SMTD “Look to Michigan” Campaign Kickoff
Sly Pup Productions worked with the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) to produce the school’s “Look to Michigan” Campaign Launch Event. Launch events took place university-wide - each school responsible for their own - and SMTD’s replaced the yearly Scholarship Showcase but added numerous technical elements and needed to flow seamlessly between cues.
The event featured student and faculty speakers from across the school as well as live performances and pre-recorded video documentaries from students whose opportunities were afforded from scholarship donations.
Donors were invited to enjoy the show live or watch on a livestream, and we understood it was imperative both formats operate flawlessly to create an engaging and inspiring event.
While the main audio system was provided in the venue, we employed our own mixer, wireless mics, front fills, and foldback speakers. All audio inputs were split on a redundant Dante network between front-of-house and a separate broadcast mix for the livestream so separate engineers could focus on each mix.
Sly Pup Productions provided a 6-pack of wireless intercom which allowed our crew and the staff stage managers to roam throughout the venue as needed, and production and camera channels were separate so the livestream director could call angles without loading down the show caller.
We also took over feeding the venue’s projector so we could cue video rolls for the in-house audience. Primary and backup Mitti video playback computers were used to ensure no gaps in the show. The livestream included the video playback, 2 operated and 1 static cameras, intro/outro graphics, and lower third overlays for each performance. While our output to the streaming platform was scaled to 1080p, the entire camera, video, and graphics chain - and ISO and program records - were all done in high-bitrate 4K and provided to the school’s marketing and communications department for future use.
