At Online Seminar we make sure to deliver full service and top quality. That’s why there also is a director present at every webinar, to keep everything on the right track. But what exactly does a director do? Quinten Demaret explains the process.
Of course there are plenty of jobs that fall into the category of ‘Jack of all trades’, but Quinten’s job really is one of them. In his work he fulfils many different responsibilities. ‘That’s also what makes this work so much fun. No day is the same. I meet different people all the time and every webinar is about a completely new subject. Incredibly interesting.’
What does a webinar director do?
‘I’ll start by getting into the subject of the webinar. What’s it about? Who’s speaking? Is there a moderator? And when are there poll questions? I need to know all of those matters. When the guests arrive, I’ll welcome them and explain how everything works in the studio. I’ll accompany them during the dry-run for the broadcast, the final rehearsal. Then I give them some last tips about looking into the camera, talking faster or slower, or I advise them to put on some extra make-up.’
And then it’s time for the broadcast
‘Before the broadcast I make sure that the image and sound are flawless, just like the live streaming. Some clients also have some extra wishes, for example that the background screens in the studio have a different color. Then I’ll arrange that. A lot of people think I’m physically behind the camera during the broadcast, but that’s not the case. I’m in the control room with a joystick that I use to control the camera. There I can also keep an eye on all the other equipment, so that the webinar also runs smoothly from a technical point of view. A talkback microphone provides the means to be connected to the speakers.’
Is there much difference from a traditional TV broadcast?
Quinten, who has also worked for traditional television, says: ‘Technically there is hardly any difference. The quality of image and sound is just as good. What is very different is the crew. With traditional television there is, so to speak, a specific person for each cable. With a webinar you’re a one-man show. As a director you are responsible for everything. That’s what makes this work so much fun. I don’t want to think about being only responsible for the sound of a webinar, year after year.’
Do you have a camera tip for speakers?
Quinten is clear: ‘Relax. I notice that many speakers are afraid to make mistakes during the broadcast. After all, it’s live. I always say: making mistakes really isn’t a bad thing, it’s part of the job. And after all, we are all human beings. For many people that’s a very reassuring thought. This helps enormously to ensure that the broadcast goes well.’