Film Production in Lafayette, LA

When it comes to video production, Lafayette, Louisiana, is more than just a picturesque southern gem; it's a thriving hub for filmmakers and creative minds. With its unique blend of culture, scenic beauty, and state-of-the-art production facilities, Lafayette offers a fertile ground for bringing your film dreams to life. In this blog post, we'll dive into the world of video production in Lafayette, exploring why this city has become a hotbed for cinematic innovation.

• The Allure of Lafayette's Culture

Lafayette is steeped in a rich cultural heritage, offering a tapestry of influences from French, African, Spanish, and Native American traditions. This cultural melting pot provides filmmakers with a unique backdrop to weave compelling narratives. Whether you're aiming to capture the essence of a Cajun Mardi Gras celebration or delve into the heart of Creole cuisine, Lafayette's cultural offerings are a treasure trove of inspiration.

• Access to Local Talent

Lafayette is home to a vibrant community of talented actors, musicians, and technical experts who are passionate about their craft. When you choose Lafayette for your video production needs, you gain access to a pool of local talent eager to collaborate on your project. Whether you require actors, extras, or behind-the-scenes professionals, Lafayette's diverse talent pool is at your disposal.

• Captivating Scenery

The Lafayette area offers an array of breathtaking natural landscapes, from the enchanting bayous to lush forests and historic plantations. These diverse settings provide filmmakers with an array of captivating backdrops, allowing you to craft visually stunning narratives that captivate your audience. Lafayette's scenic beauty is a cinematographer's dream come true.

• A Supportive Filmmaking Community

Lafayette's filmmaking community is known for its inclusivity and collaborative spirit. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or a newcomer, you'll find a welcoming and nurturing environment in Lafayette. Here, ideas flow freely, and partnerships are readily formed, fostering a creative ecosystem that supports innovation and growth.

• A Home for Film Festivals

Lafayette plays host to a variety of film festivals throughout the year, providing an excellent platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and gain recognition. Notable events like the Southern Screen Film Festival celebrate the art of filmmaking and offer ample opportunities for networking and exposure.

Conclusion

In the heart of Lafayette, Louisiana, the world of video production comes alive. With its rich culture, access to local talent, scenic beauty, and a supportive filmmaking community, Lafayette provides the perfect canvas for filmmakers to paint their stories. Whether you're a passionate creative or a production company seeking the ideal location, Lafayette offers an enchanting blend of artistry and innovation. Come and experience the magic of Lafayette, where your cinematic dreams can become a captivating reality. It's a city where video production truly shines, ready to make your film visions come true.

How to Create Engaging Video Content for Social Media

In today's fast-paced digital world, video has become an incredibly popular and effective medium for capturing attention, conveying messages, and engaging with audiences on social media platforms. Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or simply someone looking to share their creativity, mastering the art of creating engaging video content can significantly boost your online presence. In this blog post, we will explore essential tips and techniques to help you create captivating videos for social media, right from the heart of Lafayette, LA.

• Define Your Goals and Target Audience

Before diving into video production, it's crucial to define your goals and identify your target audience. Determine the purpose of your video, whether it's to educate, entertain, inspire, or promote a product or service. Understanding your target audience's preferences, interests, and pain points will help you tailor your content to resonate with them.

• Plan and Script Your Video

A well-planned video is more likely to captivate your audience. Start by outlining the key message you want to convey. Develop a script or an outline that guides your video's structure, ensuring clarity and coherence in your content. Consider using a storytelling approach to engage your viewers emotionally.

• Focus on Visual Storytelling

Visual storytelling is at the core of creating engaging video content. Utilize compelling visuals, such as high-quality footage, animations, graphics, and text overlays, to enhance your narrative. Consider the composition, lighting, colors, and overall aesthetics to create visually appealing videos that grab attention.

• Keep it Concise and Engaging

Attention spans on social media are short, so keep your videos concise and engaging. Aim for a duration that holds viewers' attention throughout. Grab their attention within the first few seconds, and maintain a steady pace throughout the video. Use engaging visuals, captivating transitions, and a compelling narrative to retain interest.

• Optimize for Mobile Viewing

Given the widespread use of mobile devices for social media consumption, it's essential to optimize your videos for mobile viewing. Ensure your videos are in a mobile-friendly format and are easily viewable on smaller screens. Use captions or subtitles to make your content accessible, as many viewers watch videos with the sound off.

• Leverage Editing Techniques

Effective editing can make a significant difference in the impact of your video. Trim unnecessary footage, add smooth transitions, incorporate relevant music or sound effects, and use text overlays to highlight key points. Maintain a consistent visual style and branding throughout your video content to build recognition and professionalism.

