How to set up the Shootsta Kit 3 with the autocue

Find out how to set up the Shootsta Kit 3 for filming.

 

There are 5 things that need to be set up when getting ready to film with the Shootsta Kit 3: the tripod, autocue, camera, audio and iPad.

How to set up the Kit without the autocue is located at the bottom of this article and will follow very similar steps to setting up the Kit with the autocue.

Step 1: Setting up the tripod

  • Grab the tripod out of the kit.

  • Fold each leg down.

  • Twist all the locks on each tripod leg open, extend each leg as far as it can go, then twist the locks to tighten.

  • Spread out the tripod’s legs and place it on the ground.

  • To adjust the height of the centre column, turn the lock at its base.

  • When you’re happy with the height, twist the lock the other way to tighten it back up.


Step 2: Setting up the autocue

  • Before placing anything on the tripod, make sure the ball head on top is stable and facing up. To adjust the angle, use the locking knob on the side.

  • Take both rails out from the Kit.

  • Slide the first rail onto the tripod, keeping the mounting clamp at the back of the tripod. You’ll notice a ruler on the side of the rail. Slide till the 0cm mark is in the middle of the ball head. This will help your camera and autocue to balance nicely on the tripod.

  • Tighten the locking knob once you have the first rail in place.

  • Slide the second rail onto the tripod, keeping the shorter arm of the L-shape facing up. This is where you will be attaching the camera.

  • Tighten the locking knob once it’s in place.

  • Grab out the autocue from the Kit.

  • Slide the autocue onto the first rail horizontally on the tripod.

  • Once on, twist the knob on the bottom of the autocue to secure in place.

  • Using the two finger cut-outs on the front of the autocue, pull it open.

  • Fold up both plastic walls to support the top of the autocue.


Step 3: Setting up the camera

  • Take the camera out from the kit.

  • Slide the baseplate on the bottom of the camera onto the second rail so it is facing towards your autocue.

  • Once in place, twist the knob to tighten. Next, take off your lens cap and slide the autocue’s fabric hood over the lens. If you notice your camera is sitting too high or too far away to slide the hood on, simply adjust the vertical rail to change the height or slide the autocue closer along the horizontal rail. Just make sure everything’s balanced and secure.

Step 4: Setting up the audio

  • Take the wireless audio receiver (RX) out from the kit. The receiver is the one with a screen on the top.

  • Slide the receiver onto the small metal slot on top of your camera (hot shoe).

  • Next take out the red coiled cable from your kit and plug it into the receiver.

  • Open the small door on the side of your camera closest to the lens.

  • Plug the red coiled cable into the red jack.

Step 5: Place the iPad inside the autocue

  • Take the iPad out of the kit.

  • Open the autocue app.

  • Load up your script, and slide the iPad into the autocue.
    For more information, check out this article on how to use the autocue.

How to set up the Shootsta Kit 3 without the autocue

If you aren't filming a video with a script then chances are you won't be needing the autocue. Here are the 3 things to set up when getting ready to film using the Shootsta Kit 3 without the autocue.

Step 1: Setting up the tripod

  • Grab the tripod out of the kit.

  • Fold each leg down.

  • Twist all the locks on each tripod leg open, extend each leg as far as it can go, then twist the locks to tighten.

  • Spread out the tripod’s legs and place it on the ground.

  • To adjust the height of the centre column, turn the lock at its base.

  • When you’re happy with the height, twist the lock the other way to tighten it back up.

Step 2: Set up the camera

  • Take the camera out of the kit.

  • Slide the base plate onto the tripod and tighten it.

  • Take the lens cap off and place it back inside the kit.

Step 3: Setting up the audio

  • Take the wireless audio receiver (RX) out from the kit. The receiver is the one with a screen on the top.

  • Slide the receiver onto the small metal slot on top of your camera (hot shoe).

  • Next take out the red coiled cable from your kit and plug it into the receiver.

  • Open the small door on the side of your camera closest to the lens.

  • Plug the red coiled cable into the red jack.

 

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