4MEDIA GROUP’S 4 WAYS TO OPEN UP OPTIONS ON THE SET OF AN SMT
“Live from…”
A remote satellite media tour often delivers visually stunning set shots and, many times, a better booking list. Being “on location” helps producers enhance the visuals of their show or newscast. This is especially important for the morning broadcasts.
If you have done a remote SMT for a client, you know that budgets can be higher. This is often the case compared to when the tour is in a studio. Additional costs can include permits, longer cable runs, tents, and the satellite truck itself with additional crew members.
Many times, the additional budget is absolutely worth the results of remote satellite media tours.
Beyond budget, there’s usually another big consideration leading up the remote SMT: weather.
What happens if there’s a thunderstorm with lightning? What’s the backup plan? Can we easily park the SAT truck and run cable in the hotel conference room or home office? How much more will all of that cost?
Don’t let these factors stop you from using a remote set. There is a real option besides a satellite truck. Worth noting, we’re not advocating you abandon the satellite truck; they are used hundreds of times a year flawlessly. Just know there’s an alternative that addresses all the concerns about weather and changing plans.
4media group is now doing most of our remote satellite media tours with a mobile setup. This setup includes a LiveU, which has quickly become the standard in the TV industry.
In short, the LiveU unit is about the size of a modem. It lets audiences connect with stories through high-quality live video. This video can be sent from anywhere in the world. It uses special bonding and video transport technology.
Here are four benefits of using a mobile setup with LiveU:
- Endless location options: If there’s a cell signal or high-speed internet available, then you can use this setup for a tour. Our team has executed remote SMTs from global HQs, historic Civil Rights locations, trade shows, and more.
- Easy backup plans: If weather threatens the outdoor tour, the mobile setup can easily move to an indoor location. You can set up the mobile unit on one side of a small hotel conference room.
- The set shot can go on the other side of the room. And there’s no need to run cables from outside the building. Everything can be self-contained in one room if need be.
- You can live stream using your mobile setup. You can do this on Facebook, Twitter, or other platforms.
- TV interviews are not the only option. At 4media group, we urge clients to use digital options during an SMT production day. This helps their tour continue to live on after its airings.
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- Fewer logistics to handle: A good SMT company will handle all the logistics needed for your tour. With a mobile setup, you rarely need permits, generators, or other items usually needed for a remote SMT.
When thinking about incorporating a satellite media tour into your PR plan, always consider a remote location. The set can stand out and the bookings are often better. And now you know you have options to execute the tour almost anywhere with 4media group.If you have a question about a remote SMT, please contact us! We’re happy to help.