Content Marketing & Film Resource | Social Television Blog

5 Things You Need to Know About Live Stream Production

Paul Bouley July 07, 2015 Video Marketing, Creativity, Social Television Blog, Tips & Tricks, Content Marketing, live stream Leave a Comment

Live stream production is a powerful tool to get your message to the world. And it's something we love to do at MediaBoss.

Whether it's a presentation for your national offices or a product demo across the world, a well produced live stream can be an excellent communication tool.

That's why today, I'm going to share 5 things you need to know about Live Stream Production.

[Check out the video above or jump down to read the transcription]

1. Connection is Everything.

Beautifully shot, HD video means nothing if you don't have the bandwidth to properly send it out or keep a consistent stream. The last thing you want is for your feed to drop in the middle of your broadcast. Make sure you have a good connection to keep your stream up and uninterrupted!

Beautifully shot, HD video means nothing w/o proper bandwidth or a consistent stream.

2. Preparation is Key.

Yes, we can integrate your old commercial. Sure, we can manipulate your slide deck. Of course we can create and run custom graphics. But everything takes time and last minute changes can compromise a broadcast.

3. Remember, this is Live TV.

Think about your live webcast like the news. There is a show clock. Things need to happen at a certain time. If your production team doesn't have all the information something is bound to go wrong. Share the details with your production team and your broadcast will go off without a hitch.

4. Your event is more than just the Live Stream.

Think about your live stream as a series of stand alone segments. Everything we do is recorded to High Res files on solid state drives that can be edited down to individual videos however you'd like. Content creation is the name of the game and a live stream has legs well beyond the live event.

5. Why Have 1, When You Can Have 5?

Filming a single camera stream can be efficient, but it is likely to bore your viewers. Think about how many cameras a typical news program has. Now think about an NFL game. You want a one shot? Done. Back to a wide? Sure thing. Product close up? We've got that.

The additional costs for extra cameras won't break the bank. But a poor broadcast may cost you even more.

Those are the top 5 tips. If you have any questions about live streaming an event, we'd love to talk to you. Feel free to email me anytime: paul@mediabosstv.com

Video Marketing Creativity Social Television Blog Tips & Tricks Content Marketing live stream

Tony Awards: What You Can't See on TV

EricaLeBlanc June 12, 2015 Creativity, Social Television Blog Leave a Comment

Did you know you can actually buy tickets to the Tony Awards? It’s true, I did it! My friend and I spent $334 each (including fees, no shame) to watch the 69^th Annual Tony Awards from seats in the third from last row of Radio City Music Hall.

We all know the flow of an Awards Show. The witty hosts; the build up to an award; the acceptance speeches; the seated celebrity cutaways.

I wanted to share what happens when the cameras aren’t on during a live awards show.

First: Arrival

After getting all dolled up at a friend’s apartment in the middle of the Bronx, we took an Uber to Radio City Music Hall. As we were not “officially” deemed celebrity status by the “people who matter”, we got out of the car at the end of the blocked street.

We were a couple of hours early so we grabbed dinner in our black tie attire at a convenience store. Then attempted to spot celebrities on the red carpet.

Both my friend and I (despite heels) are height-challenged. We are short. Because of our vertical disadvantage, it was through the raised screens of others' iPhones that we caught glimpses of Kathy Najimy, Debra Messing, and Dame Helen Mirren as they exited their cars. This brought a new meaning to “live television” for the both of us.

We entered through the back entrance of the Hall with the other plebeians who had spent an exorbitant amount of money for the experience of watching tourists wonder why we weren’t important enough to be on the red carpet.

Then: The Pre-Show

As ticket holders, we knew the doors closed at 7:00. What we didn’t know was it was due to the pre-show beginning at 7:05. Luckily, my friend and I made it to our seats just in time to hear the 5 minute call. This was after a trip to the bathroom with someone I swore was P!nk, and paying $15 for a glass of wine. It was not P!nk. It was wine.

The pre-show consists of the presentations they show clips of after commercial breaks.

“Earlier tonight, we presented the award for this category you should care about to this person you should probably know.” Also: “This is what the people who run this event had to say.”

