Duarte Studios // Punahou School Live Stream Event 2021
Throughout the pandemic live-streaming content became an essential virtual tool for many businesses. Along with the online conveniences, consumers’ expectations for entertainment and information became more sophisticated and demanding.
The importance of audience acquisition and retention for live content has never before been so competitive or challenging. Below are five tips on what it takes to produce a successful live-streamed virtual event.
1. Turning an Event into a Show
Virtual shows need to have engaging content arranged in a way that will keep viewers engaged from start to finish. Keep in mind, live-streaming an in-person event in and of itself does not automatically translate to a successful virtual show. Make sure to work with a professional who can guide you through the process of mapping out the concept, content, and flow of the show.
2. To Be or Not to Be Live
Be strategic when it comes to determining which parts of your show will be live and which will be pre-recorded. Live content can be advantageous for timely events, or facilitate engagement with audiences that otherwise would not be possible. Pre-recorded is advantageous for content that needs more staging or preparation, and is not time-sensitive. Many successful shows include a seamless combination of both.
3. Delight the Eyes and Ears — or Risk Audience Drop-offs
Audience retention and engagement is the name of the game for virtual shows. Unlike in-person events, there’s no capturing your audience back once they’ve moved on after a dull segment. Every part of your virtual show needs to be compelling – the participants and performers, as well as how the show is filmed. Employing the following can boost audience retention:
- Multiple Camera Angles. Providing varying viewing angles to the show creates more visual interest and intrigue.
- Good Lighting. Creating an ambience and mood that fits your event is a key way to communicate the tone of your message. Additionally, good lighting ensures performers and hosts are lit favorably and aren’t dark or grainy.
- Clean and Crisp Audio. Sound is essential to both successful communication and enjoyable performances. No one likes a show with volume, static or distortion problems.
4. Practice Makes the Performance
The more complex the show, the more everyone involved needs to rehearse. Holding a full rehearsal is critical to not only the show’s participants and performers, but the live-streaming and video production crew as well. Whether it’s determining what angles work best during rehearsal, or adjusting the lighting and sound, a full rehearsal will often reveal many of the challenges that could come up during the live show.
5. When Plan A Fails…
While rehearsing the show helps work out the kinks or oversights, it does not guarantee a perfect show. Equipment failures happen — and often at the worst time. Whether it’s the internet connection, the live-streaming console, or the microphones, make sure you and your vendors have backups for critical equipment and processes.
Duarte Studios has produced extensive live-streamed and pre-recorded virtual shows for organizations such as Punahou School, Honolulu City Lights, and Royal Hawaiian Center. Click here to learn more about our live production services and let us know how we can help you with your next virtual event or live show.
Show Program Development • Scriptwriting • Streaming Multi-Camera Feeds •
Lighting & Audio • Pre-Recorded Video Production
