What is Live Switching?
Streaming Media Producer kicks off its "What Is...?" series tackling essential topics in the streaming media production world with a look at live switching, touching on the differences between switching and mixing, assembling the components and crew of a live switch, and the basics of "punching" a multi-camera show or event for live delivery.
It's a Rush!
Having directed and produced live and live-to-tape productions for nearly two decades, I can attest that it's a rush. If you've never been on stage in live theater, this is pretty close. The adrenaline flows because every button push is final and seen by the entire audience, whether they're watching on-site, on TV, the web, or all three. It's like acting on stage because, if there's a mistake, you need to learn how to deftly adapt and handle the situation.
In a live-switch, there's rarely a time when you can ask the people you're shooting to stop and do it over. The football player will not run the touchdown again because you weren't ready. The concertgoers aren't going to want to hear a song a second time because you punched the video poorly. The pastor who just delivered a super-passionate sermon can't do it again because you thought you had his camera as the "live" camera but didn't. And the corporate CEO doesn't want you to cut to people dozing off during his presentation-even if it was by accident.
You're live on the web and you need to bring your "A" game. After a while, live switching gets easier. It's almost like a muscle: The more you use it, the stronger it gets.
If you want to see what an adrenaline rush is, watch the director of the Academy Awards call the live switch during this live broadcast. If you can feel the energy in the room escalate as it goes, and your own heartbeat quickens, then live TV may be your calling.
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