Backstage passes for the masses!

Posted by basscleff

August 8, 2007

Webcams - backstage passes for the masses!

Your fans demand more! They just can’t get enough, but you’ve already put up a website, the band has a myspace profile, you have cd’s and t-shirts. What more do they want? How about unrestricted access to the band?

I’m sure that sounds good in theory, but a management nightmare in reality. For example, who controls the backstage passes, who grants access, who handles security? The solution? How about a webcam, and an old laptop! Can you say simulcast? Want to give fans access? Leave the cameras running during band rehearsal. You can even leave the cameras running backstage, or sidestage while the band is on.

It doesn’t always require money to get things done, and innovation is the mother of invention. So, that being said. broadcast your band, edit the footage, and use it as additional video clips for your video. Programs like muvee will help you produce great indie videos. Publish the videos everywhere you can (myspace, youtube, social networking sites, chat groups, forums, blogs)

How do I accomplish this?

1) Buy a web camera (webcam);
- a low resolution camera designed to send video or images to a computer, which in turn can be broadcast on the internet; used in chat programs like AOL, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, Skype etc; They can also be used online games, online dating websites, and with video capture and editing applications. Webcams are controlled by software on the computer. The software will enable features such as continuous video (live) and still or timer based images at preset intervals.

2) Get a laptop with a USB port;
- Webcams require a USB port on your PC; and software to install the proper drivers. These are usually included with the camera. Once you have the camera installed, you then must configure the camera to operate in the application you wish to use it with. MSN messenger has a camera configuration utility built in, as do Yahoo and several other instant messaging programs. Video Editing suites have import utilities and capture utilities to integrate with the camera.

Note: Depending on the model of the camera, you may or may not also require a microphone to allow sound to be transmitted with your video

Webcams are relatively inexpensive, and they can fit into small places, such as the computer desktop, the top of your amplifier or even on your drummer’s head! However, the quality of the video they broadcast is not suitable for professional use. Many camcorders and digital cameras have the ability to connect to a pc and be used as a webcam, if you require better quality than a standard webcam, you may wish to investigate these products.

3) Get some digital editing software. I’d suggest muvee;
- make a music video in just three easy steps by combining photos and video with the music and themes of your choice. Make demo videos of your new tracks, performances, etc. Many professional video editors use this software to make demos and rough cuts for their clients. You can check one out here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=akxPnWwRNnM.

muvee’s muveeNow, retails for $29.95. It can automatically cut video and pictures to match the beat of any music. It is not a hard-core photo and video editor, but an easy way for you to quickly upload your photos and videos, tweak a few settings and select your music. The software does all the heavy lifting. In addition, it has features that can distinguish “good” video from “bad” ( i.e., dark or overexposed) and eliminate red eye.

4) Promote it - Promote it - Promote it!

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