So think about this. When an awards show runs a half an hour to an hour long, the theatre audience has been sitting there for an hour longer than you have. Those awards also continued during most commercial breaks. This year, the presenters of these awards were the 2014 winners for Best Featured Actor and Best Actress in a Musical, James Monroe Iglehart and Jessie Mueller.

There was a mysterious man on the God mic (the microphone used to address the whole theatre). He announced the amount of time before going live. When the 45-seconds-to-go mark would hit, one could watch a scramble of seat-fillers trip over each other to make it to their seats in time. At five seconds we were all instructed to clap and the lights rose and the show began.

Next: The Tonys

Watching the show with a production perspective was impressive.

It was clear how much the crew had rehearsed to guarantee a smoothly run show. There were five steadi cams that roamed the floor for close-ups during nomination announcements. One of those also covered the stage. During performances this camera operator would sprint from the floor, up and over into the pit. Then he'd run onto the stage, and back into the pit with the help of his back spot. They all always knew where to be and where they were going. I assume they had earpieces telling them this info, but rehearsal notes were definitely studied.

There were three jibs. Three giant jibs. Two were hanging from the third mezzanine in front of us so the plebeians were not seen on television. The third one stayed on stage. It rolled out from behind the curtain to capture performances. During presentations it stayed hidden behind the curtain.

The stage was divided into several parts. Part of the stage was lit for award presentations and bits from the adorable hosting duo, Alan Cumming and Kristin Chenoweth. The other parts had cameramen and crew running around setting up for the next “scene”. In fact, when Rose Byrne and Bobby Cannavale were presenting for Best Featured Actor in a Musical you may have seen Rose Byrne laughing and looking away from the camera. Maybe you assumed she found the bit Chenoweth and Cumming did dressed in gender reversed roles from The King and I, amusing. Well folks, I'm here to tell you what really happened. While exiting the stage, Cumming’s dress got stuck. Chenoweth tried her best to pull him off stage by his arms, but it was a man in the audience that reached up and freed the dress. This is what live theatre is all about, people.

Finally: Personal Wrap Up

Although we were physically there, a part of me still felt like a spectator in the same way I do when I watch it on television. We were so far away that there were only two ways to tell who was talking on stage. Through the announcement of their names or by looking at the big screens on either side of the stage.

But this awards show is not designed for the entertainment of the 3rd Mezzanine patrons, is it?

It's purpose is to celebrate those who have accomplished amazing feats in the world of theatre.

It was this detachment that humbled me. I'm a theatre junky and I've never felt as fortunate as I did witnessing my heroes' achievements recognized. Even if it was through a second screen.

I mean, I was in the same room as them. The. Same Room.

Nothing could beat celebrating the triumphs of the Broadway family in a room - and mezzanine - filled with fellow passionate theatre people.

This year Broadway had more patrons than all the major New York sports teams combined. The Award for Best Book of a Musical went to an all female writing team. The first Excellence in Theatre Education Tony went to a performing arts teacher from North Carolina. And the Award for Best Musical went to a show about a young lesbian growing up with her gay father, Fun Home.

It was an experience I am grateful for - and hope to never pay for again. #TonysInviteErica2016

Below is a poor quality clip of what it was like at 50 seconds before going live after a commercial break. Please excuse the lady who was leaning forward in her chair expecting to see more that way.

[video ogv="http://mediabosstv.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/lsp_img_50Seconds_090615-081635.ogv"][/video]

[starbox]

Creativity Social Television Blog

A Roast of Roasters Roasting Roasters

EricaLeBlanc April 01, 2015 Creativity, Social Television Blog, Video Leave a Comment

It was a Roast for roasting Roasters, also Justin Bieber was there.

Is it just me or is the name that follows “The Roast of” just a celebrity endorsement to get millions of people to watch comedians make fun of each other? Now, this is not something I am opposed to, which is why I decided to highlight the best Roasters Roasting Roasters jokes of the night.

Kevin Hart
“Martha do us a favor and put your ankle bracelet on vibrate so we don’t have no problems.”

Pete Davidson
“I’ve been watching these roasts since I was 9 and what’s happening to you Jeff? You look like someone put Seth Rogen in the microwave.”

