How Live Streaming Works with a Production Company
When COVID-19 made gatherings nearly impossible in 2020, companies turned to live streaming to reach their audiences. Instead of recording a speaker or event and distributing it later, live streaming gives organizations the opportunity to share their content and engage with others as it happens. Though many turned to streaming out of necessity, businesses quickly learned that it was a cost-effective and efficient way to reach their audience, no matter where they are.
Several social media platforms nowadays have intuitive built-in live stream functionality, but the simplicity of these platforms can be a huge limiting factor for businesses looking to get more out of their live stream.
That’s where a live stream production company comes in.
In this article, we’ll discuss when it’s time to call in a team of professionals and what that process looks like. Let’s dive in!
Hiring a live stream company vs. social network streaming
Your first thought may be, “Why hire a company to run my live stream when I can set up my phone and stream it to Facebook or Instagram for free?”
It’s true— there are many advantages to using social media for your live streaming needs. It’s easy to use and set up, it’s free, and it instantly makes your content accessible to those who are already on the platform following you.
However, by using your phone or webcam alone to live stream functions on social media, you leave a ton on the table. With a professionally produced live stream, you can still reach your followers on Facebook or Instagram as well as:
Include graphics, photos, and pre-recorded videos into your stream
Use multiple cameras and switch between them during the stream for more coverage and more interesting visuals
Distribute your stream on different platforms, including social media, websites, video conferencing software, and more
There is a time and place for each method. There are definitely situations where going live on Facebook or Instagram can get the job done. For instance, if you’re simply wanting to get a quick statement out to your followers, you probably don’t need a produced stream.
However, if:
You want to demonstrate a high level of professionalism and expertise
You want to minimize downtime and technical difficulties
There are multiple on-screen speakers, either in person or remotely
You wish to share your stream on platforms other than social media
You want to include branding or other media formats
… then hiring a team to produce your live stream content is likely your best option.
How can businesses use live streaming?
Keep in mind that live streaming isn’t just for guest speakers and events. There’s an unlimited number of ways to use live streaming— training seminars, product demos, presentations, behind-the-scenes looks at your companies, and more!
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Want to learn more about how you can use live streaming to grow your business? Check out our blog 8 Ways Your Business Can Harness the Power of Live Streaming to see how you can reach your audiences.
What does a live streaming production company do?
There’s a lot more than what meets the eye when it comes to a quality live stream. Though it may appear seamless, there is a lot of planning that goes on beforehand and coordination during the stream. It is more complicated than simply pointing a camera at someone and beaming it through the air.
Running a live stream can be a stressful endeavor. There’s a lot to worry about all at once, and because it’s live, there’s little room for mistakes. A live stream company’s job is to handle all of the technical, audio, and visual aspects so you can focus on what is happening in front of the camera.
Want to know what to expect when you hire a video agency to handle your stream? Here’s a look at our typical workflow. Though we are flexible and able to meet whatever our clients’ specific needs are, this is a general idea of what you can expect.
Preparing before the stream
Before the live stream, we will have a kickoff call with you to get a better idea of what you’re looking to do, what assets (like logos, photos, videos, etc.) you already have, and what we might need to create from scratch.
Early on, we will also ask for a “run of show”. This schedule of events helps us understand your vision for the stream and what we need to build the show. If you don’t have a run of show yet, that’s okay! We can collaborate to help you build one.
Using the general schedule, we will build a more detailed version for our use. As the video team, we have a lot to think about like camera positions, angles, transitions, and how to make it all flow together.
Up until the show walkthrough, we’ll be in communication with you sorting out the details and sourcing necessary graphics and other files to be included in the live event. Once we have everything we need, we can build the show. To build a stream, we create a file in a live streaming software that contains all of the assets that will be shared during the show. Think of it as a template to which the live video will be layered during the stream.
About a week before the live stream, we’ll set up a video call with you to do a walkthrough. Here, you’ll get to be a viewer for the first time and watch the show as it’ll happen on the day of the stream. This is the perfect opportunity to make any changes to the schedule or any of the assets we’ve added.
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Setting up the day of the stream
On the day of the stream, we’ll arrive at the location several hours early to set up computers, cameras, lights, and other equipment.
Once everything is set up, we will perform a rehearsal with those who are going to be speaking or on camera. This will allow everyone to get comfortable in front of the camera and understand what their cues are. On our end, this final run through allows us to catch any last-minute issues or make final changes.
Running the live stream
Next, we run the stream just like we rehearsed and planned for!
After the live stream
After the stream, you’ll receive a full-resolution recording of the show. We can also provide separate assets such as specific video clips or footage upon request. Some clients use this for social media, blogs, and more.
Get the most from your stream
Live streaming can be an invaluable tool for organizations that are looking to reach audiences digitally. With the help of a live stream production company, you can take full advantage of the medium’s capabilities to create a seamless, professional experience for your viewers.