Alex
Johnson
Full-package video assist for commercial and film production across the Midwest and beyond. When it matters, you need someone who knows the gear cold.
What is a
VTR Operator?
The person on set who makes sure everyone from the director to the distant client can monitor and review exactly what's being recorded. Useful on a small shoot. Essential on a large one.
On Set
The VTR operator records everything from the camera and manages instant playback of any clip from the entire shoot — not just the last take, but any take from any day. The director and client can compare coverage, check continuity, verify the best take, and move on with confidence.
Having VTR also allows the camera team to stay focused on the camera, not replaying clips over and over.
VTR also manages video village: the network of monitors, wireless feeds, and tablet streams that keeps the whole production working smoothly.
Small Shoot or Large
On a small shoot, VTR lets a remote brand director see the actual live feed — not a photo of a monitor — and approve shots in real time. The client feels present. The shoot moves faster.
On a large-scale production, two 48" OLED monitors bright enough to be seen clearly across a sun-lit video village mean two dozen clients and agency stakeholders all see the same thing at the same time. No crowding. No confusion. No re-shoots because someone didn't see the frame.
Multiview · Wireless
Tablet · iPad
Wireless
VTR in the
Real World
Every production is different. Here's what VTR looks like in practice — from a lean crew with remote clients to a full agency day with a packed video village.
Remote Approval
A two-camera commercial. The creative director and brand lead are in Chicago and can't travel. With a Hollyland wireless feed and a Zoom stream off the VTR workstation, the remote clients see the actual live feed — not a shaky phone pointed at a monitor. Approvals happen in real time. The shoot wraps on schedule.
- Remote clients see the actual feed, not a phone pointed at a monitor
- Approvals happen in real time — no waiting for dailies
- Director stays in rhythm; no interruptions for client check-ins
- One wireless kit handles the whole remote viewing setup
iPad Village
A multi-angle shoot with a green screen element. The director wants to see the composite live — talent against the final background — before committing to a take. VTR keys the composite in real time on set. Meanwhile, iPads on stands give the stylist, art director, and agency producer their own feed without crowding the director's monitor.
- Director sees the green screen composite live — no guessing
- Art director, stylist, and producer each have their own feed
- Instant playback to compare keying quality between takes
- Green screen problems are caught on set, not in post
Large Video Village
A national brand campaign. Twenty-plus people in video village: agency creatives, brand managers, account leads, legal, talent reps. Two 48" LG OLED monitors — bright enough to read clearly across a large, sun-lit tent — mean everyone sees the same frame at the same time. VTR manages the full monitor network, records every take, and handles instant playback on demand for any stakeholder, any time.
- Every stakeholder sees the same bright, crisp image — no crowding
- The 48" OLEDs are legible in full daylight, at distance
- Instant recall of any take for any client who missed a moment
- Camera department stays focused on camera, not on managing playback
The Work
Full Kit
Available
A complete, current package — ready to customize for your shoot.
- 2× OSEE 22" MEGAMON
- 21" Atomos Sumo
- 8" Blackmagic Video Assist Portable Unit
- 5" Blackmagic Video Assist Portable Unit
- 2× 48" LG OLED New
- 8" OSEE LED Camera Monitor New
- 11" iPad Air (w/ Case)
- 7" iPad Mini (w/ Cage)New
- 2× Decimator DMON Quad Multiviewers
- 4× HDMI/SDI Cross Converters
- 2× Hollyland Wireless
- Bi-directional fiber optic transceivers New
- 350' SDI cable
- 300M fiber optic cable
- ANKER 1000Wh battery
- Block battery
- 2× rolling stands
On-Set Credits
The Operator
Alex Johnson
Alex Johnson has been a media manager, editor, and VTR operator for 25 years. Producers for companies like Apple, Nike, Meta, Microsoft, State Farm, Gatorade, Eli Lilly, and the Indiana and Kentucky Lotteries make sure he's on set when they want it to go as well as it can.
He brings a modern kit and the experience to customize it for the shoot. And when novel problems show up, (because they always do) he's ready to push through. Add a valuable experienced member to your set, and book Alex today.
Based in Indianapolis, he works throughout the Midwest and travels regionally and nationally.
Book Alex
Let's talk
about your
shoot.
Based in Indianapolis. Available throughout the Midwest and for travel. IATSE 209 member.
Midwest VTR Coverage
Alex Johnson provides professional VTR operator and video assist services throughout the Midwest. Primary markets include Indianapolis VTR, Indiana VTR, and Indy VTR productions, with regular availability for Ohio VTR shoots including Cincinnati VTR, Columbus VTR, and Cleveland VTR. Available for Kentucky VTR productions in Louisville VTR and Lexington VTR, Illinois VTR and Chicago VTR area shoots, Michigan VTR and Detroit VTR productions, Missouri VTR and St. Louis VTR projects, and Indiana markets including Fort Wayne VTR, Ft Wayne VTR, and Gary Indiana VTR. National travel available for the right production. IATSE Local 209 member.