“Martha’s so old her first period was the Renaissance.”

“You might know Ludacris from your Mom’s ‘That’s What I Call Music’ CD.”

“Let’s give it up for Shaq! Thanks for being here and taking a break from throwing barrels at Super Mario…I’m sorry, please don’t eat me.”

Natasha Leggero
“You know Kevin is actually going to be on the next season of Game of Thrones, he’s playing Peter Dinklage’s shadow.”

“Kevin has a Napoleon complex. Kevin, Napoleon was the leader of France. Ludacris, France is in Europe. Justin, Europe’s a continent. Shaq, a continent is not a free breakfast.”

“When I first met Hannibal I was like, ‘You are going to be a star’ and when I first met Kevin I was like, ‘No, I don’t want to buy a candy bar to support your local after school program.’”

“Snoop you look like Shaq’s skeleton.”

Shaq
“Jeff, how am I the one who played 19 seasons, but you’re the one who looks like he took 20 years of elbows to the face?”

Jeff Ross
“Martha Stewart’s here because Paula Deen refused to sit with this many black folk.”

“Snoop…you look like a retired WNBA player.”

Hannibal Buress
“It’s good to see Comedy Central diversifying its talent with whatever race Pete Davidson is. You just look vague man…I don’t like it. I don’t like your face at all. You seem like a nice person, but when I talk to you I don’t have fun.”

“Natasha Leggero is here, which means right now there’s a bachelor party discovering that their cake is empty.”

Martha Stewart
I would list her jokes, but in true Martha fashion, they are all NSFW.

Justin Bieber came to his own defense at the end stating, “What do you get when you give a teenager $200 million? A bunch of has-beens calling you a lesbian for two hours.”

A special guest also supported the wild ways of the Biebs.

[starbox]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tny-Mcpp4js

Creativity Social Television Blog Video

All About That Bass…And Justice For Jason

EricaLeBlanc March 25, 2015 Creativity, Social Television Blog Leave a Comment

All About That Bass singer, Meghan Trainor, is currently on a country and worldwide tour, which has music fans with bass on the mind. It's no coincidence that sound mixer for the 1988 Metallica album ...And Justice For All, has just revealed a major secret about the bass presence, or lack thereof, on the album.

Steve Thompson, has been the center of accusations for the almost completely inaudible bass levels of Jason Newsted for the past 27 years. Fans have gone so far as to remix the album themselves to highlight his performance. In a recent interview, Thompson revealed that it was actually drummer of Metallica, Lars Ulrich, who was responsible. His conversation with Ulrich went as follows, “’See the bass guitar?’ and I said, ‘Yeah, great part, man. He killed it.’ He said, 'I want you to bring down the bass where you can barely, audibly hear it in the mix.'”(Full interview here) Bringing down the bass coincided with bringing up the…drums of course!

You can listen to one of the remixes that provides justice for poor bassist Jason, below.

If you're like me and don't know anything else about Metallica, you may find yourself critiquing it in a different way...it could use a little more cowbell.

[starbox]

[az_video_embed class="" link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kqTcLwUYj8"]

Creativity Social Television Blog

Cuts for a Cause: Documenting the Boston Bruins Giving Back

MediaBoss Television March 25, 2015 Production, Social Television Blog, Social Media Marketing Leave a Comment

The Boston Bruins called us up earlier this month and asked if we would cover their eighth annual "Cuts for a Cause" event at Boston's Park Plaza Hotel.

For the first time in the event's history, the entire Boston Bruin's team was slated to participate - thanks to the dedication of alternate captain, Patrice Bergeron.

The event works like an auction; participants bid on each player and the winner gets to shave that player's head in front of the live audience. We captured all the action with one of our broadcast cameras and fed the live feed to a switcher which played back the footage on a large screen behind the action.

Here are a few shots of the fun. The proceeds from the event benefitted the Boston Bruins Foundation and Floating Hospital for Children at Tufts Medical Center.