• Experiment with Different Video Formats

Social media platforms offer a variety of video formats to engage with your audience. Explore options like short-form videos (such as TikTok or Instagram Reels), longer-form videos (YouTube or Facebook Watch), or live streaming to diversify your content and reach wider audiences. Tailor your videos to the specific requirements and audience preferences of each platform.

• Engage with your Audience

Encourage interaction and engagement by incorporating call-to-actions (CTAs) in your videos. Ask questions, prompt viewers to like, share, or comment, and respond to comments and messages promptly. Building a connection with your audience will foster loyalty and encourage them to share your content with others.

Conclusion

Creating engaging video content for social media is a powerful way to connect with your audience, build brand awareness, and drive meaningful engagement. By defining your goals, understanding your audience, planning your videos, focusing on visual storytelling, optimizing for mobile, leveraging editing techniques, experimenting with video formats, and engaging with your audience, you can create captivating videos that stand out in the social media landscape.

Horror Film DP Fun Lafayette, LA

Being a Director of Photography (DP) is always an exciting and challenging role, but when it comes to shooting a horror short film, it takes the fun to a whole new level. The horror genre presents unique opportunities for a DP to flex their creative muscles and create some truly spine-chilling shots. In this blog post, we will explore the fun of being in the role of a DP for a horror short film.

• Creating a Spooky Atmosphere

One of the most exciting aspects of being a DP for a horror short film is the opportunity to create a spooky atmosphere. By using lighting techniques, camera angles, and other visual effects, the DP can create an eerie and unsettling environment that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The DP can use dim lighting to create a feeling of isolation and fear, or bright lighting to create a sense of false security before something terrifying happens.

• Playing with Shadows

Shadows can be used to great effect in horror films. A skilled DP can use shadows to create a sense of foreboding or to obscure the true nature of the threat. For example, a shadowy figure can be used to build tension before the monster is revealed. By playing with shadows, the DP can manipulate the audience's emotions and create a truly immersive horror experience.

• Using Creative Camera Angles

Camera angles can also be used to great effect in horror films. By using low angles, the DP can make the monster or villain seem more powerful and intimidating. High angles can make the protagonist seem vulnerable and helpless. Dutch angles, where the camera is tilted to one side, can create a feeling of unease and instability. By using creative camera angles, the DP can enhance the horror experience and keep the audience engaged.

• Working with the Director

The DP must work closely with the director to create the desired effect. In a horror film, this collaboration is even more important. The DP must understand the director's vision for the film and work to bring it to life. They must also be able to offer creative suggestions and ideas to enhance the horror experience.

• Building Tension

A horror film is all about building tension, and the DP plays a crucial role in this process. By using a combination of lighting, camera angles, and other visual effects, the DP can create a sense of anticipation and dread. This tension builds and builds until it reaches a crescendo, creating a truly terrifying experience for the audience.

In conclusion, being a DP for a horror short film is an exciting and challenging role. The DP must be able to create a spooky atmosphere, play with shadows, use creative camera angles, work closely with the director, and build tension. By mastering these skills, the DP can create a truly immersive horror experience that will keep the audience on the edge of their seats. So if you're a DP looking for a fun and challenging project, consider taking on a horror short film – it's sure to be a thrilling experience!

Short Film Director of Photography

As a cinematographer, I've had the pleasure of working on various film productions, including short films. While feature films may get all the hype and attention, there's something special about working on short films that I absolutely love.

Film Production Lafayette, LA

One of the joys of working on short films is the opportunity to work with new and emerging filmmakers. Often, short films are a filmmaker's calling card, a way to showcase their talents and creativity. As a cinematographer, I get to work alongside these passionate individuals and help bring their vision to life on the screen. It's incredibly rewarding to see the final product and know that I played a part in creating it.

Video Production - Lafayette, LA

Another benefit of working on short films is the tight-knit production teams. Because short films typically have smaller budgets, the crew is often smaller as well. This means that each member of the team has a more significant role and more responsibility. As a cinematographer, I enjoy being part of a team where everyone is invested in the project and working towards a common goal. The teamwork and camaraderie on a short film set are unmatched.

Working on short films also allows me to be more creative and experimental with my cinematography. With feature films, there's often more pressure to play it safe and stick to traditional cinematography techniques. But with short films, there's more room to take risks and try new things. I love experimenting with different camera angles, lighting setups, and visual effects to create unique and memorable shots.

As a videographer, short films provide an excellent opportunity to showcase my skills and build my portfolio. Short films are often screened at film festivals, and having my name attached to a successful short film can open up new opportunities and lead to more work down the line.

Working on short films is a joy and a privilege as a cinematographer. From the opportunity to work with emerging filmmakers to the tight-knit production teams, the chance to be more creative, and the potential for career growth, short films offer a unique and rewarding experience that I look forward to every time. If you're a cinematographer or videographer, I highly recommend seeking out short film projects to add to your portfolio and enjoy the process of bringing a filmmaker's vision to life on the screen.

