When a client says, “We just need someone to film and stream the event,” my first response is always: “Let’s define exactly what that means.” Because in livestreaming, those five words can mean five different budgets.

This guide is here to help you, the client, understand what goes into a livestream shoot—and why the price might not be what you expected.

Are we just providing a camera feed?

Sometimes, I’m simply a camera operator hired by another vendor to provide a clean feed via HDMI or SDI. That’s a lower-budget scenario because I’m not responsible for the streaming platform, overlays, switching, or internet connection.

Are there multiple cameras—and are they manned or unmanned?

If we’re talking two or more cameras (especially manned), that changes the crew, setup time, coordination, and gear loadout. An unmanned wide + a manned close-up is common, but costs less than a two-person crew. Add remote PTZ? Different setup.

Are we doing the livestream ourselves?

This is where production complexity (and cost) jumps. If my team is handling the stream in-house, you’re getting:

Professional video switchers (up to 8 inputs)
Graphics and overlays
Integrated presentations/laptops
Communication headsets
Redundancy protocols
Backup recordings
Most critically: cellular bonding for strong internet

Where is the livestream going?

Knowing the destination is essential.

YouTube is often the easiest and most reliable.
Private or ticketed streams often require paid platforms or embedded players.
Zoom? Totally different tech—can’t use bonded encoders.

We also need to know:

Are you using your YouTube channel, or should we stream it on ours?
Do you have a chat moderator?

What’s the internet situation on-site?

Do you have private Wi-Fi that won’t get bogged down by staff and guests?
Is there dedicated Ethernet access?
Is cellular bonding required because you’re in a field, a church, or a dead zone?

If your stream fails because 80 guests hopped on the Wi-Fi, you won’t care that the venue “said it was fine.” That’s why we ask. Every time.

Bonus: Is there professional lighting?

This one’s easy to overlook, but it matters.
If you’re livestreaming a speaker in a dim venue with no stage lights? That’s going to look rough. Lighting matters—especially for multi-cam work.

Final Thoughts:

We don’t just “show up with a camera and hit record.” Every livestream is its own mini-production. The more we know about your goals and tech needs upfront, the better we can plan—and the more budget-efficient we can be.

This isn’t about upselling. It’s about setting realistic expectations so you’re not disappointed mid-show.

If you’re considering a livestream project and want a custom quote, send us these details:

What is being streamed?
Where is it being streamed?
How many people are involved?
What’s the internet like on-site?
What’s your audience size and platform?

Let’s create something rock solid, together.

What Goes Into Pricing a Livestream Shoot? Here’s What Clients Need to Know Before Booking