With 15 years of specialised experience in providing outsourced IT services to the film industry, VNS offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique demands of film production.
Hardware & Software Rental
VNS provides a comprehensive range of IT equipment for rental, making it easier for film production teams to set up a complete IT network without the need for ownership.
By offering these rental options, VNS allows film production teams to access the required hardware and software without the upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs associated with ownership. This flexibility can be especially beneficial in the dynamic and fast-paced world of film production, where IT needs can change rapidly.
The available equipment includes:
| Network Switches | Essential for connecting multiple devices within the entire network environment and providing the ability to manage traffic efficiently. |
| Wi-Fi Access Points | Enable wireless connectivity, ensuring that all team members and devices remain connected throughout the production process. |
| Notebook Rentals | Film production teams can rent laptops or notebooks from us for on-the-go computing needs. |
| Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) | Provide backup power, preventing data loss and system downtime during power outages. |
| Multifunction Printers (MFP's) | Versatile devices that combine printing, scanning, copying, and sometimes faxing. |
| Networkable Desktop Laser Printers | High-quality printers suitable for office environments and producing professional quality documents. |
| IP Telephony Systems | These systems include physical phones/softphones, communicating with cloud controllers and SIP programming for efficient and cost-effective voice communication. |
| Servers | Crucial for storing and managing data and applications in a networked environment. |
| Storage | Equipment is necessary for efficient data storage and retrieval. |
| Cloud and Onsite Backups | Ensure that data is securely stored offsite, providing an extra layer of data protection. |
| Endpoint Security/Anti-Virus | Essential for protecting the network and its devices from cyber threats. |
| Office 365 Software Licenses | Provides access to essential productivity software like Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook |
Network Design, Configuration & Implementation
Designing, configuring, and implementing IT networks for film production is a critical aspect of ensuring that the production process runs smoothly and efficiently and our goal is to create a robust, secure, and tailored IT infrastructure that meets the specific needs of the client and supports the entire film production process.
Below is an overview of the key steps involved in this process:
| Assessment & Information Gathering | We begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the client's specific requirements. This involves meeting with the client to understand their needs, the scale of the production, and any unique demands or constraints. |
| Network Design | Based on the gathered requirements, VNS will design a network infrastructure that meets the demands of the film production. This includes determining the network topology, hardware and software components, and network architecture. Consideration should also be given to the scalability and flexibility of the network to accommodate the dynamic nature of film production. |
| Hardware & Software Selection | VNS will recommend and source the necessary hardware and software components which may include routers, switches, firewalls, servers, workstations and storage solutions. |
| Configuration | Once agreed, the VNS onsite team will configure these components to work together seamlessly. This involves setting up network devices, establishing security measures and optimizing network performance. |
| Security Implementation | Given the potential sensitive nature of content, data security is crucial in the film industry - VNS will implement robust security measures to protect against data breaches and unauthorized access. This may involve firewalls, encryption, access controls, and regular security audits. |
| Redundancy & Backup Solutions | Film production can't afford data loss or network downtime and VNS can implement redundancy and backup solutions to ensure data availability and continuity of operations. |
| Testing & Quality Assurance | Before deploying the network, thorough testing is conducted to identify and resolve any issues. This includes testing network speed, reliability and data transfer capabilities. |
| Documentation | VNS will create comprehensive documentation of the network design and configuration, including network diagrams, IP address assignments and security policies. This documentation is vital for troubleshooting and future maintenance. |
| Monitoring & Maintenance | After implementation, the VNS onsite Team will continue to monitor the network for performance and security, making necessary adjustments and updates as needed. Regular maintenance is essential to keep the network running smoothly. |
Network & Fibre Optic Cabling
VNS offers comprehensive cabling services to support data connectivity throughout various locations within the film production location. Our onsite cable team is equipped to deploy both fibre and Cat6/7 cabling, ensuring reliable and high-speed data connections, enhancing various aspects of the filmmaking process, including data transfer, communication and equipment integration:
| Fibre Optic Cabling | Fibre optic cables are known for their ability to transmit data at extremely high speeds over long distances. VNS can deploy fibre optic cabling which is ideal for handling large data volumes and ensuring low latency connections, essential for various aspects of film production. |
| CAT6/CAT7 Cabling | Category 6 (Cat6) and Category 7 (Cat7) cabling are standards for Ethernet cables. They provide reliable, high-speed connections for local area networks (LANs). Cat6 and Cat7 cables are capable of supporting Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet, respectively. This makes them suitable for connecting various devices and equipment within the film production setup, such as computers and storage units. |
| Tech Base, Unit Base & Crew Accommodation | VNS' cabling services are not limited to a single location - We can deploy cabling both at the technical base, where a significant amount of data processing and equipment is located, and throughout crew accommodations. This means that both the technical and living areas of the film production site will have reliable and high-speed data connectivity which is essential for maintaining seamless communication and data flow between different parts of the production. |
Network Engineers
Network engineers play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of IT infrastructure during film shoots and having access to experienced and well-trained network engineers who can offer customized support and round-the-clock assistance, is invaluable for ensuring that IT infrastructure supports the film production process seamlessly.