The importance of film production for small business

In today's digital age, it's important for small businesses to leverage every tool available to them to stay competitive. One such tool that can be extremely effective is film production. Film production can help businesses in Lafayette, LA and beyond to connect with customers, tell their brand's story, and stand out from the competition.

First and foremost, film production is an excellent way to connect with customers. People love watching videos, and producing high-quality video content can help businesses to build relationships with their audience. By showcasing a brand's products or services in action, a well-made video can help customers to better understand what a business does and how they can benefit from it.

In addition, film production can also help small businesses to tell their brand's story. Every brand has a unique story to tell, and film production can provide a powerful way to share that story with the world. By showcasing the people and processes behind a business, a film can help to build trust and familiarity with customers, and create a more personal connection.

Finally, film production can help small businesses to stand out from the competition. With so many businesses vying for attention online, it's important to find ways to differentiate oneself from the crowd. High-quality film production can help a brand to do just that, by creating visually compelling and engaging content that captures the attention of potential customers.

For businesses in Lafayette, LA, there are many resources available to help with film production. There are numerous talented filmmakers and video production companies in the area who can help businesses to create the perfect video content for their needs. Whether a business is looking to create a promotional video, a social media campaign, or anything in between, the right film production team can help to bring their vision to life.

In conclusion, film production is a vital tool for small businesses in Lafayette, LA and beyond. By connecting with customers, telling their brand's story, and standing out from the competition, businesses can use film production to build their brand and drive success. With the right film production team by their side, any small business can create compelling, high-quality video content that engages and inspires customers.

The Role of Sound Design in Video Production for Lafayette, LA

Video production is a complex process that involves various elements, such as scripting, directing, shooting, and editing. While visuals are undoubtedly crucial in creating a compelling video, sound design is equally important. In Lafayette, LA, where the film industry is getting established, understanding the role of sound design in video production is essential to creating high-quality and engaging content.

What is Sound Design?

Sound design refers to the process of creating and manipulating audio elements in a video to evoke emotion, create mood, and enhance the viewing experience. Sound design involves various elements such as dialogue, music, sound effects, and ambiance, all of which work together to create a cohesive audio experience.

Importance of Sound Design in Video Production

• Enhances Emotional Impact

Sound design can significantly impact the emotional response of viewers to a video. For example, the use of appropriate music, sound effects, and ambiance can create tension, suspense, or excitement, leading to a more engaging and memorable viewing experience.

• Improves Clarity

Clear audio is essential in ensuring that viewers can understand and follow the narrative of a video. Sound design plays a crucial role in enhancing the clarity of audio elements, such as dialogue and narration, and ensuring that they are audible, clear, and intelligible.

• Creates a Sense of Realism

The use of sound effects and ambiance in video production can create a sense of realism and immerse the viewer in the environment depicted in the video. For example, the use of ambient sounds such as traffic, birds chirping, or wind blowing can create a realistic and immersive soundscape.

• Sets the Mood

Sound design can significantly impact the mood of a video. The use of appropriate music, sound effects, and ambiance can create a specific mood, such as happy, sad, or suspenseful, leading to a more engaging and memorable viewing experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sound design plays a vital role in video production. It enhances emotional impact, improves clarity, creates a sense of realism, and sets the mood. In Lafayette, LA, where video production is thriving, understanding the importance of sound design in video production can help create high-quality and engaging content. To achieve optimal results, it is essential to work with a professional video production company that understands the intricacies of sound design and can incorporate it seamlessly into the production process.

The Benefits of Video Marketing for Small Businesses

In today's digital age, video marketing has become an essential component of any successful small business marketing strategy. With the rise of social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, businesses in Lafayette, Louisiana, have the opportunity to reach a wider audience through video production. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of video marketing for small businesses in Lafayette.

1. Increased Engagement Video marketing is an effective way to grab your audience's attention and keep them engaged. Studies show that videos are more likely to be watched and shared than any other form of content. By creating compelling and informative videos, small businesses in Lafayette can increase engagement with their target audience, resulting in higher brand awareness and customer loyalty.

2. Improved SEO Videos can also help to improve a business's search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Search engines such as Google and Bing favor websites with video content and are more likely to rank them higher in search results. By incorporating video content into your website and social media platforms, small businesses in Lafayette can improve their SEO, resulting in higher website traffic and more potential customers.

3. Greater Reach Video marketing also provides small businesses with the opportunity to reach a larger audience. With the rise of social media platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, businesses can easily share their videos with millions of potential customers. By creating compelling and shareable video content, small businesses in Lafayette can increase their reach and attract new customers.

4. Improved Conversions Video marketing has been shown to improve conversion rates for businesses. Studies show that consumers are more likely to make a purchase after watching a video about a product or service. By creating informative and persuasive videos, small businesses in Lafayette can increase their sales and revenue.

