Creating the perfect virtual magic Show doesn’t come over night. It takes a lot of research and development. Initially this technology was frequently used by the gaming community and since then has been adapted by different vocations all around the world. 

I was able to quickly foresee the circumstances and make the according changes to adapt into our new world.

In short, better safe than sorry.

The social media monster was one hurdle after establishing an online brand, but how do you set yourself apart from all the noise on the Internet?

New emerging markets in entertainment have allowed for some advances in online entertainment. With advancements come new challenges. 

Over saturation and growing competition.

While having been an entertainer for over 20 years, and with a degree in communications, I was able to quickly establish myself on several streaming platforms.

Most of which have been already in use by several other communities of entertainment, vloggers, gamers etc.

The challenge for virtual entertainers was first, technology. What is available?

Certain cameras and equipment have their advantages, but what will it really take to create the perfect virtual magic show?

The following was gathered through months of research  and sleepless nights.

The brains

Computers, which one? We all have one. We even carry one in our pockets. 

What sort of computer would I actually need? 

Some advice, you need room. In the long term, you’ll need as much memory as you can. Reason- graphics, video are consistently improving from 4K to now even 8k.

Not to mention if you’re going to record your online performances, YouTube and most media outlets provide advantages to high quality videos to provide their customers with a better viewing experience.

This will take memory and will definitely put a lot of weight on your graphics card.

So what do you get? 

I myself run 3 types of performances with 3 different set ups. Each with its own derivative.

Easy answer- Mac

Hard answer- you don’t really need a mac.

There are several streaming platforms that will allow you to create the virtual magic show of your dreams.

However, that requires a decision, what sort of program will you be doing?

A simple point and shoot show or a high end Major network quality show.

Each have their strengths and weaknesses according to the perspective markets.

Lower budgets can follow simple point and shoot programs, but that would mean your physical content has to be as powerful online as it is in person.

If you’re heading with a simple single camera shoot, every element is important Including bandwidth, connectivity, and sound. 

A good web camera (4K), and a good microphone ( usb would be easiest.)

The kind of equipment can increase according the type of camera, quality of cables, capture cards, USB ports, hdmi, lighting, backgrounds etc.

Your environment is important.

As a business entrepreneur, you understand your business is your voice.

The love you put into it is the love you get back.

Environment

Make sure your performance environment is interesting but designed to place the focus on you.

For a simple set up, a back wall with a little colored light works ok.

Front light is important, and a simple 3 point lighting set up would work. There are several lights available that can accommodate any size studio.

Beyond that, it gets pretty messy, so I’ll leave it for another blog.

The show

Quickly noticing from the start, most content done in person has a lessen impact online. The best is anything colorful, large, quick to the point, interactive. With a huge emphasis on interaction. 

We all know that kids and even adults have now a reduced attention span, and have now easy access to other forms of distractions during your show.

So several techniques can be applied to a simple point and shoot.

A balanced Acknowledgement of the audience as a whole rather than individual. 

Several platforms allow interaction with our audiences, zoom, google, etc.

This is can be a good thing or a bad thing.

Allowing the power to unmute yourself on zoom can be a messy situation for any performer who’s main audiences are children.

However there are always exceptions to the rule. 

The key is to be prepared. How? The style of performance.

For kids, leaving the microphone on for kids can provide great feedback in the sort of material you are performing. 

In contrast, kids can vocalize your shortcomings as well as make inappropriate comments and potentially ruin your clients meeting.

With every live performances we always run a risk, in this case however, the problem child has more control over the show than you think. 

In certain cases, in physical shows are we able to have the parent or client take care of the matter, or at its worst case just stop the show. 

Although, in an age where every gig counts, how are you able to avoid that situation entirely? 

Other platforms such as Facebook, twitch, and YouT