Video Streaming DOs/ DONTs

Video streaming has been made easily accessible thanks to recent updates to Facebook and the start-up company Periscope. Video streaming usually refers to live broadcast-style video that has a camera operator (which can now just be anyone with a phone) covering an event as it happens. Unfortunately, just like any new hot media application, it’s not for everyone, and this means that a video production company needs to be able to sift through clients that could or couldn’t use the technology effectively. Here are a few dos and don’ts for video streaming:

DOs

• Plan to stream for a specific date, time, and place. The entire purpose of video streaming is to provide insight and a voyeuristic experience for people that miss an event or for everyday people who aren’t normally allowed to enter. This is why video streams of exclusive industry conventions are so popular, because only a select few can actually get inside. However, this entire point is moot if your audience has no idea what the event will be and when to tune in for the live stream.
• Your Boston video production company will get extra points for live streaming in the heart of the action, rather than from a distance. If it’s a concert, get right up by the stage; if it’s a party, jump in the biggest dance crowd with the camera.
• Start on time. There are countless examples for when a video stream “starts” and the camera crew is still setting up or figuring out audio mishaps. This all needs to be ready to go by the time the schedule starts, or else early birds will quickly tune out from frustration. The viewers want to see what you will supposedly be streaming, not 5 minutes of a video production employee fiddling with a lens.

DONTs

• Change equipment mid-stream. This a huge annoyance for viewers and often takes them out of the moment. Bring extra batteries, memory cards, and whatever else will possibly prevent this scenario to ensure that you retain viewers. The only time it would be acceptable to cut the feed would be during an intermission, say at a press conference or such, but even then, be sure to tell the viewers what time to tune back into the stream.
• Switch camera operating styles mid-stream. This applies more so to the tone of the live stream. If it’s for corporate video and requires a still camera on a tripod, leave the camera alone. On the flip side, if you’re covering a concert and having a blast moving the camera everywhere, don’t suddenly place the camera on a still platform, or else the audience may actually become bored. Once you pick an operating style, stick to it.

No matter what kind of client you have, use this guide for your next live video stream, and you’ll be using the technology at it’s best.

Skillman Videography Group LLC specializes in video production Boston. Call us anytime at 1-800-784-0140.