Live webcasting: What’s involved?

Live webcasting is cutting edge, and probably the most exciting web technology today. However, its complex both technically and creatively; done well it can be a phenomenal communication tool; done badly – it can be embarrassing. Where do you start to create a professional webcast good enough for your business, suitable to sell tickets for, and how much does it cost?

We can help you every step of the way. Adding up costs for video cameras, camera operators, vision mixers, audio systems, website creation and bandwidth is confusing and time-consuming, so we’ll recommend one of our standard packages for you, which we can then tweak from there. Have a look at some of these typical examples to get an idea of what different events require.

What is required?

The basics

There is a lot to consider when setting up a live webcast. For example:

  • designing and building the microsite to host the event – where your users will go.
  • Bandwidth – it has to be top quality or your viewers will experience problems.
  • Crew and relevant kit – how big is the room, how many cameras/microphones do you need?
  • Transport costs – where is the event?

Every event is different, so the final cost will vary depending on a whole lot of variables. We provide a full, one-stop solution and will provide you with one figure for a complete service.

Events are measured in half day units, including time to set up and pack down again

Each camera selected includes a tripod, and professional camera operator if it’s a tracking and zooming camera (or not if its a lock-off shot). We use cutting edge cinematic grade cameras as these give a video production that is much easier to watch; the increased depth of field you get with quality cameras and lenses improves the picture immeasurably – if your event is a day long (or more), expecting viewers to watch on on an iPad or laptop is a big ask, so this is vital. The quality of production is often overlooked when creating webinars – this is a huge mistake; it is the core of your production, the part that contains the message – it is imperative this is done well.

Typically we recommend single cameras in seminars and presentations. The constant cutting between multiple cameras can be a distraction for viewers, and it makes presenters feel they’re in a media circus, which in turn makes them nervous and affects their presentation delivery; it’s better to have one of the right sort of camera than lots of the wrong ones!

If 2 or more cameras are required, a vision mixer is also required.

At a bare minimum, we can provide a single person crew. Generally, a single camera webcast will have a crew of 2: a camera operator, and a show manager who will manage the webcast. If more cameras are selected, the crew will go up accordingly.

If you already have video production facilities in place (3rd party or in-house), that is no problem – we regularly work with other producers to provide the microsite and encoding services.

If you require an archive of your event available to view after it’s finished, we perform a simple “top and tail” edit of your event footage, then sync the slideshow to this video, as it occurred during the event (see samples for an illustration). We can also modify login requirements at this stage, so users can either click and play or enter login credentials.

If you would like a more comprehensive “highlights” edit, this will cost more as more time is required. Please call to discuss in this case.

The GlobalPodium presentation platform is entirely web-based – this means it works on any website, which in turn means it works on any device that can show your website – including phones, tablets, laptop, desktops – on any browser. There is never anything for users to install before they can take part in your event.

To access the presentation, viewers click a link to the presentation page (this can be inside your website, at a unique URL we will provide, or both), and they arrive at your event gateway. It cannot be any more straightforward.

Not live, just recorded

Some Examples

These examples will give you an idea of what is required to run your event. For a firm quote, please contact us to discuss.

A live event, where the cameras and microphones are already in place – either a third party provider or in-house facilities. We provide only the microsite, and encoding live to the web.

Example: Encoding and platform only

Duration: Half day

Requirements

  • Microsite designed
  • User lists established
  • Encoding equipment
  • Live broadcast equipment and bandwidth
  • Basic edit, then archive available for 3 months
  • Distribution via email to 50 viewers
  • Located on website and social media sites

Example: Single Presentation

Duration: up to a half day. It may be a seminar, press conference, or any one-off presentation led event

Requirements

  • Microsite designed
  • User lists established
  • Single camera and operator
  • 3 lapel mics, audio mixer
  • Live broadcast
  • Basic edit, then archive available for 3 months
  • Distribution via email
  • Located on website and social media sites

Example: CPD Seminar to professional audience, paid entry

Duration: 1 full day

Requirements:

  • Microsite designed
  • User lists established – restricted to invitation only
  • Single camera and operator
  • Multiple microphones, audio mixer
  • Live broadcast
  • Basic edit, then archive available for 3 months
  • Distribution via email
  • Located on website and social media sites

Example: A full day conference with multiple presentations

Duration: 1 full day, plus half day planning and venue visit

Requirements:

  • Microsite designed
  • User lists established – restricted to invitation only
  • Two cameras and operators
  • Vision mixer to switch inputs
  • Multiple microphones, audio mixer
  • Live broadcast
  • Basic edit of each presentation
  • Sync of 8 presentations to slides
  • Archive available for 3 months
  • Distribution via email
  • Located on website and social media sites

Example: A two-hour panel discussion, with expert presenters, then audience Q and A

Duration: Up to half day,

Requirements:

  • Microsite designed
  • User lists established – open to public view
  • Two cameras and operators
  • Vision mixer to switch inputs
  • Multiple microphones, audio mixer
  • Live broadcast
  • Basic edit of each presentation
  • Sync of 8 presentations to slides
  • Archive available for 3 months
  • Distribution via email
  • Located on website and social media sites