If you are a live streamer or a live stream producer, chances are you’ve heard of a run of show. Apart from being the ticket to a live stream show’s success, it’s an excellent way to maintain consistency. Between quiet planning and active execution, it takes more than “a few pointers” to get your live stream show noticed by the masses.

And this is where a run of show “drives” the show.

So, what is it, why do you need it for live streams and how to create one? Let’s get going and find out! A customizable run of show template included!

What is a Run of Show?

A run of show (ROS) or cue-to-cue is a document listing the itinerary of an event along with production cues. It breakdowns the event outlining the various segments, talking points, equipment, AV, hosts/speakers, interstitials, etc.

This breakdown ensures the entire event production team is in sync about the show and knows the show’s flow, shot-by-shot.

A well-drafted rundown ensures the speakers and all other stakeholders are prepared for the event. Besides giving the show a direction, the cue sheet also helps with the following:

• Production equipment procurement and set up
• Camera shots/angles, movement of guests, speakers, presenters, etc.
• Building creative assets to improve the show’s engagement
• Event marketing and promotion based on the event segments, highlights, and talking points.

Why Do You Need a Run of Show for Your Live Streams?

To make navigating through the live stream easier.

Besides a robust live streaming platform and value-added content, successful live streams require an extra layer of direction, organization and focus. This is what a run of show brings.

For example, it ensures that the marketing team knows which creative assets to prepare for your live stream, based on the different elements to be covered on the show.

To keep the entire live stream production team on the same page.

With a run of show, not just the host knows what to speak and during which part of the live stream, but everyone involved in the production does.

To ensure seamless organization of the live stream.

While proper organization is essential during all stages of live stream production, it becomes all the more important when you’re going to repurpose your live broadcasts. Saving live videos and publishing them on your social media pages is a great strategy to build traction. And when you have a run of show in place, it improves the chances of running a seamless live stream, which helps you create a favorable impression on your audience as you build a content engine with your live streams.

To keep the event on track.

When you go live, time often falls through the cracks and the host or presenter may digress from the topic. A clearly structured run of show helps avoid that by giving a quick rundown on all the expectations for the event.

To give stakeholders an event planning blueprint.

Having a run of show means the stakeholders don’t have to live in oblivion. Instead, they can visualize the entire event before it hits the execution stage and make necessary adjustments.

To leave scope for last-minute adjustments.

One of the key benefits of having a show flow is that it guides you on what to do if something goes off track. For example, in case of any unexpected occurrence, say, a change in the host’s schedule, the production team can go through the run sheet and tweak it to keep it running.

What Does a Run of Show Include?

A run of show should typically include all the information that’s indispensable for running an engaging live stream. In addition to speakers’ details and topic of discussion/speech, here’s what else should make to a run of show:

• Timing
• Duration
• Audio/Visual Requirements
• Lighting
• Cues
• Transition Pieces
• Associated Equipment
• Links to Documents, Pre-recorded Videos, or supporting Creative Assets

Run of Show Template for Live Streams

While there is no rulebook for creating a run of show for your live streams, here’s a run of show example that you can turn to before you get granular: Download the template.

How to Create a Run of Show?

The technicalities involved in creating a run of show may force you to pump the brakes on it, but you shouldn’t. Here are a few steps that will help you stay agile as you move alongside your run of show creation efforts:

1. Create an Outline

Before you build a run of show, it’s crucial to figure out a narrative for your live stream.

Here are a few questions you should consider answering as you dig for creative intel.

• What is it that you want to discuss with your audience?
• Who will be the guest or speaker?
• What type of content will you share?
• How many topics will be covered throughout the live stream?
• What will be the duration for each topic?

Drafting a sketch for the event will help you decide on the content that adds value to the audience. So, lean into this step and embrace brainstorming to build that perfect run of show template for your live streams.

2. Collect Relevant Information

Once you have an outline ready, collect all the relevant information, such as the guests’ contact details, graphics, audio, background score, transitions between segments, branding elements, etc., that you will use in the live stream. Also, jot down some talking points to give the guests/speakers a brief about the topics to be discussed.

3. Make Room for Transitions

Your live streams’ run of show template shouldn’t be one-size-fits-all. Instead, there should be enough room for transitions like pre-recorded videos, music, audio, interstitials, etc. Apart from helping live streamers weather any storm (including an unenthusiastic audience), transitions also give a fresh tone required to shift from one segment to another.

4. Work with Colors

To avoid spreading yourself thin, color code different elements like the speakers, gear requirements, duration, timings, etc. Color coding helps to easily see the various moving parts of a live stream, letting people find the things that need their time. Although an additional organization tactic, it’s one way to create a genuinely effective show flow.

5. Share with the Stakeholders

A carefully crafted run sheet can help reach and build trust with prospective and existing stakeholders of your live stream. When you show them the expected course of action for running a successful show, they’ll be prepared. So, share the run of show with your live stream’s hosts/speakers, production and even marketing team to arrange for the essentials like gear, creatives, etc., for the show.

6. Make Adjustments Along the Way

Unpopular opinion: you don’t have to be dead set on following the run of show. You can absolutely be ‘flexible’ or ‘fluid’ and build a successful run of show — because a piece of paper can’t anticipate all real-life scenarios. For example, a malfunctioning mic or a late guest speaker may cause some interruptions in the live stream.

So, always have a fallback segment to adapt to unsolicited changes without losing your calm.

Remember, the run of show is a handy guide and should remain just that – rather than a minute-by-minute script that you must follow without exception.

The Takeaway

Part of creating a super-awesome run of show is ensuring you have a full-service platform that lets you bring together all its elements without friction.

Wave.video offers a live streaming studio and video editor that can materialize your run of show. From inviting guests to creating visuals and adding audio, you can do a lot using our all-encompassing platform.

So, after analyzing the run of show example we shared with you above, create a stunning run sheet “and” live stream with Wave.video, so you no longer have to “wing it”!

And, hey, if you’re looking for tips to stay ahead of your live streaming game, here’s an excellent read. Go on and make the most of your live streams!