- Always use the most recent generation of a device.
- Add the light ring in post-production for most control over appearance.
- Speak to Alexa like a friend: casually and at a normal volume.
- Shoot the Amazon Echo and Echo Dot so the cylindrical shapes register.
- Place the device so the Amazon logo is visible and facing the camera.
- Use approved device images from the press room site.
- Refer to the SAG Guidelines when considering using audio responses from Alexa.
- Showcase voice commands over showcasing touchscreen.
- A screen is best shown with the camera at roughly the same level as the device.
- Show the side of the screened device at an angle to provide context.
- The kitchen or living room are preferred locations for Echo devices with a screen.
- Actual on-screen experiences should be represented, including the chrome voice bar.
- When not actively showcasing screen content, show the resting state on the home screen.
- Add screen and screen elements in post-production.
- Do not show the device mounted directly on the dash.
- Do show the device mounted using the included vent mount.
- Add the light ring in post-production for most control over appearance.
- Speak to Alexa like a friend: casually and at a normal volume.
- Show cords where it’s necessary or it makes sense to see a cord. If a customer could reasonably hide the cord where it's shown then it's ok to hide it.
- Devices should always be placed naturally where they would go in a room or space and be honest representations of the experience.
- Don’t shout or lean in to the Amazon Echo to talk. The far-field capabilities can capture your voice easily wherever you are in the room.
- Don’t portray the Amazon Echo from an extreme or dramatic angle that distorts, elongates, or makes the device appear oblong.
- Don’t show the color of the light ring indicator outside of approved colors. See light ring guidance for details.
- Ensure the post-production team is involved early in the production process to ensure tracking dots, lighting setup, stand-in devices, and plates are captured as needed.
- When adding the light ring and Alexa response in post-production, a team member will need to read Alexa responses on set. This provides the actors something to react to and ensures the scene meets time constraints. Alexa speaks slightly slower than the average person, so it’s important that Alexa responses are read slowly.
- If the team must shoot the device practically, they should set the device up ahead of time, configured to the on-set Wi-Fi, plugged into a power source, and with the volume turned down as low as possible.
- It is important that the director and actors allow the device to return to its pre-wake state between takes so the device response is accurate. It is also important to capture close-ups with varying lengths of utterances and responses for control during the edit.
