Ultimate 360 Video Production Guide: Complete Shooting, Editing & Publishing Cheatsheet

Introduction to 360 Video

360-degree video (also called omnidirectional or spherical video) is an immersive format that captures footage in every direction simultaneously. Unlike traditional video that frames a specific field of view, 360 video records the entire surrounding environment, allowing viewers to control their perspective by rotating the view in any direction during playback. This interactive experience creates a sense of presence and spatial awareness that traditional video cannot achieve, making it powerful for virtual tours, immersive storytelling, training simulations, and documentation.

Core Concepts & Terminology

Key Terms

360 Video vs. VR

• 360 Video: Pre-recorded footage where viewers can look around but not move within the space
• Virtual Reality (VR): Interactive computer-generated environment where users can move and interact
• Mixed Reality: Combines elements of both 360 video and VR with varying levels of interactivity

Equipment Guide

360 Cameras

Consumer Level ($200-500)

• Insta360 One X2/One RS
• GoPro MAX
• Ricoh Theta X
• Kandao QooCam 8K

Prosumer Level ($500-2,000)

• Insta360 Pro 2
• Kandao Obsidian GO
• Vuze XR
• QooCam 8K Enterprise

Professional Level ($2,000-30,000+)

• Insta360 Titan
• Kandao Obsidian Pro
• Z CAM V1 Pro
• Professional multi-camera rigs (RED, ARRI, etc.)

Essential Accessories

Camera Mounting Options

• Invisible Selfie Stick: Positioned in camera blind spot
• Low-Profile Tripod: Minimizes visible equipment
• Helmet/Head Mount: POV shooting
• Vehicle Mount: Car, bike, drone attachments
• Specialized Mounts: Bullet-time arrays, underwater housings

Pre-Production Planning

Storyboarding for 360

• Spherical Storyboard Templates: Use specialized templates showing equirectangular grid
• Overhead Diagrams: Plan camera and subject positioning
• Shot List: Note camera height, movement, and action direction
• “Hero” Direction: Identify primary viewing direction for key moments
• Viewer Attention Guides: Plan visual or audio cues to direct attention

Location Scouting Considerations

1. Space Assessment: Evaluate distance needed between camera and subjects
2. Lighting Challenges: Check for extreme contrast and light sources
3. Sound Environment: Test for echoes, ambient noise, and acoustic properties
4. Camera Placement Options: Identify mounting points and tripod locations
5. Power Access: Note available power sources for longer shoots
6. Weather Concerns: Plan for wind, precipitation, and temperature effects on equipment
7. Privacy/Permission: Secure location permissions (everything will be visible)

360 Specific Script Elements

• Spatial Directions: Include notes on where action occurs around the sphere
• Viewer Orientation Cues: Plan visual/audio elements to guide attention
• Pacing Adjustments: Allow time for viewers to explore the environment
• Blocking Notes: Detail where all crew, equipment, and subjects should position
• Transition Planning: Design how to move between scenes effectively

Production Techniques

Camera Setup Best Practices

• Height Placement: Position at average eye level (about 5’7″) unless stylistic choice dictates otherwise
• Level Horizon: Use built-in or external levels to ensure straight horizon
• Stabilization: Use gyro stabilization features when available
• Distance from Subjects: Maintain 3-6 feet minimum from primary subjects
• Memory Card Speed: Use V30 or faster cards to prevent dropped frames
• Resolution Settings: Shoot in highest available resolution (typically 5.7K-8K)
• Frame Rate Choice: 30fps standard, 60fps for action, 24fps for cinematic look
• Stitching Preview: Use real-time stitching preview when available

Lighting for 360

Audio Recording

• Spatial Audio Formats: ambisonics (1st order, 2nd order), binaural, object-based
• Microphone Placement: Positioned with camera at ear height
• Audio Sync Methods: Slate clap, timecode, camera audio scratch track
• Ambience Capture: Record 1-2 minutes of room tone for each location
• Monitoring: Use headphones to check for unwanted noise
• Spatial Post-Production: Plan for audio that follows viewing direction
• Voice Recording: Consider ADR for cleaner dialogue in post

