DPK Media planning guide
A useful live streaming quote is built around the event rather than a generic equipment list. This guide explains the decisions that shape the cost, the information a production team needs and how to compare proposals fairly.
Written for event organisers in Cape Town and across South Africa.
Cost factors
Two events of the same duration can require very different production plans. These factors explain most of the difference.
A short address, a full conference and a performance need different preparation, crew time and technical coverage. Setup, rehearsals, breaks, overtime risk and strike time should be considered alongside the public programme.
Room size, stage layout, sightlines, audience movement and access affect camera positions and cabling. Camera numbers should follow the shots the programme needs—not an arbitrary package size.
Online viewers need a clean mix of presenters, panels, performances, playback and questions. The quote must show whether DPK supplies audio, receives a feed from another supplier or coordinates a combined workflow.
A public stream is different from an unlisted, embedded, registration-based or controlled broadcast. Platform setup, viewer support, moderation and remote contributors can all change the production scope.
Venue internet must be checked rather than assumed. Available bandwidth, network access, testing, monitoring and the appropriate backup route depend on the location and the consequences of an interruption.
Slides, titles, lower thirds, playback, programme recordings, isolated cameras and editor-ready files require different preparation and capture. Agreeing the final deliverables early prevents avoidable additions later.
Scope before price
These are not fixed packages. They are a practical way to understand why apparently similar requests can produce different quotes.
One room, a straightforward programme, limited presentation material and a clearly defined audience route. The plan can stay compact when responsibilities and venue connectivity are known.
Multiple speakers, panels, performance elements, presentation playback or audience interaction may require additional coverage, direction, graphics, audio coordination and rehearsals.
Remote contributors, controlled access, several outputs, venue screens, multiple rooms, detailed graphics or extensive recordings create a wider workflow that must be planned and staffed accordingly.
Quote checklist
Comparable information produces more comparable proposals. If some details are unknown, say so—the production team can identify what needs to be confirmed.
Comparing proposals
A lower total can represent a smaller scope rather than better value. Compare the production plan line by line before comparing totals.
Check preparation, site visits, equipment, crew, setup, rehearsal, live operation, platform work, recording, media, travel, overtime and file delivery. Ask which items are allowances or optional additions.
Confirm responsibilities for audio, internet, staging, lighting, power, presentation assets, platform accounts and venue access. Unassigned responsibilities are a common source of late cost and production risk.
Confirm whether you receive only a platform replay, a downloadable programme recording, separate cameras, audio, edited content or another agreed format—and when those files will be available.
Cost guide FAQ
These answers explain why a clear scope is more useful than an unsupported headline price.
There is no responsible single price for every event. The quote depends on the programme length, venue, camera coverage, programme audio, platform, connectivity, graphics, crew, recording outputs and preparation required. A useful quote starts with a clear brief.
No. Every camera should have a clear purpose based on the room, programme and audience. Useful positions and coordinated direction matter more than an unnecessary camera count.
It depends on the venue and production scope. Available connectivity must be checked, tested and assigned clearly. Where the risk requires it, a suitable backup or alternative route should be discussed before the event.
Often, yes. The live programme, isolated camera recordings, audio files and final handover should be agreed before production so the correct outputs are captured.
Related DPK Media services
Contact DPK Media
Share the date, venue, audience, rough running order and required outputs. DPK can then identify the remaining questions and prepare a realistic quote.
[email protected]Detailed media brief
The media intake captures the audience, cameras, audio, venue, platform and handover details that affect the scope.
