If you take only one thing away from these resources, it should be to think about your live-stream as a broadcast. Just like in a TV broadcast, you should utilize multiple ways of delivering your message: audio (your voice) matched with visual backup (titles, graphics, etc). Quality audio, proper lighting techniques, and helpful video elements can ensure that your audience engages with your information, retains it, and can stay focused throughout your event so they glean the maximum amount of information from you.
Regardless of the platform you choose to broadcast out to (YouTube, Vimeo, a custom-built conference website, etc.), we can help you design, cue, and implement your broadcast to fit within the video window of your chosen platform.
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BROADCAST
The 'broadcast' portion of a digital event is similar to what you'd see on a screen at an in person event. It can be as simple as just a webcam feed, or can include titles, graphics, multiple cameras, videos, and more.
With behind-the-scenes communication between operators and state of the art remote video switching capability, we can help you create a studio broadcast to showcase your message. Lower thirds titles, panels in PIP windows, live audience Q&A, all to a cued program.
GRAPHICS
Graphics are important to help you tell your story and keep your audience engaged. You can see some of these elements in our sample webcast. Listed out, some examples of graphics that can be created are:
"Starting soon" graphics
Go live early with a "starting soon graphic" so your audience knows the stream is working.
Lower thirds
Titles with speaker names and titles
Subject matter: section titles
Intro video
Brand your piece with a short introduction video.
Interstitial motion graphics
Create quick 'video stings' for different sections to break up the context
Overlays
Put your event name at the top, sponsors at the bottom, or anything else you can imagine.
PIP backgrounds
If you have picture-in-picture elements, you need a background to lay them on top of.
Virtual studio
If you are using a green screen, you can put your presenters anywhere you desire.
Traditional video rolls
Just like on a live stage, you can cue a video roll. This is a great opportunity for sponsor branding and will give you a moment to take a sip of water off-camera.
Credit roll
At the end of your successful stream, give credit where credit is due!
And yes, we'd be happy to help you create graphics if you don't already have them.
INTERNET CONNECTION
This is possible the most important part of your setup if you are streaming live. If you don't have enough internet bandwidth, your stream can cut out in the middle of your broadcast. Be sure to have a stable internet connection. If needed, see if you can upgrade your service from your ISP (Internet Service Provider). Instead of using WiFi on your computer, try running an Ethernet cable directly from your router to your computer. Test your speed on a site like speedtest.net. You should be looking for a stable upload speed of at a minimum of 6 megabits per second (Mb/s) and a download speed of at least 15 megabits per second (Mb/s).
HIRED PRODUCTION
A 'fly pack' is a small setup that would come from an individual or a production company to support your shot. It would likely include basic audio, lighting, and video elements, and with the proper equipment could not only be used to record, but also to interface with a streaming platform. If you don't want to use audio, lighting, and video from a fly pack, it's always possible to just rent/hire your desired pieces individually. Upgrade with a Studio In A Box.
SHOT COMPOSITION
At a basic level, think about the framing and composition of your camera shot, and hire a professional if you want the highest quality product. Think about your backdrop. Make sure there is not a window behind you that would be difficult for lighting. Create some depth by moving yourself away from the background and wear colors that contrast, so you don't blend in. Your camera lens height should approximately equal to your eyes. An angle coming from too far below or too far above may not look natural. How big or small are you in the frame? We should be able to see your head and shoulders, and have some headroom on top. You want some space - but not too much - between the top of your head and the top of the frame).
PLATFORMS
The 'platform' is where attendees will interact with your event, with your broadcast(s), and with other attendees. There are three main categories of platforms: Meeting room platforms:
Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, GoToMeeting, etc.
Primary uses: Interactivity, all attendees live on camera/video together, breakout rooms, etc.
Single Broadcast (and Webinar) platforms:
IBM Media, YouTube, Zoom Webinar, BigMarker, Webex, etc.
Primary uses: A small number of presenters to any number of attendees, attendees are not live on audio/video
Event platforms:
Hubilo, Pathable, Hopin, CVENT, Bizzabo, OpenWater, vFairs, etc.
Primary uses: Conferences, events with multiple sessions, vendor fairs, etc.
Take a look at our two examples:
Of course, we can simultaneously stream broadcast to multiple platforms as well, which can help with social platform integration into your event, streaming to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even embedding live streams into your own website.
We can help choose, design, and manage the platform(s) that are right for your event.
Replicate and enhance the elements that make in-person events successful and don't miss a beat in your event plans.
Let us open the virtual doors of possibility for you.