So no internet, no mains power, no problem… Welcome to the edge of the world

A remote cottage in the South West, surrounded by countryside and some distance from anything resembling a reliable internet connection.

It was a stunning location. It just wasn’t an obvious place to produce a live webcast.

The client wanted to broadcast a live presentation and Q&A to more than 750 viewers across the UK and Europe. Our job was to bring everything the cottage lacked and turn it into a temporary broadcast location.

Challenge accepted.

The client brief

The setting was an important part of the programme, so moving the production to a studio or conference venue would have defeated the point.

Instead, we needed to film, vision mix and stream the entire event from the cottage. That meant creating our own internet connection, bringing enough portable power to run the production and fitting the equipment into a fairly cosy space.

The online audience would watch through a private embedded player, with the complete programme also recorded for on-demand viewing.

Creating a webcast connection in the countryside

With no suitable broadband available, we used a Teradek Link Pro to combine several 4G mobile connections.

The bonded connection gave us speeds of up to 50 Mbps in both directions—more than enough for the Full HD live stream. It also gave the production team a connection designed specifically for broadcasting rather than relying on the cottage Wi-Fi and hoping for the best.

Powering the production

The next question was how to power the cameras, microphones, vision mixer, streaming equipment and laptops.

A PowerOak portable supply provided 300 watts of 240-volt electricity for the main production equipment. We arrived with charged camera batteries and used solar panels to keep everything topped up during the day.

There was also the option of a quick recharge at the local pub, proving that every good production plan should include knowing where the nearest plug socket is.

A complete production in a small space

We kept the setup compact, using two professional cameras and a LiveStream HD550 to switch between presenters, presentation content, videos and graphics.

Wireless microphones captured the speakers without filling the room with cables. Outside, a drone filmed the surrounding countryside, helping establish the location and giving the programme a strong sense of place.

The result felt like a proper live production while still retaining the relaxed character of the cottage.

Production challenges and how we addressed them

The location gave us three main challenges: connectivity, power and space.

Bonded 4G provided the internet connection, portable batteries powered the equipment and a carefully planned two-camera setup allowed us to work comfortably without taking over the cottage.

Because the nearest equipment cupboard was several hours away, we also brought spare microphones, cables, batteries and recording equipment. The complete programme was recorded locally, giving the client a high-quality backup and an on-demand version to share after the event.

The result

The 60-minute webcast was delivered live without interruption to more than 750 viewers across the UK and Europe.

The client received a Full HD broadcast, a complete event recording and additional drone footage of the location. Viewers could enjoy the programme without needing to know that the entire production was running from mobile internet and portable power.

And that is really the point: the audience should enjoy the event, not spend it wondering how the crew managed to stream from the middle of the countryside.

Client quotation

“WaveFX provided a friendly and efficient service that allowed us to capture our event to the highest possible standard.” Jane Nolan, Nutrasight Consultancy

Where would you like to stream from?

A lack of broadband or mains electricity does not have to rule out a location.

WaveFX has supported more than 100 remote broadcasts using bonded 4G and 5G connections, satellite internet and independent power. From country estates and historic buildings to fields and temporary venues, we enjoy finding practical ways to broadcast from unusual places.

If you have an ambitious location in mind, give us a call. We love a challenge.

Call 01223 505600 or email hello@wavefx.co.uk.

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