As we discussed in our posts about the pros & cons of pre-recording and live streaming, we want to delve more into the various options for pre-recording video content for a virtual or hybrid event as well. Also, a reminder that pre-recording and live streaming don’t have to be mutually exclusive! Simulive or a combination of live and pre-recorded elements can work together in various ways within your ROS.
Whatever approach we decide on, the next big question is how to capture the video content? Our team has come up with a list of 6 different options to help steer initial conversations with our clients, as cost, time & complexity, quality, and safety implications are all major factors today.
So, let’s discuss each of these in a bit more detail:
Option 1: User-Driven Record
Utilizing free software to collect all video, audio and other content from your Speakers, Nominees, Talent or Winners to DIY.
- Cost: $ Costs for customized Sequence Best Practices documentation only
- Time / Complexity: Talent would need to practice and record on their own time and equipment, so assume 2-3x the length of their script. Pretty straightforward for anyone who has ever done a video conference.
- Quality: Quality-wise, local device recording can actually be better than a virtual record. However, there may be a risk of not being happy with the look should the angle, framing, background or sound not be great. Quality depends fully on the equipment and setup of the Talent and ability to assess their own performance as they go.
- Safety: Totally safe, assuming home or office setup, or controlled outdoor venue
- Why choose this: When it’s the thought that counts more than the aesthetics
Option 2: Supervised User-Driven Record
Sequence would walk your Talent through utilizing free — or very low-cost — software to collect any video, audio and other content remotely.
- Cost: $$ Costs for Sequence’s time & Best Practices documentation
- Time / Complexity: Talent would need to practice on their own time and equipment, but schedule this supported recording session with Sequence. Allows an affordable option with more hand holding.
- Quality: Quality-wise, local device recording is always better than remote. Bonus here is that the look is fully supervised by the Sequence team and not left up to the Talent. Overall quality still depends on the equipment and setup limitations of the Talent.
- Safety: Totally safe, assuming home or office setup, or controlled outdoor venue
- Why choose this: When you want more control, but are very light on budget
Option 3: Supervised Record with HD Mobile Software
Sequence would walk your Talent through utilizing remote studio software to collect any video, audio and other content in real time.
- Cost: $$$ Costs for Sequence’s time, software and extremely light editing needs & Best Practices documentation
- Time / Complexity: More Talent time will be required to download and check software prior to record day. Assuming Talent is at all tech savvy, this should be an easy install. Overall quality still depends on the equipment and setup limitations of the Talent.
- Quality: The HD software allows for the best possible local record, and is designed to automatically upload the files when complete to the SEQ server. Also, you get Sequence’s oversight to ensure framing, angles and backgrounds are show-ready and Talent is secure with the process.
- Safety: Totally safe, assuming home or office setup, or controlled outdoor venue
- Why choose this: When you want the control, and have a little more wiggle room on budget as well as a trust level with your Talent to handle the software aspect
Option 4: Virtual Green Room Record via Production Platform
Sequence’s Technical Production team would engage with your Talent utilizing a virtual green room to collect any video, audio and other content in real time.
- Cost: $$$$ Costs for Sequence’s time, Production Team & software, and Best Practices documentation.
- Time / Complexity: Talent would need to have a tech test in advance of recording to assure best use of recording time. Talent would simply need to click a link to join the green room, and headphones are typically required for sounds quality.
- Quality: This software allows for the best possible virtual record, but is still limited by the connectivity and setup of the Talent. Assumes a single angle record, unless an AV dropkit is sent to enhance the shoot.
- Safety: Totally safe, assuming home or office setup, or controlled outdoor venue
- Why choose this: When you want the most polished and real-to-life production experience, have multiple speakers for a segment, have supplemental content such as slides / video / graphics and do not want to work with a live crew
Option 5: Film Crew on Location
Our pared down live Video crew would travel to your Talent’s home or other selected location.
- Cost: $$$$$ Costs for Sequence’s time, Video crew & equipment, travel & expenses, Best Practices & on-location safety documentation. Editing at an additional cost, if needed.
- Time / Complexity: This requires the least time and effort from your Talent, but more pre-production time from Sequence and our Video team.
- Quality: This option removes connectivity as a factor in the record (though it will remain a factor for a live stream). Video equipment will be utilized based on the quality needs and specs for the content.
- Safety: As with any live encounter regarding Covid, there are risks. We are encouraging outdoor locations as much as possible for this approach, but comfort levels will need to be discussed with Talent in detail. Sequence has detailed safety requirements and expectations for our Talent, Clients, and technical partners to agree to in advance before we move forward with this option.
- Why choose this: When you want the spirit of the at-home or on-location capture, but a much higher level of quality, control & creativity which a live shoot allows
Option 6: Film Crew in Studio
Your Talent would travel to a film studio to record with a live Video crew.
- Cost: $$$$$$ Costs for Sequence’s time, studio rental, crew & equipment, along with Best Practices & on-location safety documentation. Editing at an additional cost, if needed.
- Time / Complexity: This requires some effort from your Talent to travel to the studio location, and pre-production time from Sequence and our Studio team.
- Quality: This option removes connectivity as a factor in the record (though it will remain a factor for a live stream). The setup in a studio environment will always be the most customizable and controlled for the best results.
- Safety: As with any live encounter regarding Covid, there are risks. Studios are, by nature, typically indoors which does present additional risks and restrictions on capacity. Sequence has detailed safety requirements and expectations for our Talent, Clients, and Studio partners to agree to in advance before we move forward with this option.
- Why choose this: When you want a fully polished and professional video capture on par with pre-pandemic video expectations.
We know there is a lot to consider, and we hope these options have helped you envision what the right approach is for your event. Whenever you’re ready to discuss your event video capture needs further, we’re here and ready to jump in!