Don’t cancel your event - choose the option to live stream it!

by Michael Palmrose

As the Coronavirus is spreading, event planners and conference organizers are either cancelling, rescheduling or looking at other ways to provide value to their event attendees. Last month, Milan fashion week refused to come to a screeching halt. Organizers decided to live stream their fashion shows instead of cancelling them all together.

Instead of cancelling or rescheduling, which can incur significant fees for the organizers, you can always switch your event to a virtual one. This can be done using a live stream option where you invite participants to engage with attendees using a professional live streaming service.

In order to generate revenue from these events, there are multiple payment platforms that you can use for your live stream. Here are our top three recommended payment platforms for giving your attendees a “ticket” to the virtual event. Preferably, you want to look for is a company that offers a “single-sign on” service where each individual viewer will be required to pay to attend the event. That way, viewers can’t share passwords or links with other potential attendees. This prevents the loss of “virtual” ticket sales. Be sure to run these options by your video agency before purchasing a package. They may already be partnered with someone who offers a paywall service and give you the best advice that fits your needs.

#1 Vimeo

We cannot say enough about vimeo as a professional live streaming platform. You can even do a free trial at their least expensive option - the “Business” level - and still earn money from your views. Take a look at their live events article here to get an idea of what you will see as far as analytics and the interface as the manager of the live event. We recommend their Enterprise option if you are a conference with over 1,000 attendees looking for a high-quality, professional experience. Take a look at their options at the bottom of their live streaming page. They offer trials and demos through their various packages.

#2 Zype

Zype offers a super easy how-to article for setting up your video stream behind a paywall. They offer amazing direct-to-consumer gated video streaming services based on powerful and reliable cloud-based video infrastructure with leading-edge monetization options. They offer a free demo and have a pretty reputable client base. Here’s their enterprise page to help you get started on live streaming your event. This is probably the best option for conference organizers who want to try out their hand at using a paywall in front of their conference webcast for the very first time.

#3 Dacast

Dacast is a live streaming and video hosting platform that was launched in October of 2010. Since then, they have helped broadcast video for more than 120,00 professional broadcasters. In 2018, they won the annual “Streaming Media Readers’ Choice Awards. Their interface is easy to use and comes with 24/7 online and phone support. You can choose to pay on a one-time event basis. They even offer a free trial and you can potentially host your own ads on the viewing page. This option is best suitable for companies located outside of the U.S.

If you decide to live stream your event, here is a great list of questions to answer prior to reaching out to the video team:

●     How big is the event space?

●     Where and how will power be available at the venue?

●     What are the venue requirements for unloading and picking up equipment?

●     Is there a loading dock? Do you require a commercial vehicle plate?

●     Does the venue require proof of insurance from the videographer?

●     How early will the videographer have access to the venue? How late can they stay to pack up equipment after the event?

●     How much space is available for equipment including cameras and other production equipment?

●     What does the space where the speaker will be standing look like? Is it raised above the audience? Podium? Long table? How well is it lit? Will the speaker be in one spot or be moving around?

●     Will sound be provided by the on-site audio/video (AV) team? Will the video team have access to the house mics? Can the video team also use my own mics as well?

●     How long is the event? Will there be breaks?

●     Will there be audience interaction? Will the audience be mic'd? Will they be lit?

●     Will there need to be shots of the audience's faces or are the backs of their heads enough?

●     Is there a desire to give online viewers the chance to ask questions?

●     Will the video need to be displayed in the venue?

●     Will you need a recording of the event afterwards? How soon?

●     Do you want the recording to be available online immediately after the broadcast has ended? For how long?

●     Where do you want the video stream to go? If viewers are paying to attend the virtual conference, how will they receive the link?

Making your event virtual and putting the access to the event behind a paywall is a great alternative for cancelling your event altogether and may prove to be an added benefit down the line when you can offer both a live conference and virtual ticket at the same price. Contact us using the form today to get advice on how you can live stream your conference.