Directing & Blocking

• Actor Spacing: Position subjects in “power positions” (30°, 90°, 150°, etc. from main view)
• Eye Contact Rules: Direct eye contact = talking to viewer
• Movement Patterns: Use curved paths rather than straight lines towards camera
• Camera Awareness: All actors must understand camera coverage is everywhere
• Rehearsal Viewing: Use VR headset to check blocking during rehearsals
• Action Staging: Avoid placing key action directly behind primary focus
• Direction Giving: Director must be hidden or incorporated into scene

Common Shooting Mistakes to Avoid

1. Camera Shadow: Visible shadow of camera/tripod
2. Crew Visibility: Production team visible in shot
3. Nadir Hole: Unpatched tripod mount area
4. Stitch Lines: Visible seams between camera lenses
5. Parallax Issues: Objects too close to camera causing stitching errors
6. Inconsistent Exposure: Different brightness between lenses
7. Shaky Movement: Too much camera motion causing viewer discomfort
8. Hidden Action: Key events happening outside viewer’s current view

Post-Production Workflow

Stitching Process

1. Import Footage: Load raw files from all camera lenses/cameras
2. Calibration: Apply lens profiles and geometric corrections
3. Alignment: Manually or automatically align overlapping areas
4. Color Matching: Equalize color and exposure between lenses
5. Seam Optimization: Fine-tune stitch lines for minimum visibility
6. Stabilization: Apply horizon leveling and motion stabilization
7. Nadir Patching: Remove or replace tripod/mount from bottom view
8. Export Stitched Footage: Create equirectangular video files

Editing Considerations

• Timeline Organization: Group sequences by location/scene
• Pacing Adjustments: Allow 10-15 seconds minimum for key scenes
• Transition Types: Cuts, fades, or specialized 360 transitions
• Initial View Setting: Set starting orientation for each clip
• Viewer Guidance: Add visual or audio cues to direct attention
• Text Placement: Position titles in comfortable viewing zone
• Continuity Checking: Review in VR headset to check flow

Visual Effects & Graphics

• Placement Considerations: Position titles/graphics at comfortable viewing angle (20° above/below eye level)
• 3D Space Integration: Use 3D positioning rather than flat overlays
• Equirectangular Distortion: Account for warping in design
• Motion Graphics: Animate elements to guide viewer attention
• Nadir Logo Placement: Common location for branding
• Hotspot Creation: Add interactive elements if platform supports
• Stereo Alignment: Ensure graphics work in both left/right eyes for stereoscopic content

Color Grading

• Uniform Adjustments: Apply changes across entire 360 sphere
• Selective Corrections: Address specific areas with tracked power windows
• Matching Between Cameras: Ensure consistent look across all lenses
• HDR Considerations: Maintain realistic dynamic range
• VR Headset Monitoring: Check colors in actual viewing environment
• Saturation Control: Avoid over-saturation which can cause discomfort
• Gradient Balancing: Fix any visible seams in sky/uniform areas

Recommended Software

Compression & Export

Resolution Standards

Optimal Export Settings

• Codec: H.264 for compatibility, H.265/HEVC for higher quality
• Bitrate: 30-60 Mbps for 4K, 60-100 Mbps for 5.7K, 100-150 Mbps for 8K
• Frame Rate: Match source (typically 30fps, 60fps for action)
• Format: MP4 container for broadest compatibility
• Metadata Injection: Add spatial metadata for proper playback
• Audio Format: AAC for stereo, Ambisonics for spatial audio
• Keyframe Interval: Every 1-2 seconds (30-60 frames)

Metadata Requirements

• 360 Video Flag: Spherical video designation
• Projection Type: Equirectangular (most common)
• Stereo Mode: None (monoscopic) or Top-Bottom/Left-Right (stereoscopic)
• Initial Viewport: Starting orientation (heading, pitch, roll)
• Spatial Audio Flag: Identifies audio format (ambisonics, etc.)
• Stitching Software Info: Details on how video was processed

