3 Lessons from My Latest Live Stream Gig

The old adage, what can go wrong usually does is ever present on production sets. Recently, I wrapped a live stream that reminded me of three simple but powerful lessons about production. Whether you’re a producer, a client, or just someone who loves a peek behind the curtain, here’s what I walked away with.

1. Audio Is Everything

You can have the most beautiful lighting, the slickest camera moves, and a rock-solid stream , but if the audio’s bad? Game over. And Audio is usually the last thing people think about. The clients were all over the picture, the framing, the lighting. But audio? Not sure they even cared.

On this shoot, we we're outside at a conference located on a busy walkway, Music from other speakers, catering rolling metal crates back and forth and hot mic changes during the live. The fix? We got creative with mic placement, sound blankets, and constant communication with the audio tech. Lesson learned: never assume the sound will behave. Walk the space early, and always have your audio lead looped into every decision.

2. Test, Test, Then Test Again

If it plugs in, connects, or needs Wi-Fi, test it. Then test it again.

We did a full run-through the day before and discovered that the event’s “dedicated line” wasn’t so dedicated after all. A few calls and a new router later, we were solid. But that hiccup could’ve taken us down live if we hadn’t been obsessive about pre-checks.

Live streams are like flying a plane: once you’re in the air, there’s no pulling over to fix something. Build in extra time, test your backup systems, and have a plan B (and C).

3. Clarity Saves Chaos

Roles and responsibilities make or break a show. Everyone might think they know who’s doing what — until something goes wrong.

Before showtime, I pulled the team together and we walked through every cue, handoff, and “who’s got eyes on what.” It took 15 minutes and saved us hours of potential stress. Clear communication isn’t fancy, but it’s the difference between a seamless show and a scramble.

Live streaming is equal parts art and logistics. It’s adrenaline, teamwork, and troubleshooting all rolled into one. And when it all comes together — when the mics are hot, the stream is steady, and the team’s in sync — there’s nothing better.