[gallery link="none" size="medium" ids="3735,3733,3732,3729,3730,3731"]

Production Social Television Blog Social Media Marketing

11 Winners The Academy Didn't Have Time to Announce : Oscars 2015

EricaLeBlanc February 23, 2015 Creativity, Social Television Blog Leave a Comment

The Academy Award for…

Worst Part of the 87^th Academy Awards
Neil Patrick Harris: He has won four Emmy Awards for his outstanding performances as a four-time host of the Tony Awards. Last night, we all learned that is not a gig he should stray from. Providing awkward, cliché, and predictable jokes, most of which appeared to upset Oprah, NPH proved that he should stick to song and dance that is written and choreographed for him, as his major success last night was the opening number. That bit with the briefcase was so hard to see. It was like watching a five year old trying to make a dove come out of his hat, but the dove died.

Most Awkward Presenter
Eddie Murphy: He is definitely very upset about something and is taking it out on Sunday night, televised events.

Most Uncomfortable Encounter
John Travolta: This wasn’t on Idina Menzel at all. We must keep our hands to ourselves John.

Most Talked About Snub
Joan Rivers: Are you kidding me right now?! I have a deep, emotional connection with Joan Rivers. She’s my bio quote on Twitter for goodness sakes, I couldn’t be more connected to her! (Side note- follow me @ericaleblanc99 I’m super obnoxious) That woman invented the red carpet, not to mention she had random roles in obscure movies! Shame on you Academy.

Least Talked About Snub
Elaine Stritch: She was a talent that film clearly didn’t deserve. Sure, she only had a few roles on the big screen, but remember when she out-eviled Jane Fonda in Monster-in-Law? THAT DESERVES SOME RECOGNITION! I’m so sorry, I’m just very passionate about this.

Snub That Should Just, Not Be A Thing…Always
Time: We understand that it is only 9:00 in California when it is midnight on the east coast, but it is midnight on the east coast. The show should not end on the beginning of a second day somewhere. That’s absurd.

SNL Appearance (Yes this is a category)
The Lonely Island: This made my little SNL heart light up with joy.

Making Everyone Cry
John Legend and Common: What power.

Wait, What Just Happened?
Lady Gaga: People forget that she can sing. She studied musical theater at a conservatory in New York…for an entire year or two.

Being Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews: Hearing her say “Dear Lady Gaga” in her perfect Julie Andrews voice made my heart smile.

The Bees Knees
Meryl Streep (with assist from Patricia Arquette): Yes go women and equal pay and all that, I’m just happy Meryl is happy.

[starbox]

Creativity Social Television Blog

Our Top Story Tonight: 4 Minute Review of 40 Years of SNL

EricaLeBlanc February 16, 2015 Creativity, Social Television Blog Leave a Comment

I quite honestly don’t know where to begin. I suppose first off, you must all understand that nothing about this post will be neutral. It is coming from a place of biased love and obsession. It will be ranty, unorganized, nonsensical, and to be frank, I don’t care.

Saturday Night Live 40 did everything right, except for the one thing they did wrong.

The first right thing was Betty White. Let’s be real, SNL could have had a 3.5 hour live show with Betty White and her tiny adorable self sitting in a living room chair smiling, giggling, talking about puppy dogs and the 23.1 million viewership would’ve been greater. Side note-she was not the lucky one in The Californians. Bradley Cooper has reached the height of his career with his solid 60-second make out session with the comedic queen. He is #Blessed.

Ugh, I just want to watch it again.

Next up, the remakes. It was amazing for those of us who haven’t seen some of the most famous characters and sketches live before, to watch them come to life during this episode. I’m talking Debbie Downer, Mary Katherine Gallagher, the Bass-o-Matic, Wayne’s World, ESPN Classic, Opera Man, Blues Brothers (Jim Belushi in for his brother), Marty and Bobbi Culp, and so many others. It just gave me chills. I mean Sean Connery? I’m so happy to have another way to offend Alex Trebek.

Subsequently, it was amazing to watch more recent SNL players and guests performing as former characters in past sketches. The most heartwarming impressions were from Emma Stone and Melissa McCarthy as Roseanne Rosannadanna and Matt Foley, respectively. Yesterday would have been Chris Farley’s 51^st birthday. Oh! Something that positively cannot be left out; the Jimmy/Justin Cold Open! There were so, so, so, many references that you’d probably have to watch at least two more times to understand them all. You would, not me.