How to Improve Webex and Zoom Video Conferences

by Michael Palmrose

I recently had a friend of mine tell me about a webcast horror story:

“The web conference I was participating in this morning was intended for a leadership team for a very high level organization. There were over 10 viewers tuning in from various parts of the United States. When I joined the video conference, I realized that the video was coming from someone holding a laptop in the front row, using an internal webcam. The camera was never pointed at the speaker and the audio was so garbled, it was extremely difficult to make out what the speaker was saying. The sound was echoing. The video quality was so low, you couldn’t even read the presentation slides.”

Have you ever struggled to see or hear speakers during a video conference? These types of issues might not be a bandwidth issue, but an equipment issue. There are many benefits to companies and government entities utilizing professional video conferencing or webinar systems like Zoom or Webex. However, their internal communications teams may not be pairing the right audio and video technologies with these video conferencing services.By incorporating professional livestreaming equipment into a Zoom or Webex conference, your video and audio quality may improve drastically. 

Not sure what the webcasts are like for your remote employees? Send out a survey using surveymonkey.com or Google Forms to get their feedback on the sound and audio quality of your latest webcast.

If you can’t afford to hire live streaming videographers, here are a few tips for improving your webcast:

1. If you can get away with using a laptop as the recording device, there are things that you can do to help the viewers appreciate what’s happening, have the speaker or speakers wear a headset or use a computer-friendly microphone.

2. Make sure everyone mutes their microphone when they’re not speaking.

3. Use the best internet connection you can. Wired connections can be better than WiFi.

4. Close the applications you are not using on your computer if your computer is being used as part of the webcast.

Something to keep in mind is that professional cameras with Network Device Interface (NDI) technology can easily be integrated into Zoom and Webex. This is their video-over-IP (VOIP) technology. This means that if you have tried everything to improve your webcast by using internal resources and still have no luck, it’s time to reach out to a professional live streamer.

It doesn’t matter whether you have 10 people tuning in or 1,000 people tuning in - if you are looking for professional-level quality, you should be looking into professional services that specialize in event live streaming. Here is what a professional live streaming video agency should provide you with:

1. Video quality without any significant buffering or delays from the central location of where the main speaker or speakers are located. This can be the main stage, a CEO conference room, a presentation room, auditorium, etc.

2. Ability to cut to multiple cameras if there are multiple speakers on stage.

3. Proper lighting for staging at the central location or home base of the webcast.

4. Professional microphones for multiple speakers on stage.

5. Setup and professional recommendations on how to improve video and audio quality overall.

Are you struggling to get high quality video and audio with your webcasts? Let us know how we can help by filling out the form below.

How to do a fundraiser using a live stream service

By Michael Palmrose

One of the keys to any successful fundraising campaign is utilizing all donation generating avenues available. With new technologies comes new avenues like video live streaming. In this video by Justin Wheeler, he describes in great detail the benefits of using live streaming in your next campaign.

But understanding the importance of a live stream and knowing how to successfully execute one are two different problems entirely. Here are some important factors when setting up your next live stream fundraising endeavor.

1.     Make sure the stream will be technically sound

If a live stream looks or sounds bad, viewers and potential donors will click away immediately. The key is to meet some minimum quality standards. And that starts with at least one HD camera and a high quality microphone, especially if the speaker of the event will be providing critical instructions on how to donate during the live stream. The closer you can get your production to national broadcast standards, the more likely you are to attract and retain viewers, which means more contributions. Ideally, you would want multiple cameras in order to transition between them to provide variety in your broadcast. You may also want to consider having a dedicated camera on the “fundraising goal visual” as your fundraising goals rise up throughout the duration of the fundraiser.  Also, having a designated microphone for each speaker will ensure that everyone is heard clearly without having to scramble to get them on a microphone. One way to ensure the best possible standards is to hire a production company to handle the technical side. This takes the stress of producing it yourself and allowing you to focus on your mission of getting viewers engaged.

