Video services as it relates to Live Events are the life blood of BDBG Music. These service offerings are what keep us vibrant, profitable & effective.

Several categories combine under the umbrella of Live Events Video. They include;

V1, V2, Cam Op, Streaming, E2, Breakout Tech, Teleprompter & Projection. Each of these categories branch out to include a bunch of “stuff”, so here goes…

“V1” is the person responsible for all video aspects of a live event. They supervise the video crew and reports to the PM (Production Manager) who is ultimately responsible for the entire event. The V1 usually operates the video switcher & calls cameras. Their roles scale with the show. Sometimes the V1 is the only member of the video crew. Other times, the crew can be quite large based on the needs of the show.

“V2” is the right hand of the V1. Their main role is to assist & relieve pressure for the V1. V2 can encompass a wide array of assignments from camera shader, robo camera op, manage records, GFX Op, video playback, media management, DSM (down stage monitors), green room monitors, TVs in the foyer and other duties as needed. This role also scales to meet the needs of the event.

“Streaming Tech” includes sending the ‘program’ feed to the internet for viewing online. This can become a bit complicated as the technician may be uploading to a service like Vimeo on the back end but it’s then embedded into event software for a more privatized presentation. On many events, the Streaming Tech handles talent that appears at an event via Zoom, Teams or some other platform. Again, this role scales with the needs of the event.

“Camera Op” is an individual who operates a camera or cameras in a number of configurations. A “Sticks” operator, which is most common, is someone who mounts an ENG (professional grade) camera on a tripod and operates it. They are responsible for point, tilt, pan, focus & telephoto (zoom in & out). They are also responsible for back focus which can be an art all its own. They are not usually tasked with iris or white balance control. a “Handheld Op” is a person who holds the camera on their shoulder or on a rig and is responsible for everything a “sticks” operator does and more. A “Robo Cam Op” is responsible for PTZ camera(s). There can be several. They are responsible for shading as well as operation. They typically utilize memory presets for starting points on shots. Then there’s “Steadycam Ops” & “Jib Ops”. They’re a whole ‘thing’ of their own that I won’t be addressing here today.

The generic term “E2 Op” encompasses products made by Barco including Encore, E2, E2 Gen 2, S3, PDS-4K, EX and the forthcoming Encore 3. They are controlled via Event Master software via a computer or with the use of control hardware such as an EC-30, EC-50 or even an EC-210. This beast is its own baby that I will talk more in depth about in the future.

A “Breakout Tech” is a person pretty well versed in all aspects of A/V. They serve the needs of smaller ‘breakout’ rooms. They need to know about many categories of video as well as lighting & audio. Some ‘Breakouts’ can be larger crowds than other folks entire shows. In those cases, there’s usually an entire crew assigned to each breakout room.

“Projection” is the end product that’s viewed in the venue. It includes front projection screens, rear projection screens, flown or hanging screens, ground supported screens, LED walls, projector blends and projector mapping. I’ll go in to a deeper conversation about projection in the future but for now, just know it’s what is seen by most attendees.

Last, but not least is my favorite job an a show, “Teleprompter”. It involves a script in motion, controlled by an operator to provide a speech, directions, organization to an event. Though it’s not used on every show, it’s vital when it’s needed. On a live event, prompting can be displayed on a DSM, projected confidence monitor (similar to the lyrics on the back wall at a church service), a Presidential Prompter Rig or even large scale prompting solutions.

My favorite things to do are 1) Prompter Op, 2) GFX Op, 3) E2 Op & 4) V1. I enjoy all aspects of Live Event Video but these 4 are my favorite.

Thanks for taking time to read about all this stuff. Individually some items can be quite complicated, but none are all that difficult. It’s the interactivity of all these items that can become overwhelming.