Jane Curtin, a.k.a. the original ignorant slut, and her bitches that get stuff done; Amy and Tina had a perfect mini Weekend Update moment that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

Moving right along, there was just the right amount of flashback content. They showed all of the right montages of classic sketches and funny moments and – OMG THE AUDITIONS! From Gilda Radner to Chevy Chase, Keenan Thompson to Will Forte, Kristen Wiig, Darrell Hammond, and Jim Carrey – BY THE WAY, Jim Carrey totally beat Matt Lauer on the red carpet. Lauer backed Carrey into a corner asking about not making it onto SNL because of Al Franken, which was exceedingly inappropriate and childish. SO Jim Carrey totally retaliated by asking Lauer where he was hiding Brian Williams, and it was beautiful how uncomfortable he became.

So you’re probably wondering what was done Wrong. “Yes, I am.” Well the answer is Kanye West. Every reference, joke, performance was utterly disgusting. Stop inflating the ego and notion that he is anything relevant or desired.

But just so we don’t end on a bad note, here is a piece of perfection.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25gLcBgduHk

There is so much more I have to say, but I know a lot of you have already left the page at this point. If you want to fan girl with me or tell me my opinion is wrong, please hesitate or don’t hesitate to contact me.

Buh bye.
[starbox]

Creativity Social Television Blog

The Best 22.5 Million Spent at the Super Bowl This Year: Our Top 5 Favorite Ads

EricaLeBlanc February 05, 2015 Social Television Blog Leave a Comment

The Super Bowl holds claim to the most coveted spots for advertisements in all of television. Why? Well this past Sunday, Nielsen recorded that 114.4 million viewers watched the Patriots destroy the Seahawks…well, destroy in those final 26 seconds anyway.

Every year there seems to be a competition over who produces the funniest commercial. And this competition isn't a cheap one. Each commercial was estimated to cost 4.5 million dollars. So here are the top picks that stood out among the multiple film trailers and non-funny ‘be a good father’ PSAs - or as we put it in our headline, the best 22.5 million dollars spent at the Super Bowl this year.

[az_video_embed class="" link=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTQd0XYgo4E"]

T-Mobile did this right. Celebrity comedians making fun of themselves and fame as a whole, showing off ridiculously absurd and unrealistic rooms in the mansions neither of them probably actually have, and of course, the classic, “Girls are Better Than Boys, Sorry You Had a Boy”, conversation with new parents, all the while, never dropping the call.

[az_video_embed class="" link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsZMcAVTSWM"]

If Clash of Clans can destroy the mental state of a wannabe Ra’s al Ghul, then it must be exceedingly powerful. This commercial is funny, because it reflects every person watching it. We all have sought vengeance on a free app. We all have had the urge to throw our birth certificate in the face of a barista. And we all regret the day we crossed an angryneeson52.

[az_video_embed class="" link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9dtWCKHz4s"]

With yet another celebrity appearance, esurance appealed to the millions of depressed Breaking Bad followers with a glimpse into Walter White’s life after the series ended. Obviously, having a known drug…enthusiast…as a pharmacist is a hilarious situation, but the straight man (woman) in this commercial truly completes the funny package.

[az_video_embed class="" link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAcLViTHDOo"]

Fiat nailed their time slot by exposing a situation that, one can only assume, happens frequently to frisky Italian men across the world. Suspense is raised as the audience follows the little blue pill on its hard journey. To the excitement of surrounding women, the Fiat swallows up the pill and busts out into a burlier version of itself. A bang up job Fiat. But what happened to the old man? Well he has fallen asleep at what appears to be mid-afternoon.

[az_video_embed class="" link=" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha4k71AQqgA"]

“What is Loctite Glue? Why does it have a Super Bowl commercial? How can it afford a Super Bowl commercial? Why don’t I understand what is happening? Where can I get a unicorn pin? What did that last couple do with the glue?” There are no answers, there is only this: The fanny pack is back everyone.

[starbox]

Social Television Blog

Color Palettes: Tools to Help You Choose

Erin Hayes July 03, 2012 Creativity, Social Television Blog, Design Leave a Comment

The next time you're selecting a client's corporate color palette or searching for the color scheme to your next project don't let the process take over the project. Check out these free tools instead!