2.     Choose a live stream platform that allows for viewer engagement

These days, philanthropic individuals have a wide variety of causes they can donate to. Engaging them in a meaningful and personal way is a key to garnering their support. Live streaming is a fantastic way to not only get their attention but to also make their individual contribution stand out. Utilizing the latest technology, viewers can, with the click of a button, instantly donate and send a message of support. And only a few minutes later, that message could be read live on the air. Also, if someone is hesitant about donating and has questions about what their donation can do or the cause they are supporting, those questions can be answered in real time through a chat window. Imagine a fundraising phone call, but instead of only reaching one person at a time, you could potentially be talking with thousands of people, yet still have that one on one connection that is so important to getting supporters connected with the cause.

3.     Set goals and update viewers on progress

One of the top benefits of live streaming a fundraising event is that viewers can see in real time how much progress is being made toward a total amount of donations. The key is to set a reasonable goal, one that you believe you can reach in the allotted time you will be on air. If you do fly past your original goal, you can always set a new one to encourage new viewers to continue to donate. Using the latest web-based technology, all of this can be seen on screen in real time. This makes the viewers feel like they are part of a community, a group effort to make a difference. This can be a strong motivator in getting those outliers to join in and help out.

Great examples of live stream charities

A wonderful example of the power of a live stream charity drive is the Jingle Jam. This annual Christmastime event hosted by the YouTube gaming channel The Yogscast, raises millions of dollars every year to benefit a multitude of charities.

Another example would be the GamesDoneQuick live streams which also annually raise millions of dollars and consistently draw tens of thousands of viewers to their streams.

Or there is the incredible one-day donation total of DrLupo who raised over $2.3 million for St Jude Children’s Hostipal in less than 24 hours.

All of these examples show the fundraising potential. You may not raise millions in a day, but with the right equipment, engagement, and goals, you and your charity can immediately see the benefits of live streaming.

NAB NY 2019: What you missed and what was missing

By Michael Palmrose

Gone were the rows of cameras, tripods, lights, and microphones. This year’s National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) conference in New York was all about streaming. Sure, there were still a few of the stalwarts like Panasonic, JVC, and Black Magic, but they were joined by companies Videon, DigitalGlue, and Padcaster. All of them were featuring new and innovative ways to deliver video to audiences around the world.

A standout example was the eSports content production studio. Often absent and forgotten at previous shows, video games and their ability to provide video entertainment were on full display here. Interestingly, the only thing that appeared to be for sale was the idea that people playing video games is entertaining. And for those of us who have watched the meteoric rise of games like Fortnite and PUBG, or the consistency of League of Legends and Counter Strike, all of which draw hundreds of thousands of viewers to a single broadcast, it seemed like a long time coming.

Aside from the vendors, streaming was also the subject of the additional information available at NAB New York. There was an entire premium presentation room devoted solely to streaming as well as a networking mixer ending the first day targeted to those in the industry interested in streaming. The main stage even closed with the President and COO of CBS Interactive, Marc DeBevoise, discussing the future of direct-to-consumer video.

Although it lacked in many of the traditional vendors of past NAB New York shows, there was still a lot of interactive tools on display this year. Streaming was clearly the focus with many events and vendors educating attendees on that subject. This ensures that video live streaming is an important part of the future of video broadcasting. Video creators and broadcasting entities will need to learn and adjust to find audiences that are no longer willing to sit in front of TV to watch their favorite program.

One of the surprises at this year’s show was the lack of hardware for attendees to peruse. There were no audio companies like Sennheiser or Shure. There was also no sight of of video industry drone companies.  And the few hardware companies that were in attendance only had two or three products to showcase. It appears that NAB’s focus at the New York show was to highlight what to do with the video that you already have and now how you get it.

Stay tuned for part two of the blog that explores the three of the most eye-catching products we saw at the conference.

I want to record my own cooking show. Where do I start?

By Michael Palmrose

Steaming mushrooms can be a little intriguing. Steaming mushrooms in slow motion, high-definition video? Even better. There comes a point in a cook’s life when their gourmet skills are ready for the little screen: YouTube Live, Instagram Live, and Facebook Live. But how do you know when you need to hire a professional videographer?

