How to Go Live in 90 Seconds after Getting to the Story
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Back in the day (I can't believe, I'm saying, "back in the day") when you pulled up to a breaking news story, it would take quite some time to go live.
You had to wait for the live truck, establish a signal, run cables and set up the camera.
Now, it's possible to go live from the scene within just a couple of minutes after you arrive. No live truck, no cables and no Photographer needed. You just need your phone and you are good to go.
Sky News Reporter Harriet Hadfield is a pro at going live quickly.
Sky News prides itself in being able to “go live” in only 90 seconds.
Here is what Hadfield carries that allows her to go live in just seconds:
Microphone with iPhone cable
Lightweight head-height tripod
Case/holder to attach to tripod
Second phone and earpiece
Gorilla mini tripod
Attachable light
iPhone Lapel mic
External battery charger
iPhone 6+ with Dejero installed
MiFi to boost signal
Hadfield explained how she has two phones – one for the live recording and one to actually use, whether this be to contact the Sky team, to find more signal or even just to make a simple call. Most importantly, however, is how this second phone helps with her earpiece, allowing those at Sky HQ to speak to her when she is live on air.
The tripod must be head-height, she insisted, and so many tripods on the market simply are not tall enough to do the job. For smaller-scale jobs, a Gorilla tripod would be fine, however for live broadcasting involving her voice, her head needs to be in frame.
The Dejero+ app, installed on her first iPhone, is Sky’s preference when it comes to capturing the live stream. Although Hadfield admitted to “not being the most technical person”, she mentioned how the app is considered better than the alternatives by the team at Sky. With a simple and easy-to-use interface, the app ensures she can make live recordings, edit any non-live pieces and upload the files to the servers at Sky with ease.
As for going live in only 90 seconds, it evidently requires practice and skill. After arriving at the location, the first thing she does is to check for signal and data. Without these, there is no broadcast. Next she has to open the Dejero+ app, and shortly after calls the Sky team to make sure the link is working. She then sets up her kit, assembling the tripod and making any attachments that need to be made. The sound team are called next, ensuring her earpiece works. After doing a speedy sound and framing check, Hadfield is then ready to go live.
Sure beats back in the day.
God, I'm old.
H/T News Rewind
