How Advance Planning and Quick Decisions Make Successful Livestreams.

Streaming Director/Director John Bogley (l) and Camera Operator Shawn Chadwick make sure all the action is clearly captured.

Streaming Director/Director John Bogley (l) and Camera Operator Shawn Chadwick make sure all the action is clearly captured.

When Lt. Colonel Matthew Shaw wanted a record of his promotion to the rank of full Army Colonel, and to livestream the ceremony so that family across the country could witness the honors, he called on Metro Teleproductions to produce the event.

MTI has increasingly been called upon to produce these types of private webcasts, from webcasting funerals to livestreaming corporate parties. Because Facetime and Zoom don’t provide the quality and intimacy that is needed for such occasions.

The celebration took place at the Colin Powell Wing of the National War College at Fort McNair, in Washington, D.C, an historic location. And true to military tradition, there was a complete and detailed outline of events and duties, right down to the 1200 minute:

  • “1200 – 1300: Videography Crew arrives at NWC to begin set up”
  • “1545 – 1555: Final checks and preparation”

The challenge was that MTI had to use Wifi from the venue because there was no hard-line present. So, prior to the event, MTI CEO Dave Lilling came out and tested the signal to make sure that there was enough strength to carry a livestream. The decision was made to use Wirecast software and a Macbook Pro to encode the video for the production.

Shawn Chadwick with the Sony FS7 MII, which nearly guarantees a successful production.

Shawn Chadwick with the Sony FS7 MII, which nearly guarantees a successful production.

And to paraphrase the military saying, all plans are perfect until you start to implement them. Once the crew had set up the equipment, it was noticed that the early afternoon sun streamed into the room in such a way as to wash out a clean video image. So, a quick decision was made to “flip the room,” that is set up the podium on the opposite side so that the broadcast image would be rich and clear.

You Produce the Video With the Crew You Have

It was a two-switch event, with a three-person crew: Streaming Director/Director John Bogley, Shawn Chadwick on Camera 1, the Sony FS7 MII, with a second Sony camera used for insert edits. Wesley Bailey was the stills photographer, using the Sony A7III. The two cameras connected to the Macbook Pro using Wirecast software. Lower-third graphics were created for a broadcast-worthy look, and to ensure everyone was properly identified. (The ceremony included a Brigadier General, after all!) A Shure podium mic captured the audio and Aputure LED lights made it all look good.

In the end, the client was extremely satisfied, writing: “Thanks very much for the professional work from you and your team over the last several weeks. It is greatly appreciated! Our families watching from across the country had nothing but glowing reviews to give.”

Brigadier General Christopher Norrie (l) congratulates our client, Colonel Matthew Shaw, on his promotion to the rank of United States Army Colonel.

Brigadier General Christopher Norrie (l) congratulates our client, Colonel Matthew Shaw, on his promotion to the rank of United States Army Colonel.

Congratulations and thank you, Colonel! A short clip of the event is here.

Metro Teleproductions, offering video production in the Washington, D.C., area for 20+ years, is owned and operated by Dave Lilling with creativity, reliability and professional excellence. Contact Dave at 301-608-9077 or dave@mtitv.com for video production success!

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