What Happens in the Hour Before We Go Live?
Setting up our cameras to film wide and close up shots of an AGM.
If you were a fly on the wall in the hour before we go live, you’d see that we have already set up almost all of the kit. Our live event production process is largely the same, although we adapt it to suit each client's needs and the venue.
Cameras are already on tripods and plugged in with colours balanced for the room, ready for filming. Mics are being tested: “check, check, 1, 2, 3.” We may be having a conversation with the client about the order of events or any last-minute changes to the schedule or speakers. We are adding the finishing touches to our livestream setup so that we can switch quickly and smoothly between shots, PiP and slides. Before a livestream, we log in as a delegate to verify that the stream is working correctly, and ensure backup recordings are rolling. In the final hour before the livestream, our live event setup is double-checked and triple-checked.
Although it might look like we're waiting for the event to begin, we've already spent days planning—and hours on site—making sure everything is ready. In the weeks preceding the event, we created a production plan and kit checklist to ensure we had everything needed for the day. We may have carried out a site visit if the venue is new to us. We likely got up early the morning of the event so that we would have enough time to travel to the venue, unload the van, and set up our equipment for the day. By the time delegates arrive at the event, our team have already spent hours preparing for broadcast.
While the audience only sees the finished broadcast, a successful livestream is the result of careful planning, technical expertise, and attention to detail long before the cameras start rolling. Every cable, camera angle, sound check, and contingency plan plays a part in delivering a seamless viewing experience. By investing time in thorough preparation, we can focus on what matters most when we're live: capturing your event and ensuring your audience enjoys a professional broadcast.
Sound desk is ready to go in advance of the AGM.