This support helps maintain productivity and reduces disruptions, ultimately contributing to the success of the project.
| Certified & Trained Professionals | VNS offers certified and trained network engineers who are available to support any technical issues related to IT. The level of support is customizable to meet the client's specific needs. They can provide assistance in configuring, troubleshooting, and maintaining the IT infrastructure during film shoots. |
| Customisable Support Levels | One of the advantages of VNS's network engineers is our ability to tailor our support to the specific needs of the client. This means that the client can define the level of support required based on the complexity of their IT infrastructure and the demands of the film shoot. |
| Configuration Assistance | Network engineers can help configure the IT infrastructure to meet the unique requirements of each film project. This might involve setting up networks, servers, and other equipment to ensure that everything runs smoothly. |
| Troubleshooting | When technical issues arise, network engineers are equipped to troubleshoot and diagnose problems quickly. They have the skills to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner, minimizing downtime. |
| 24/7 Onsite Support | Film shoots often have unpredictable schedules and technical problems can occur at any time, including outside regular business hours. VNS offers 24/7 onsite support, with rotating technicians. This means that there is always someone available to address technical issues promptly, even in the middle of the night or on weekends. |
Internet Connectivity
VNS provides robust and reliable internet connectivity solutions tailored to the needs of film production sites. The Key features of our Internet Connectivity solutions include:
| Customised Internet Solutions | VNS specialises in creating tailored internet solutions for film production locations. These solutions are designed to meet the unique demands of these sites, which may be located in remote or temporary areas. |
| Licensed Wireless Point-to-Point Connections | VNS utilises licensed wireless point-to-point connections to deliver internet access to these production sites. This method is known for its reliability and can offer high-speed connections, which are crucial for tasks like uploading and downloading large media files associated with film production. |
| Backup Power | VNS ensures uninterrupted internet connectivity by providing backup power for all wireless high-sites. This means that even during power outages, the internet connection remains operational. This is a critical feature for film production, as disruptions in connectivity can lead to delays and impact the overall production schedule. |
| Redundancy | VNS goes a step further by offering a separate backup internet solution with a distinct path and separate equipment. This redundancy is designed to ensure that internet connectivity remains available, even in the event of primary internet failures. This approach adds an extra layer of reliability, minimizing the risk of downtime due to technical issues. |
Cybersecurity
VNS provides and installs physical next-generation hardware firewall/s onsite which are designed to protect the client's network infrastructure from unauthorized access and cyber threats. These services collectively enhance network security, ensure high availability and address specific network requirements:
| Realtime Monitoring | VNS continuously monitors the installed hardware firewalls in realtime. This involves tracking and analyzing network traffic, identifying potential security threats, and taking necessary actions to protect the network. |
| Seamless Internet Failover | This service involves setting up a failover mechanism to ensure uninterrupted internet connectivity in case one link goes down. Automated failover ensures a smooth transition to a backup internet link to maintain network availability. |
| Network Security & Custom Service Requirements | VNS is responsible for configuring and managing overall network security. This includes setting up firewall rules, intrusion detection systems and other security measures to protect the network. Additionally, we cater to custom inbound and outbound service requirements, which may involve configuring specific rules or access controls for services as per the client's needs. |
