Virtually Local: The Open Mic
[ Key info ]
- Cameras
- 3 of ours + 3 from Phase\Rush Media
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Setup time
- 2.5 hours
- Peak viewers
- 191
- On-site audience
- ~150
For an international music event with a live audience and online viewers, we delivered a scalable multi-camera production. By combining our core kit with extra cameras and an additional PC running OBS, we could simultaneously stream to multiple Twitch channels, show sponsor graphics and record the full show twice.
The event
Virtually Local organises music events and meetups for the Twitch Music community. The Open Mic on 31 May 2026 was, as tradition dictates, organised as the unofficial afterparty of TwitchCon Europe in Rotterdam, where many streamers and Twitch viewers from around the world were present. Even Twitch CEO Dan Clancy dropped by and performed.
Live production & stream
MODKIT.LIVE handled the live video production and stream with a team of volunteers. In the end, 3 different volunteers, after a short briefing, took turns behind the controls for operating the cameras and mixing the video.
Technical setup
For this project, our core kit of 3 cameras was supplemented by Phase\Rush Media to a total of 6 cameras. 2× PTZOptics PTZ cameras at the back of the hall for wide shots, plus a handheld Sony FS7 Mark II with wireless transmission (Hollyland). Various overlays and sponsor graphics were added via a separate PC running OBS.
The production room was set up in the back area of the venue. This required long cable runs that were neatly tucked away, which combined with the extra cameras added time during setup.
We streamed via Restream to both the VirtuallyLocal Twitch channel and sponsor Steinberg's Twitch channel. An average of 112 viewers watched throughout the 5-hour event, with a peak of 191. On site at De Fruitvis, around 150 people were present.
Post-production
After the show, a clean post-production edit was made, reviewing and tightening the camera cuts. The recording was also split into separate sets for each performance and offered free of charge to the various artists.
What did we learn?
This project was a great experience. The collaboration with Phase\Rush Media and volunteers yielded many new insights, but also confirmed that our core kit delivers a strong setup.
What could have been better was correctly setting the lighting and control for each camera. Due to the different camera brands and types, and the effect of the sunset during the evening, the image wasn't always consistent in colour. Our cameras and the handheld camera produced the best image; the PTZs struggled more with the changing lighting.
Because many people walked on and off the stage during the open mic, the AI tracking on our cameras wasn't very consistent, requiring more manual control than expected. We're purchasing a better controller to operate more smoothly and switch between AI modes.
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