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.
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.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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) 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 AssistantDirector'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 TechniciansInitial 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)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: €72,000VIDEO 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
========================================Video Village ist mein Zufluchtsort auf Set. Ich sehe jeden Take live auf großen Monitoren, überprüfe die Performance der Schauspieler, die Kamera-Bewegungen, die Lichter. Ich kann sofort der Crew Feedback geben – "nächster Take, mehr Energie" oder "Kamera war perfekt, machen wir noch eine". Ohne Video Village bin ich blind auf Set.
Video Village ist teuer aber notwendig. Ein Complete Video Village Setup mit Monitoren, Videoracks, WiFi kostet €2-5K zu kaufen/mieten. Server & Storage für dailies braucht €500-2K. Im Production braucht ein Technician (Video Assist) €300-500/Day. Das alles ergibt €20-30K für eine 20-Tage Production. Aber ohne Video Village, Director kann nicht die Takes kontrollieren – das ist unmöglich heutzutage.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Video Village"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
The Lexikon is part of the Filmfarm ecosystem — alongside budgeting (FilmBalance), an industry magazine (FilmCircus) and crew networking (FilmCall, CrewMesh). One shared vocabulary for the whole production.