Every live televised event has its challenges. Whether you’re producing sports, news, gaming events, each has different, and similar demands. If you keep the following in mind during the pre through post process, it can be a flaw-free event and a fantastic experience for not only the audience, but your crew and stakeholders.
1. Plan ahead and create a comprehensive rundown of the event: This means taking the time to plan out every aspect of the event, from the content to the technical requirements. Creating a comprehensive rundown of the event helps ensure that everything is accounted for and that everyone is on the same page.
2. Hire experienced professionals for the technical crew and production team: Hiring experienced professionals ensures that the technical and production aspects of the event are handled by people who know what they’re doing. This helps reduce the likelihood of technical issues and ensures a high-quality production.
3. Select the right equipment and cameras for the event: The right equipment and cameras can make a big difference in the quality of the production. Make sure to select equipment that is appropriate for the size and scope of the event.
4. Conduct a site survey to ensure proper lighting and sound: A site survey helps identify any potential issues with lighting and sound, and allows you to make adjustments before the event.
5. Prepare contingency plans for possible technical issues or emergencies: No matter how well you plan, technical issues and emergencies can still arise. It’s important to have contingency plans in place to ensure that the event can continue even if something goes wrong.
6. Rehearse the event with the crew and talent: Rehearsing the event helps ensure that everyone knows their roles and responsibilities, and that the event runs smoothly.
7. Assign clear roles and responsibilities to the crew and talent: Clear roles and responsibilities help ensure that everyone knows what they’re supposed to be doing, which helps reduce confusion and mistakes.
8. Use a production script to ensure smooth transitions and timing: A production script helps ensure that the event runs smoothly and that everything is timed properly.
9. Have backup equipment on hand: Backup equipment helps ensure that the event can continue even if something goes wrong with the primary equipment.
10. Use a dedicated communication system for the crew: A dedicated communication system helps ensure that everyone can communicate with each other quickly and easily.
11. Use multiple camera angles to capture different perspectives: Multiple camera angles help provide a more dynamic viewing experience and allow the production team to capture different perspectives.
12. Use graphics and lower-thirds to provide context and information: Graphics and lower-thirds can help provide context and information to the audience, which can enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the event.
13. Use music and sound effects to enhance the viewing experience: Music and sound effects can help enhance the viewing experience and make the event more engaging and entertaining.
14. Use pre-produced video packages to break up the live content: Pre-produced video packages can help break up the live content and provide variety for the audience.
15. Use a teleprompter for on-air talent: A teleprompter can help on-air talent stay on script and deliver their lines smoothly.
16. Use a countdown clock to keep track of timing: A countdown clock helps ensure that the event stays on schedule and that everything is timed properly.
17. Use social media to engage with the audience and promote the event: Social media can help you engage with the audience, promote the event, and provide updates before, during, and after the event.
18. Use a delay system to allow for editing or censoring if necessary: A delay system can help you edit or censor content if necessary, which can be useful in live events where unexpected things can happen.
19. Use a live streaming service to reach a wider audience: Live streaming services can help you reach a wider audience, particularly those who are unable to attend the event in person.
20. Use closed captioning for accessibility: Closed captioning helps make the event accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
21. Use a green screen for virtual backgrounds or augmented reality: A green screen can be used to create virtual backgrounds or augmented reality, which can enhance the viewing experience and make the event more engaging.
22. Use a wireless microphone system for mobility: A wireless microphone system can help on-air talent move around freely, which can make the event more dynamic and engaging.
23. Use a control room to monitor and manage the production: A control room allows the production team to monitor and manage the event in real-time, which can help ensure that everything runs smoothly.
24. Use audience feedback to improve future events: Audience feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and make future events even better.
25. Have fun and enjoy the process!: Producing a live televised event can be stressful, but it’s important to remember to have fun and enjoy the process!