5. Cost-Effective Video production can be a cost-effective marketing strategy for small businesses in Lafayette. With advancements in technology, video production has become more accessible and affordable than ever before. Small businesses can produce high-quality videos with just a smartphone and a few simple editing tools. By producing their videos, small businesses can save money on production costs and invest more in other areas of their business.

In conclusion, video marketing offers numerous benefits for small businesses in Lafayette, Louisiana. By creating compelling and informative video content, small businesses can increase engagement, improve their SEO, reach a larger audience, improve conversions, and do it all in a cost-effective manner. With the right strategy and execution, video marketing can help small businesses achieve their marketing goals and grow their businesses.

Behind the Scenes of a Successful Video Production

If you're interested in video production, filmmaking, or even just the behind-the-scenes aspect of the entertainment industry, then you're in luck! In this post, we're going to take a closer look at what it takes to create a successful video production, and we'll be doing it all from the perspective of the thriving city of Lafayette, LA.

First of all, let's talk about what exactly goes into creating a successful video production. There are a lot of different elements that need to come together in order to make a great video, including the script, the casting, the location, the lighting, the sound, and of course, the actual filming and editing. Each of these elements is essential to the overall success of the project, and if even one of them is off, it can derail the entire production.

One of the most important aspects of any video production is the filming itself. This is where the magic happens, where the actors bring the script to life, and where the director makes all the important decisions that will ultimately shape the final product. In order to make sure that the filming goes smoothly, it's important to have a great crew of professionals who know what they're doing and who can work together seamlessly. This is where the city of Lafayette really shines - there are plenty of talented filmmakers, videographers, and production crews in the area who can bring any project to life.

Another key aspect of video production is the editing process. This is where all of the raw footage is assembled and transformed into a polished, finished product. Editing can be a time-consuming and complex process, but it's absolutely essential to creating a great video. Again, Lafayette has no shortage of talented professionals who are skilled in the art of editing, and who can take a project from start to finish with ease.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the right equipment. Whether it's high-end cameras, top-of-the-line sound equipment, or the latest editing software, having access to the right tools is absolutely essential to creating a successful video production. Fortunately, Lafayette is home to plenty of companies and organizations that specialize in providing filmmakers and video producers with the equipment they need to get the job done right.

At the end of the day, creating a successful video production is all about bringing together the right people, the right equipment, and the right vision. Whether you're working on a small indie project or a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster, the same principles apply. With the talented professionals and resources available in Lafayette, there's no doubt that the city is poised to become a major player in the world of video production and filmmaking.

10 Tips for Filming High-Quality Video on a Budget

In today's digital age, video has become one of the most powerful mediums for communication. With the rise of social media and video sharing platforms, creating high-quality video content has become essential for individuals and businesses alike. However, many people believe that high-quality video requires expensive equipment and resources. In this blog post, we will provide you with 10 tips for filming high-quality video on a budget.

1. Plan ahead - Before you start filming, it is important to plan your video shoot thoroughly. Decide on your storyline, shots, and angles before you start filming. This will save you time and ensure that you capture all the footage you need to tell your story effectively.

2. Use natural light - Lighting is one of the most important factors in creating high-quality video. Natural light is free and readily available, so try to use it whenever possible. Avoid filming in direct sunlight, as it can create harsh shadows and make your subjects squint. Instead, try filming during the golden hours (the first and last hours of sunlight) or on a cloudy day.

3. Use a tripod - Shaky footage can ruin an otherwise great video. A tripod is an affordable investment that will help you capture stable footage. It also allows you to set up your shots more precisely and reduces the chance of accidentally moving the camera.

4. Invest in a microphone - Poor audio can make even the most visually stunning video unwatchable. Invest in a quality microphone that is compatible with your camera or smartphone. You can find affordable lapel microphones or directional microphones that will greatly improve the audio quality of your videos.

5. Consider your background - The background of your shots is just as important as the foreground. Make sure that your background is free of distracting elements that may detract from your subject. Consider using a plain wall or a simple backdrop to create a clean and professional look.

6. Use slow motion and time-lapse - Slow motion and time-lapse can add visual interest to your videos and make them more engaging. Most cameras and smartphones have built-in features that allow you to capture slow motion or time-lapse footage.

7. Shoot from different angles - Varying your shots and angles will make your video more interesting and engaging. Try shooting from different perspectives and distances to create a more dynamic and visually appealing video.

8. Edit your footage - Editing is a crucial step in creating high-quality video. You can use free editing software like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker to trim your footage, add music, and create a polished final product.

9. Use stock footage - If you need additional footage for your video, consider using stock footage. Many websites offer free or affordable stock footage that you can use to enhance your video.

10. Practice Filming - High-quality video takes practice. Take the time to experiment with different techniques and learn from your mistakes. With practice, you'll be able to create professional-quality videos on a budget.

