Framing the shot
The real estate for online video is typically far smaller than other mediums, so place your camera in a location that captures the speakers close up, with “head and shoulders” in view. Otherwise, they may look like ants when viewed on a computer screen!

Do not attempt to capture any slides shown at the event since these can be integrated much more effectively later on, as graphics or even more complex Flash animations. With Flash, you can deconstruct the slide content and present it in a very dynamic and energetic manner to captivate and keep the attention of the audience. A flexible platform that supports integrated multimedia, will give you the choice of when and how to display the slide content within the player, to create a more engaging layout and presentation.

Lighting is also a critical factor. The overhead lighting in a hotel meeting room is frequently inadequate, so some level of production lighting is essential; the tricky part is to create a set that will not obstruct the view of audience in the room. This is a delicate balancing act between having useful light for video, not blinding the presenters, and not interfering with the on-site audience.

Use multiple cameras
We recommend using multiple cameras to capture close-ups at the same time as wide angle shots which can then be used in post edit to create an interesting and varied program. Multiple cameras are also useful in cases where there are many speaker participants, such as a round table, so that all speakers can be captured on camera effectively.

Format of the video
The key thing here is that the video file should be in an editable format. If the video is not editable, it is usually not a candidate for repurposing online because it won't offer a good user experience. Using original camera-source material or media taken directly from the camera will offer the most flexibility in editing.

Capture additional content
If you will be using video from an upcoming live presentation, use the on-site production crew to tape additional "stand-up" segments either before or after the event, to provide additional footage that is optimized for online delivery. This “B-roll” footage can then be used as an introduction, or woven into the program to provide smooth segues throughout. You should script these segments to ensure the content is punchy enough to capture and keep the viewer’s attention, and so all of the content is tied together effectively.

Audience Response System (ARS)
Many live events use a handheld device called an audience response system (ARS) to capture feedback from the audience. For example, in the healthcare world educational events often incorporate testing throughout the course of the program, which participants responds to on an ARS. On the web, these test questions can be converted to interactive polls that online viewers respond to by selecting the best answer and clicking Submit. Additionally, event coordinators can pre-load response data from a live event so that web participants can see the aggregate response from their peers.

Handling of Q & A
Q & A can be a very compelling part of a conference because it’s interactive and hones in on the meat of the topic being presented. In order to use this content online, make sure that you have microphones available for questions so that each speaker can be heard. If the speaker can’t be heard, then have a moderator or host repeat the question.

Example programs
Following are a few examples of AccelaCast programs that have used best practices for capturing media at live events -