The Live Production of the Milestones in Mentoring Awards
Live event production is always a high-stakes endeavor, but when it comes to celebrating excellence in mentorship, every detail must be flawless. The Plank Center’s Milestones in Mentoring Awards is an annual event that honors outstanding leaders in the communications industry. Perfect Cut Productions had the privilege of producing this live broadcast annually since 2014, ensuring a seamless experience for both in-person attendees and the virtual audience.
Pre-Production: Laying the Groundwork for Success
As with any high-profile event, success begins long before showtime. Our team collaborated with The Plank Center organizers to map out the key moments of the program, plan for multiple camera angles, and incorporate dynamic visuals that enhanced the storytelling.
We conducted extensive site surveys, planned for proper lighting and audio setups, and coordinated with venue staff to ensure a smooth technical execution. In addition, we worked closely with the event’s speakers and honorees to prepare on-stage moments that felt both natural and polished.
Technical Setup: Crafting a Multi-Layered Production
Bringing a live broadcast to life requires an array of technical elements. For the Milestones in Mentoring Awards, we deployed a multi-camera setup, including:
Three broadcast cameras for wide and close-up shots.
A roaming wireless camera to capture candid moments and audience reactions.
A dedicated graphics and video feed for lower-thirds, honoree highlights, and branding elements.
Our crew ran all video feeds through our BMD ATEM 2 M/E switcher, ensuring smooth transitions and dynamic cuts that mirrored the energy of the evening. We also provided direct audio feeds from the venue’s AV team, ensuring clear and balanced sound for both in-room guests and the virtual audience.
Showtime: Making It Happen in Real-Time
When the event went live, our entire production team worked together like a well-rehearsed orchestra. Our director called the shots in real-time, ensuring that each transition felt natural and kept the energy high. The graphics team kept honoree titles, speaker names, and sponsor shout-outs perfectly timed and integrated throughout the program.
The honorees’ speeches were the most memorable moments from the evening—each one packed with emotion and gratitude. With our well-placed cameras and seamless switching, we made sure to capture every smile, every heartfelt pause, and every standing ovation, bringing the audience right into the moment, whether they were in the room or watching online.
Post-Event: Delivering Impact Beyond the Live Stream
Even after the live stream ended, our work wasn’t finished. Our team quickly turned around high-quality video recaps, honoree highlight reels, and social media snippets to extend the event’s reach beyond those who attended in real-time. These deliverables helped The Plank Center continue celebrating mentorship excellence while engaging a broader audience online.
Reflections on a Successful Production
The success of the Plank Center Milestones in Mentoring Awards live broadcast was a testament to meticulous planning, technical expertise, and a deep appreciation for storytelling. At Perfect Cut Productions, we thrive on creating immersive live event experiences that elevate meaningful moments.
Whether it’s a corporate gala, an industry summit, or an awards ceremony, we bring a level of precision and artistry that ensures every second of the production is impactful. We’re honored to have played a role in recognizing the mentors who shape the future of communications and look forward to our next live broadcast challenge!