Virtual Viewings - how to guide

1. This guide is for filming using your work phone.  As your work phone has a maximum upload speed there are instructions below on how to upload to OneDrive so you can email the file.   You can also use your own phone if the video quality is sufficiently good, your data allowance allows and you prefer to.  Don’t use your own phone if there will be a charge to you for this.
2. Don’t send the video via WhatsApp on any phone as it restricts the file size so ends up pixelated.
3. Before setting off from home to take videos for the first time, check your phone will allow you to upload videos.
   
   

Here is a quick checklist to take with you.

Health and safety reminder

1. Visiting voids should be done over a half day at a time maximum as you will need breaks and cafes etc remain closed.
2. Please add any of the addresses you are allocated to your calendar and ensure that your manager and Dermott Mullan have a mobile phone number for you.
3. When visiting properties you must not go to any other addresses or engage with residents on routine matters or enquiries and maintain social distancing at all times with anyone you encounter.

Filming

1. Aim to keep the video length to around 2 to 3 minutes and aim to do one continuous video.
2. Before you start filming, plan your route.  For example, leave the doors to each room slightly open, it helps with keeping the sound of the video to a minimum when walking through the property
3. Turn off any unnecessary artificial lighting. However, turn on lights if there are any rooms that don’t have windows or have very low natural light.
4. Try to keep the walkthrough succinct and minimise showing the same spaces too many times.
5. Make sure, before you start, that you can be heard clearly on the video.
6. Film using ‘landscape’ mode.
7. Start outside the flat (have the front door ready open and just pushed to), possibly near the lift or main door to give the viewer an idea of what the communal areas are like.  However be careful not to give out the address or film the door number.
8. Move the camera and yourself in a smooth, slow and steady way.   Move to a vantage point that demonstrates a clear sense of the size and space of the room, then pan the camera from right to left or left to right, before moving through to the next room or on to a particular feature of that room.
9. Hold the camera at chest level or just below. Ideally including some of the floor and some of the ceiling in the same shot
10. Before you start talking to camera (or leave the camera frame) count to 3 in your head to give some editing time.
11. Explain where you are when you enter each room so the viewer gets a good sense of the space, but avoid waffle as it detracts from the viewer’s experience. Simply say what room or balcony and so on with maybe a few extra words if there is something else you want to point out.  Film the balcony view if you have access to it.
12. As you’re moving though, feel free to pause on a detail or specific section of the room for example, any storage space, but don’t feel that you have to include everything.
13. Avoid filming piles of post.  Also if there is anything about the flat someone might notice, for example, maybe an outstanding repair like a flickering light or a noisy fan, or people working outside, it is best to comment on it (e.g. this noisy fan will be looked at, these people are redecorating communal areas etc)
14. Let the viewer know if the flat has been newly decorated or there is a new kitchen or bathroom.  If some rooms will be given a decorating allowance, say this too.
15. Explain that flooring will need to be fitted with good underlay and carpeting.
16. End the video by opening the front door again, and walk outside to the communal area, describe any external steps, and perhaps film the lift and anything else that may add to the video),  for example, any outside spaces you may have such as gardens, and, if relevant, a shot of the back of the house.
17. If there is a garden, say whether it is sole use or shared.
18. Finally, before you leave the flat, watch the video through to make sure you are happy with it.

Transferring/Upload video file (Samsung phone)

1. Check your phone has OneDrive on it.  If it doesn't, go to settings, click Apps, find OneDrive and download and install the app
2. Select the video file to upload
3. Click the upload icon
4. Select  OneDrive
5. Select which folder to transfer the video file 
6. Wait for the tick  to be highlighted in ‘white’ not while still ‘blue’, once white it means the video file is ready to be transferred.
7. Sharing your video file: Find your video file in your chosen folder or desktop etc right-hand click the file and select the share  icon, and enter name or email address, and send file.

Afterwards

1. Send the video file to Helena George in the Digital and Customer Experience Team.   Include your team, the bedsize, full address and postcode. Please only email the team if Helena is not in work (i.e. don't cc her team).
2. Helena will arrange for your video to be added to the Camden YouTube site. If Helena is on Annual Leave (her out office is switched on), please email [email protected].  This normally takes 1 working day to be uploaded.
3. Once added the link to the video will be sent back to you to be forwarded to the resident, their caseworker or hostel.
   
   
4. Once let, remember to let Helena know so the video can be removed from YouTube.

Here is an example of a virtual viewing video that has been added to YouTube. 

Added 2/6/20

Amended 3/6/20, 4/6/20, 12/6/20