In conclusion, creating high-quality video on a budget is possible. By planning ahead, using natural light, investing in a microphone, and practicing, you can create visually stunning and engaging videos that will captivate your audience. So grab your camera, follow these tips, and start creating amazing video content today!

The Importance of Pre-Production in Video Production

Pre-production is the planning phase of video production. It’s the stage where ideas are developed, scripts are written, and logistical plans are made. Many people underestimate the importance of pre-production, but it’s a crucial step in ensuring the success of any video production project. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons why pre-production is so important in video production.

1. Saves Time and Money

Pre-production helps to identify potential problems before the production begins. For example, if a location is not available on the day of the shoot, it’s better to know in advance so that alternative arrangements can be made. Identifying such issues before production begins saves time and money, as last-minute changes can be expensive.

2. Sets Clear Objectives

Pre-production allows you to set clear objectives for the video production project. This involves determining the purpose of the video, the target audience, and the message you want to convey. When objectives are clearly defined, it’s easier to create a video that meets those objectives.

3. Builds a Strong Team

Pre-production involves assembling a team of professionals who will be responsible for different aspects of the production. This includes the director, producer, scriptwriter, cinematographer, and other key members. Building a strong team is essential for a successful video production.

4. Helps to Create a Budget

Pre-production is the stage where the budget for the video production project is determined. This involves estimating the costs for equipment, location, cast, crew, and other expenses. Creating a budget helps to ensure that the project stays within the allocated funds.

5. Provides a Roadmap for the Production

Pre-production provides a roadmap for the production. This includes creating a shooting schedule, identifying equipment needs, and creating a shot list. When there is a roadmap, it’s easier to stay organized during the production and ensure that everything is captured.

6. Enhances the Quality of the Final Product

Pre-production helps to ensure that the final product is of high quality. This involves selecting the right equipment, finding the best location, and casting the right actors. When everything is planned in advance, it’s easier to create a video that meets the desired quality standards.

In conclusion, pre-production is a critical step in video production. It’s the stage where ideas are developed, and logistical plans are made. Pre-production helps to save time and money, sets clear objectives, builds a strong team, creates a budget, provides a roadmap for the production, and enhances the quality of the final product. By investing in pre-production, you can ensure the success of your video production project.

Video Production Lafayette LA

Are you in search of a skilled and versatile production company for your next filming project in the Lafayette, LA area? Look no further! I am excited to offer our extensive experience and expertise in film production to contribute to the success of your project. Our passion for film and storytelling has driven us to acquire valuable skills that make us an exceptional candidate for your team.

As a filmmaker with years of experience, I have honed my skills in various aspects of production, including pre-production, production, and post-production. I have a deep understanding of storytelling and cinematography, and I know how to use the latest tools and technologies to deliver quality work that meets clients' needs. Additionally, my experience working in different production environments has made me adaptable and flexible, allowing me to handle challenging situations with ease.

Moreover, I am a team player with excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. I have collaborated with diverse teams on various projects and have learned to respect different perspectives and ideas. With a proven track record of meeting tight deadlines and delivering high-quality work, you can count on me to be a reliable and efficient member of your team. Hire me for your next production project, and I guarantee that you will be pleased with the outcome.

Should Non-Profits & Schools Live Stream in 2020?

You may be asking why everyone is live streaming. Businesses are doing it, individuals are doing it, and now a lot of non-profits and even schools are doing it, but what's the big deal?

The Benefit of Live Streaming

Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube have become the hub for communities in the past decade. People of all ages flock to these platforms to join their communities in conversation and to enjoy sharing content. Covid-19 has also forced most communities online and now social media platforms are one of the only ways people can continue to stay together. As a non-profit or a school, you probably have a Facebook Page and maybe even some Facebook Groups. People can share information and have conversations in the comment section, but it still doesn't seem like a real conversation. This is because it's not an active conversation. When people post and comment it's intermittent; there’s no instant shared dialogue. Live streaming solves this issue by allowing people to have an active conversation, and also allows the presenter to interact with their audience in real-time. Being able to interact with each other via live streaming leads to a more active community.

Another important aspect of live streaming is the ability to rewatch the stream on YouTube and Facebook. If someone in your community missed the stream they can always rewatch it. Not only can people have an active conversation, but they can also rewatch the stream to check back on the conversation and revisit parts of the stream. This is even better than having a physical class or even a meeting.

Why Non-Profits and Schools Should Live Stream

Since live streaming allows your community to connect in real-time, there’s a multitude of events you can host via live streams. Answer questions in real-time while broadcasting a class. Get feedback from your partners and community during a non-profit weekly update. Host staff or employee training and interact with them during your training to increase involvement. That’s only a few different ways live streaming can help benefit your non-profit or school.