These are just some things your smartphone can’t capture on its own. It won’t be able to give you those shiny, colorful, juicy pieces of culinary magic your viewers are craving. Hiring a high-quality team for your cooking show isn’t just about giving your viewers quality content - it’s about taking them on a journey.

Benefits to using a professional team for your cooking show

It’s all about showing off those action shots! A wok on flame, a steaming pile of pasta and a pie bubbling with hot blueberries just isn't the same using a consumer camera as it is when you use a professional, HD 3-camera shoot.

Cooking shows are often touted as a form of ASMR, also known as Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. Ever get that satisfying feeling of joy you may get when you watch bread being perfectly cut into even slices, listening to oil sizzle on a hot pan or watching cookies inflate as they bake in the oven? These are just some of the examples of why fans are subscribing by the millions to YouTube’s hottest cooking shows.

Using a professional allows you to focus on the food instead of the video equipment. Let the professionals capture your show using state-of-the-art equipment to give you the best look and feel for your food. It allows you to cook live with your fans so they can follow along without you having to worry about losing the lives tream connection. Imagine being halfway done with your recipe, and you come to find out your camera was off that whole time! Most importantly, don’t forget to hire a videographer who knows how to professionally live stream your cooking show to your social media platforms to give you the biggest bang for your buck and provide you with the furthest reach.

How to get your cooking show onto YouTube

1. Determine your differentiator. What makes you unique? Make sure this is reflected in your channel description, title and channel name.

2. Connect with everyone on social. Add social icons to your YouTube channel so people can follow you along on your other social media platforms.

3. Use recipes that will have the biggest visual impact. Don’t make your viewers feel like they’re watching paint dry. Which recipes will make your food come alive and dance on the screen?

4. Get the gist. Share a script or outline of your planned episode with your videographer so that they know what to anticipate. Are you best at frying, baking, griddling? Make sure your videographer is aware of these so that they know what to focus on. This will help capture the most enticing action shots.

5. Enhance the noises. Make sure your videographer knows how to professionally record and enhance sound effects while you’re cooking: Snap, crackle and pop!

6. Don’t forget the glam. Upgrade your cookware, glassware or other props to ensure that they complement the food nicely. Lighting underneath your glassware and darkening the scene during open flames can really help boost the color of your food and beverages.

7. Engage with your subscribers. Use them as your “test kitchen” by answering recipe requests or sharing culinary advice.

If your channel ends up growing to over 1,000 subscribers, you are very likely on your way to becoming a full-time YouTube chef. This opens up new avenues of revenue through your channel through ads as well as sponsorships. To help with your culinary show journey, here are our top 5 favorite cooking shows that we’d recommend looking into for inspiration:

Guga Foods

• Guga loves meat. That much is obvious. But he also loves cooking. You can hear it in the passionate way he talks about the dishes he cooks and see it in the beautifully crafted slow-motion shots of an A5 Wagyu as it sears to perfection on his charcoal grill.

Alex

• Alex, also known as French Guy Cooking, takes a different approach to culinary entertainment. He happily applies the scientific method to the perfect number of layers in a croissant as well as the exact time you need to hard boil an egg for your ramen. His skillful editing will keep you entertained as he diagrams his approach on a blue refrigerator.

Hercules Candy

• Hercules Candy takes the exact opposite approach to Alex. There are no fancy edits here. Just long-form videos of the entire process of making a batch of hard candies. The draw with their videos stems from the wonderful personalities of the owners and staff. There is also something deeply soothing and satisfying about watching experts at work.

Bon Appétit

• Speaking of experts, the chefs at Bon Appétit have taken cooking shows to the next level. Whether it is professional pastry chef Claire Saffitiz recreating your favorite childhood candy or chef Brad Leone hunting for his next meal in the wild, the production values are there. Great editing, lighting, audio, and video all combine to provide a satisfying blend of culinary entertainment.

Ready to explore what it’s like to have a professional record your cooking show? Fill out the form below for a free quote.