Production Methods: Virtual Events

Greg Cornell-Casey
Nov 24, 2021
1 min read

Every virtual event is a custom production, but that doesn't mean every event has to break the bank. There are many options and I'm going to break down some of those options into a few categories:

INPUT

How does talent get their video and audio into the control system?

CONTROL

How does the technical team control the audio/video?

OUTPUT

Where does the switched & mixed video get broadcast out?

PLATFORM

Where does the broadcast live? How does the audience interact with the broadcast and each other?

Here is one example of a routing diagram. Every event requires its own unique technical design.

INPUT

How does talent get their video and audio into the control system?

Budget	Method	About
$	Intake talent's webcam feed through a Zoom meeting	Easiest for talent, but limited quality
$$	Intake talent's webcam feed through a browser-based connection with our video switcher	Increased quality due to higher grade connections.
$$$+	Build out an in-person A/V setup to facilitate a studio-quality experience	Highest quality with advanced equipment and dedicated technicians.

CONTROL

How does the technical team control the audio/video?

Budget	Method	About
$	We control what's "in focus" through meeting controls such as spotlighting and screen sharing.	This option significantly limits video control, customization, branding, look and feel, etc.
$$	We intake individual video signals, graphics, and pre-recorded videos to create a fully produced live broadcast.	This is the most common set up to achieve a high caliber product without complex requirements.
$$$	We intake segments before the event day, facilitating "recording sessions" and edit together a simulated live broadcast.	This approach can be taken for the entire show, or individual segments within the show.
$$$$	In some cases we activate multiple production teams operating simultaneously to create multiple fully produced broadcasts, routed to one or more output channels.	If your event has complex elements like back-to-back panels, simultaneous sessions, long broadcasts, etc., multiple teams and advanced routing may be needed.

OUTPUT

Where does the switched & mixed video get broadcast out?

Budget	Method	About
$	Basic video server such as YouTube or Vimeo	We connect our video switcher to the video player. Some basic servers have chat and other interaction functionality as well.
$$	Webinar software such as Big Marker, Zoom Webinar	We can output the video feed directly into a webinar software. This can come with limitations such as quality control, in some cases.
$$	Advanced video server such as IBM Media	Similar to YouTube or Vimeo, with more customization and some advanced features.

PLATFORM

Where does the broadcast live? How does the audience interact with the broadcast and each other?

Budget	Method	About
-	The end point is the video player itself, or the video player is embedded on your own webpage.	Embed the video player (and sometimes chat as well) directly on your own webpage, or send viewers directly to the video server's webpage.
$	A basic attendee interaction platform is built out. Limited customization, security, etc is available.	We can embed the video feed(s) into a more robust webpage with your event branding and other content built in.
$$+	An advanced feature-rich attendee interaction platform is built out. Many more options are available.	A fully built-out conference app platform can be customized for your event, no matter how big or small.