How to Live Stream

Of course, you could use an iPhone as a camera but according to live streaming company Livestream, “67% of viewers say the quality is an important factor when watching a live stream.” Smartphones don’t produce the best quality footage. We suggest using a 4K camera like the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (BMPCC) for better detail and clarity in your live streams. Even though your live streams will be delivered in 1080p HD, shooting in 4K enhances the amount of detail in your footage leading to a visibly better quality live stream.

You’ll also need good quality audio. Using a lavaliere mic looks the most natural since they can clip on your shirt. A good shotgun mic like the Sennheiser MKH 416 is a step up in price but can be off-camera to look even more natural than a lavalier. Matt Valentin has many different audio solutions for high-quality audio.

If you plan on using more than one camera, you’ll need a video switcher like the Blackmagic Atem Mini Pro. With this device, you can choose which angle looks the best and show that angle with the press of a button. You can also use this device to broadcast to Facebook and YouTube Live.

You’ll also need good lighting. Cameras need a good amount of light to have a clear image. If you’ve ever tried using your smartphone in low light, oftentimes when there’s no sunlight,  you can get a grainy image. The same thing happens to other cameras. Using a couple Aputure MC’s can help brighten up your scene and give your camera enough light to produce clear footage. You can set one camera towards your face as a key light and set the other in the background as a fill light. This often sets a halo-like effect around the head showing the contours and gives more depth to your footage. Just having these two lights can greatly improve your footage.

After you have all your equipment, you’re ready to start live streaming. Using software like OBS will take your footage and audio and send it to a live stream distribution service like Restream. Restream sends your broadcast to Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and other platforms simultaneously. You’ll need to ensure all your camera, audio, and stream settings are chosen carefully to successfully broadcast your live stream.

Summary

There’s no doubt that live streaming brings communities together online. No other digital experience brings you real-time conversations and interaction with the added benefit of re-watching the event.

It’s also incredibly easy to get started with live streaming and as long as you have the right equipment you can produce high-quality live streams for your community to enjoy.

We understand it can be overwhelming to start live streaming with the amount of equipment and having to choose the right settings, that’s why people trust Matt Valentin to produce their live streams. Matt Valentin has high-end professional live streaming equipment with multiple cinematic 4K cameras, professional video switching, various LED video lighting options, and the personnel to produce an extremely high-quality live stream event.

If you want to reduce stress and simply produce a high-quality live stream for your community whether you’re an educator or a non-profit looking to inform your community, hire Matt Valentin.

Let’s do this!

If you’d like to hire Matt Valentin for your next live stream, please use the form below,

The Best Live Streaming Guide for Musicians in 2020

Live streaming has quickly become the most consumed form of streaming media. According to the live streaming o.g. Livestream, "80% of consumers prefer to watch live videos from a brand than read a blog". Live streaming technology continues to advance, putting cinematic quality streams in the hands of prosumers. Now you can bring cinema level quality to your own online live music performances more affordably than ever before. It's exciting knowing you'll be interacting with a live audience, potentially from more than your home city or state. Live streaming allows you to garner broad exposure across a multitude of demographics and reach people you never thought was possible.

Preparing for a Live Stream Performance

It's important to remember the 6 P's: prior preparation and planning prevents poor performance. Being prepared will ensure your performance goes smoothly, and your audience stays engaged. Keeping your audience interested makes your view count remain high. The more people watching and active in the chat brings you more exposure and views on any platform, whether you're going live on Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram.

1. Choosing a Live Streaming Location

2. Live Streaming Cameras

3. Live Streaming Video Switcher

4. Live Stream Video Lighting Equipment

5. High-Quality Live Streaming Audio Equipment

Choosing a Live Streaming Location

One of the most important first steps is choosing a location. Make sure your location will have an ample amount of space for your performance to look natural and comfortable. If you're comfortable, your audience will be too. Make sure you'll have enough space for your entire band and production crew to maneuver freely. Take into consideration the amount of equipment that will be on set. Your location should match the mood of your performance. Pay close attention to the materials used in the space you choose. For instance, brick walls, and dark rustic wood floors suggest a more raw and intense vibe whereas clean white walls with pristine marble floors present a gentler mood. Wide-open space with high ceilings and smooth one-color walls versus a smaller room with eclectic wallpaper and low ceilings establish vastly different moods. Carefully consider these things. You'll find the perfect location will captivate your audience, but that's only one aspect to the many necessary for a successful live stream.

