Workstation | Recording, playback, metadata | €2000-5000 |
| SSD Storage | Recording media (SSDs) | €500-2000/Day |
| Backup Storage | Dailies backup | €1000-3000 |
| Network Switch | Video distribution | €500-1500 |
| Power Distribution | UPS, generators | €1000-3000 |
Communication
- Walkie-Talkies: Director, DP, 1st AD, Video Assist all connected
- Video Village Intercom: Director to DP & Focus Puller
- Headsets: Director, DP, Focus Puller
- WiFi/Network: All devices connected
Video Village Physical Setup
Small Production (Single Camera)
DIRECTOR MONITOR (24")
|
VIDEO ASSIST WORKSTATION
(Recording, Playback)
|
WIRELESS VIDEO RX
(Signal from Camera)
|
Director sitting in chair
+ 1st AD with walkie
+ Producer watching (optional)
FOOTPRINT: ~20 m² (small area)Medium Production (2-3 Cameras)
Director Monitor (28")
|
DP Monitor | Focus Monitor
(24") | (24")
|
Video Assist Workstation
(Dual-Screen Recording/Playback)
|
Wireless Video RX/Distribution
|
Monitors for Producer/Clients (optional)
FOOTPRINT: ~40-50 m²
CREW: Video Assist Tech + 1 AssistantLarge Production (4+ Cameras, Steadicam, Drones)
Director's Monitor Wall (3-4 monitors, 28" each)
|
Focus/Technical Monitors
|
Video Assist Suite (Dual-Screen Workstations)
|
Recording/Backup Servers
|
Wireless Video RX (Multi-Channel)
|
Producer/Client Viewing Area
(separate monitors)
|
Metadata/Dailies Workstation
FOOTPRINT: 100+ m²
CREW: Video Assist Supervisor + 2-4 TechniciansVideo Village Costs
Equipment Ownership vs. Rental
Ownership (Studio-Resident Equipment)
Initial Investment (one-time)
Professional Director Monitor (28") €3000
Video Receiver/Recorders €4000
Wireless Video System €3000
Video Assist Workstation €2500
Cabling, Stands, Distribution €2000
TOTAL OWNERSHIP: €14,500
Monthly Maintenance/Upgrade: €500
Lifespan: 5-7 Years
Cost per Year: €2900/Year
Cost per Production (20 days): €160 (if amortized)Rental (Per-Production)
DAILY RENTAL RATES (Berlin)
Director Monitor Package €800/Day
Video Assist System €1200/Day
Wireless Video System €600/Day
Video Recording €400/Day
Monitor Stands/Setup €200/Day
TOTAL: €3200/Day
20-Day Production: €64,000
Plus Video Assist Tech (€400/Day × 20) = €8,000
TOTAL RENTAL: €72,000Typical Budget (Owner-based Studio)
VIDEO VILLAGE FOR 18-DAY FEATURE PRODUCTION
EQUIPMENT (Owner's Existing)
Director Monitor (3 screens) €0 (amortized)
Video Assist Workstation €0 (amortized)
Wireless Video System €0 (amortized)
Recording & Backup €0 (amortized)
Subtotal: €0
LABOR
Video Assist Supervisor (18 days) €400 × 18 = €7,200
Video Assist Tech 2 (part-time) €250 × 10 = €2,500
Subtotal: €9,700
CONSUMABLES
SSD Storage/Drives (recording media) €1000
Power/Cabling (wear & tear) €500
Replacements/Repairs €300
Subtotal: €1,800
EXTERNAL RENTALS (if needed)
Extra Monitor for Clients €300 × 18 = €5,400
Subtotal: €5,400
========================================
TOTAL VIDEO VILLAGE: €16,900
Per Shooting Day: €939
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