Color Hunter

Color Hunter is my personal go-to site when I need a little inspiration behind my color choices. It's simple to use and offers a great selection of randomly generated suggestions based on randomly generated photos from flickr. I'm a 'bigger picture' kind of person and it helps me to see the color palettes in action. If you are working with a specific picture, or know that you need to incorporate a certain color (as you often do when working with established brands) Color Hunter allows you to upload your own photo, enter the URL to a photo or search a certain hex color and provides a palette this way. Like many sites, Color Hunter gives you the 'dull' and 'vibrant' version of their suggested colors.

Colour Lovers

This is a cool site and great for those who love collaboration. It's a community site that allows you to sort through hundreds of user generated color palettes as well as patterns, pattern templates, shapes and colors. Colour Lovers also provides resources on the latest color trends used in weddings, home, fashion, web, print, craft and business. You need to be a member in order to participate and save your palettes, colors, patterns, etc., but you can sort through the members' concepts as a visitor. I've found this helpful in the first stage of design. I can generally derive a good sense of direction from sorting through Colour Lovers' resources.

Kuler

Kuler is Adobe's color palette generator. You can set your own palette by inserting the colors' hex values, or you can search through their library of color swatches. Once you are signed in to your Adobe account, you can download your color creations as Adobe Swatch Exchange (.ASE) files, which works with any of Adobe's Creative Suite applications. Personally, I prefer the sites that allow me to upload a photo to generate a palette, but I do like Kuler for its vast array of color palette suggestions. If left to my own devices, I could easily lose a day searching through the seemingly innumerable color combinations.

If you're looking for graphic design help, we'd be more than happy to help. Contact us!

Creativity Social Television Blog Design

MediaBoss Music Monday: The Adam Ezra Edition

Erin Hayes January 16, 2012 MediaBoss Music Monday, Social Television Blog Leave a Comment

Adam Ezra, of the Boston-based Adam Ezra Group, swung by our studio over the weekend to be a guest on our Rock n' Roll Talk Show, Scorch TV.

While he was here, Adam sat down and shared his Top 5 Songs to help you get through the week.

Adam Ezra is a Music Drives Us Ambassador, a terrifically talented song writer and musician, and an all around great guy. If you're interested in hearing his music or catching him live, check out the Adam Ezra Group's website or 'Like' him on Facebook!

MediaBoss Music Monday Social Television Blog

Social Television Blog

5 Things You Need to Know About Live Stream Production

Tony Awards: What You Can't See on TV

A Roast of Roasters Roasting Roasters

All About That Bass…And Justice For Jason

Cuts for a Cause: Documenting the Boston Bruins Giving Back

11 Winners The Academy Didn't Have Time to Announce : Oscars 2015

The Academy Award for…

Our Top Story Tonight: 4 Minute Review of 40 Years of SNL

The Best 22.5 Million Spent at the Super Bowl This Year: Our Top 5 Favorite Ads

Color Palettes: Tools to Help You Choose

MediaBoss Music Monday: The Adam Ezra Edition

Content Creation Blog

5 Things You Need to Know About Live Stream Production

1. Connection is Everything.

2. Preparation is Key.

3. Remember, this is Live TV.

4. Your event is more than just the Live Stream.

5. Why Have 1, When You Can Have 5?

Tony Awards: What You Can't See on TV

First: Arrival

Then: The Pre-Show

Next: The Tonys

Finally: Personal Wrap Up

A Roast of Roasters Roasting Roasters

All About That Bass…And Justice For Jason

Cuts for a Cause: Documenting the Boston Bruins Giving Back

11 Winners The Academy Didn't Have Time to Announce : Oscars 2015

The Academy Award for…

Our Top Story Tonight: 4 Minute Review of 40 Years of SNL

The Best 22.5 Million Spent at the Super Bowl This Year: Our Top 5 Favorite Ads

Color Palettes: Tools to Help You Choose

Color Hunter

Colour Lovers

Kuler

MediaBoss Music Monday: The Adam Ezra Edition

Never miss a post – Subscribe to our blog!

Recent Posts

Categories