Building the Perfect Live Streaming Set

You'll have to pay close attention to how you position your band and equipment on set. Do you want them to be facing one direction? Maybe you favor a circle or even half circle setup. It's important to solidify the positioning of your band on set to make sure you get the best camera angles while live streaming. You also want to make sure your film crew can move about freely. No one wants to see a camera go down from tripping on a mic stand or some wires. Know exactly what camera angles you want to present. This will help establish the best positioning for your band and will give better direction to your film crew. You'll also want to minimize the amount of equipment on set. If an amp or stands don't need to be there, they should be removed off set. There shouldn't be a lot to take in besides you and your performance. Keep other items like plants or random furniture to a minimum as well. If a stool is on set but doesn't need to be used, remove it. On the other hand, don't be afraid to use plants or other objects like home furnishings to spruce up your set. Keep it to a minimum but if an item will bring some extra interest to your set without being too distracting and it can be out of the way of your band and film crew, use it. Be creative, but keep things clean. Keep your wires and equipment tidy and out of sight if possible. This will ensure a distraction-free live streaming set.

Live Streaming Cameras

Using the right cameras, like the Blackmagic 4K Pocket Cinema Cameras, will ensure your live stream will look professional. People won't stay long if your live stream looks low-budget and low-quality. The human eye is drawn to clear, detailed footage. That's why people are so adamant about buying and viewing on devices that have higher and higher resolution. We're at 8K now, which is extremely high resolution, even greater than what the human eye can perceive to be good quality versus 4K. The greater the resolution the more detail can fit on a screen. People can definitely tell a difference between a 720p video and a 1080p HD video. With our devices now having such high resolutions, it's clear when people upload in lower resolutions. The best resolution for live streams is 1080p. This is a great middle-ground for both quality and deliverability for your live stream video. However, even though you may be streaming in full 1080p HD the quality is handicapped by data speed and streaming platforms. Less video information means less wifi or cellular data consumed by your device. That's really important to the internet provides so their customers don't complain about slow internet, thus why Facebook and Youtube have compression. Facebook and YouTube compress your live stream video causing some of the information to be removed to improve the delivery of the content. When everyone uses less data, everyone gets faster internet. Make sense? There's one issue though. The compression causes your live stream video to lose some quality, but it's more obvious when your footage is already at a lower quality or resolution like 720p. Usually, Full HD video cameras are the standard for live streaming, but 4K cameras are even better. Cameras capable of capturing 4K when scaled down to 1080p HD will look more detailed than a camera that can only shoot in full HD. This is because their sensors capture more information, but serve the footage in a 1080p format. Luckily, Matt Valentin uses 4K cinema cameras for high-end visual clarity. This ensures your live stream video looks clear and detailed.

Live Streaming Video Switcher

Another essential piece of equipment is a video switcher, like the Blackmagic Atem Mini Pro. This takes the feed from multiple cameras and broadcasts the one you choose. Using multiple camera angles makes your event more interesting to your audience and using a video switcher makes showing the best angle a breeze. Matt Valentin uses a professional-grade full HD video switcher that can easily show the best shot at the proper time.

Live Stream Video Lighting Equipment

It's extremely important to use film lighting to achieve a well-lit video set. Cameras need plenty of light to produce a clear image. Without proper lighting, you'll need to increase your camera's ISO setting which causes digital noise, distorting your footage. You'll also want to use lights to adjust the mood of the set's atmosphere. Your performance has a deeper impact when every aspect including lights sets the tone. Color changing LED lighting systems are incredibly important for this reason and Matt Valentin uses a variety of LED lighting equipment to achieve the perfect atmosphere for any performance.

High-Quality Live Streaming Audio Equipment

For the best representation of your music, you'll need to use high-quality audio gear, including microphones, monitors, and a soundboard. You may need to use house speakers if you're playing for a live audience, but for a dedicated live stream performance, house speakers are not necessary and can complicate things for the mixing engineer. Matt Valentin offers a light PA system for simple speaking live streams. It's best to provide audio gear for your live streaming performances since you'll know exactly what equipment you need for your whole band.

Putting Everything Together

Now that you've got your location, your set, and all your equipment, you're ready to bring the best performance to live stream platforms and reach a broader audience than a single location could.

But what if you don't have access to cinema-grade cameras or a full RGB LED lighting system, or have the money to purchase a video switcher and all the other gear mentioned in this article. Matt Valentin has you covered starting only at $500. Matt works from the ground up and can help you plan your entire live stream performance from start to finish. Matt Valentin makes the process simple and easy. He can work with you to find the perfect location, design the best set for you and your crew, and provide all the video equipment and crew necessary to produce a high-quality, full HD live stream that will make a huge impact on streaming platforms. If you're ready to perform live and want to get started, reach out to Matt Valentin and...

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Scale Your Business with Live Streaming in 2020

You already know the importance of video for your business, and how sales are massively improved with the utilization of marketing videos. If you didn't here are some stats to prove it according to Wyzowl:

1. 80% of video marketers say video has directly helped increase sales.

2. 95% of video marketers say video has helped increase user understanding of their product or service.

3. 83% of video marketers say video has helped them generate leads.