Distribution & Publishing

Platform Optimization

Embedding Options

• iFrames: YouTube/Vimeo embed codes with 360 parameters
• Custom Players: JauntVR, Roundme, ThingLink, or Kuula
• WebVR Frameworks: A-Frame, React 360, or Three.js
• Native Applications: Unity or Unreal Engine for advanced experiences
• VR Headset Platforms: Oculus TV, SteamVR, Viveport, PlayStation VR

Analytics & Viewer Data

• Heatmaps: Visual representation of where viewers are looking
• Viewport Tracking: Analyzing viewing patterns and engagement
• Retention Metrics: How long viewers stay engaged with content
• Device Statistics: What platforms are most commonly used
• Interaction Data: How viewers engage with hotspots or interactive elements

360 Video Applications

Industry Applications

Storytelling Approaches

• Observer Experience: Viewer as invisible witness to events
• Participant Role: Addressing viewer directly as character
• Guided Tours: Narrator leading viewer through environment
• Multi-perspective Narratives: Different viewpoints of same event
• Branching Narratives: Interactive storytelling with choices
• Documentary Immersion: Real-world environments and events
• Abstract Experiences: Artistic and experimental approaches

Creative Best Practices

Composition Guidelines

• Rule of Thirds in 360: Apply to primary field of view
• Leading Lines: Use environmental elements to guide attention
• Depth Layering: Foreground, midground, background elements
• Quadrant Planning: Design interesting elements for all four quadrants
• Visual Hierarchy: Create emphasis through size, color, movement
• Horizon Placement: Keep level unless intentional artistic choice
• Camera Height: Eye level creates natural perspective

Movement Techniques

Comfort & Accessibility

• Stable Horizon: Maintain level horizon to prevent discomfort
• Movement Speed: Keep camera movements slow and steady
• Shot Duration: 20-40 seconds optimal for static shots
• Transition Design: Smooth transitions between scenes
• Viewer Control: Allow user to control pace when possible
• Reduced Motion Options: Provide static alternatives
• Clear Audio Cues: Help orient viewers through sound
• Subtitles/Captions: Position in comfortable viewing area

Common Challenges & Solutions

Technical Issues

Creative Challenges

Resources for Further Learning

Books

• “Virtual Reality Filmmaking” by Celine Tricart
• “The VR Book: Human-Centered Design for Virtual Reality” by Jason Jerald
• “Storytelling for Virtual Reality” by John Bucher

Online Courses

• LinkedIn Learning: 360 Video Production courses
• Udemy: VR Filmmaking Masterclass
• FutureLearn: Introduction to Immersive Storytelling
• VR Filmmaking on Coursera

Communities

• Oculus Filmmakers Facebook Group
• Immersive Shooter Community
• VR/AR Association
• Vimeo 360 Video School

Software Tutorials

• Adobe: Premiere Pro 360 Video Editing
• Insta360 University
• YouTube Creator Academy: VR and 360 video
• Unity Learn: Interactive 360 Content

Getting Started Checklist

First 360 Video Project

1. Plan Your Shoot

   • Choose a simple, controlled environment
   • Create a basic shot list with single primary subject
   • Plan for static camera placement

2. Equipment Setup

   • Charge all batteries and format memory cards
   • Test camera in advance
   • Set resolution to at least 4K
   • Configure for standard frame rate (30fps)

3. On Location

   • Mount camera on stable tripod at eye level
   • Ensure horizon is level
   • Position camera 4-5 feet from main subject
   • Hide or remove yourself from scene

4. Record Test Footage

   • Shoot 30-second test clip
   • Review on mobile device if possible
   • Check stitch lines and exposure

5. Shoot Primary Content

   • Record 3-5 minute maximum for first project
   • Maintain good audio levels
   • Allow extra time at beginning/end of clips

6. Basic Post-Production

   • Import and stitch footage using camera’s software
   • Create simple edit with minimal transitions
   • Add basic titles if desired
   • Export at 4K resolution using recommended settings

7. Publishing

   • Upload to YouTube as 360 video
   • Verify proper 360 playback
   • Share link for viewing on mobile devices or headsets

Remember that 360 video production involves a learning curve. Start with simple projects and gradually increase complexity as you master the basics of this immersive medium.