4. 89% of video marketers say video, in general, gives them a good return on their investment.

5. 95% of video marketers plan to increase or maintain their spending on video in 2020.

The value's there for video, but live streaming has become increasingly more popular according to Livestream, 80% of consumers would rather watch live video from a brand than read a blog and 82% prefer live video from a brand to social posts. One in five videos on Facebook is a live video. Now that we've established the importance of live video for your business, how can you utilize live streaming to scale your business?

Real-Time Engagement with Marketing Live Streams

Live streaming allows businesses to share information, engage with an audience, and build their community in real-time. A blog shares information and a post can build community with the comments section, but each step is a consolidated event. A blog post can be a stagnant, non-engaging method with the comment section at the bottom of the page and many blogs have the comment section hidden. Even comment threads in video and social posts take time to build up a conversation. Sometimes those conversations aren't even relevant.

However, live videos have real-time chat where the presenters can engage with their audience and moderators can remove any non-relevant comments. Having this amount of control keeps the conversation on topic and marketers can answer questions by real people for all to see right then and there. Being able to communicate with your potential customers directly while also sharing product or service information brings huge brand awareness gains and has the potential to reach a wider audience. Live videos stay posted on YouTube and Facebook meaning they can be viewed and shared after the event is over. After you've engaged with your audience in real-time, now that live stream can work for you overtime.

High-Quality Live Streams Over Quantity

According to Livestream, 67% of people say the quality is the most important factor when watching a live stream. That means people pay close attention to the production value. You may be tempted to simply whip out a phone and start live streaming, as both YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram offer this feature, but you'll be sacrificing on production quality by using an inferior camera and production setup. People will notice. It's better to produce high-quality live streams than simply pump out live streams as easily as possible without proper planning and preparation. You want to impress your audience and engage them, not immediately push them away by poor quality live streams.

Best Camera Quality for Live Streams

These days, you'll be hard-pressed to find a live stream below 1080p HD quality. That's the standard for live streaming and online video, but it's even better to shoot your live streams with 4k cameras, even if you'll be delivering in 1080p HD. Cameras with 4K sensors can capture more information leading to higher image quality and detail compared to shooting only in 1080p HD. Matt Valentin uses not only 4K cameras but cinematic 4k cameras for the highest quality live streams.

Best Live Video Switcher

Using multiple cameras greatly increases your live stream's production value. One camera angle becomes stagnant quickly. Showing your audience more angles builds interest and keep's them engaged. Using a live stream video switcher like the Blackmagic Atem Mini Pro allows you to easily choose which camera you want your audience to see. Matt Valentin provides video switching with an operator so you can get the best shot at the perfect time.

Best Live Stream Lighting Setup 

Lighting is another important aspect when shooting video. Without enough light, cameras tend to produce a grainy and distorted image. You may notice this when you try to take a video or photo with your smartphone in a low light situation. You'll want to use proper LED lighting like the Aputure MC to get the right amount of light. You'll need enough light for your presenters, whether that be one or many people making sure you use proper lighting techniques like using a key light, fill light, and backlight for better contrast and depth in your footage. Simply using a room light will make your footage look flat and boring. Lighting makes a huge difference, and Matt Valentin just so happens to be an expert on film lighting. He also happens to provide high-quality LED lighting gear for live stream projects and makes the lighting process easy by imparting his years of film expertise to get the best light possible, leading to a higher quality live stream.

Best Audio Equipment for Live Streams

Audio plays a crucial role in live stream quality and can make or break your live stream. You'll want to use dedicated video microphones, whether that be shotgun mics like the Sennheiser MKE 600 or lavalier microphones like the Sennheiser EW 112P. Both shotgun mics and lavaliers can be hidden well to minimize distractions. Matt Valentin provides audio equipment to capture crystal clear audio for your business live streams.

How to Get Started with your Live Streams

Once you have all the right equipment for your live stream, you'll need to use the streaming program OBS to combine your equipment and send the feed to a multistreaming service like Restream to broadcast your live stream to platforms like YouTube and Facebook. Here's a helpful video on how to connect these services.

High-quality live streaming can be very tedious, especially with all the different aspects necessary. As we stated before, your audience will notice the quality of your streams, so you'll want to ensure you're providing the highest quality to stand out from the competition. If you don't want to worry about finding the right equipment or the right settings for OBS and Restream, simply hire Matt Valentin. We'll provide the equipment and personnel to ensure you get the highest quality live streams so you can reach a wider audience and interact with your community in real-time. There are so many positives to live streaming in 2020. You can interact with your community, share your products or services, answer questions about those products or services, and keep your audience on the topic at hand to increase your brand awareness and even sales, ultimately grow your business...in real-time. Hire Matt Valentin today and start scaling your business with live streaming.

Let’s do this!

Use the form below to get started on your next live stream project.