1. Pre-Production Planning Is One of the Priorities:
Define your target audience:
Who are you trying to reach? This will influence your production style and marketing efforts, so identifying and understanding your target audience is crucial for tailoring your promotional efforts to their preferences and interests, reaching your desired audience effectively. Are you targeting marks, smarks, casual fans, or a mixture? One of the main goals for your promotion should be to increase how much money it makes, and the key to doing that is knowing what style of promoting will make your target audience willing to spend money, increasing your promotion's earnings.
Choose the right platform:
YouTube, Twitch, or dedicated wrestling streaming services (like Japanese live-streaming video service Twitcast)? Consider your budget, technical capabilities, and the geographic reach of your target audience.
A professional wrestling stream must be stable primarily. Ensure a dedicated, hardwired Ethernet line serves as the primary connection. Also, target a consistent output bitrate between 4.5 Mbps and 6 Mbps for a crisp 1080p stream- this range balances quality with stability, minimizing the risk of dropouts. Also, utilize RTMP (Real-Time Messaging Protocol) for the distribution platform.
If you need help with any aspect of streaming, I offer a variety of consulting services. I can help you choose the right streaming service, create a streaming strategy, promote your events on streaming platforms, and generate additional revenue from streaming. To learn more about my consulting services, contact me directly at info@harold-williams.com
Develop a production schedule:
Plan your event timeline, including pre-show content, match order, and post-show interviews to guarantee a professional flow.
Secure necessary equipment:
High-quality cameras, microphones, lighting, and streaming software are essential.
Use dedicated hardware encoders (preferred for reliability) or high-performance software encoders (like OBS Studio on a powerful PC) with professional settings.
Test and have a disaster recovery plan: Conduct thorough technical rehearsals to ensure smooth streaming and audio quality. Always run a private, hidden test stream 30 minutes before going live to confirm latency, bitrate stability, and audio/video sync.
Always have a backup internet connection (e.g., bonded connection or cellular hotspot) and a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) for critical streaming equipment. Include a plan for quickly broadcasting a "Technical Difficulties" screen or an intermission video if the main feed fails.
2. Marketing and Promotion are Key:
- Promote your event on social media and other relevant channels.
- Incentivize potential viewers to purchase tickets or subscriptions in advance.
- Partner with other promotions and cross-promote your events to reach a wider audience.
- After the event, write a results report and make the replay available for viewers who missed the live stream.
I have a proven track record of writing detailed, compelling content that elevates a pro-wrestling promotion's brand, builds a stronger fanbase, and helps a product prove its value to a larger audience. For example, my work with the Michigan-based Ultimate Championship Wrestling in the past led to a notable increase in event attendance. Although I am currently US-based, I have global experience, having lived in Japan for a decade. There, my digital content for promotions like Yanagase Pro Wrestling and Kyushu Pro Wrestling has helped drive a notable increase in YouTube views and event attendance. I've also helped build international bridges by assisting in the formation of a working relationship between Big Japan Pro-Wrestling and Combat Zone Wrestling. My experience includes writing various content types, such as event previews, results reports, and press releases, and I have a proven ability to provide news analysis and in-depth coverage of both the American and Japanese wrestling scenes. My work as a technology writer has also given me unique insights into how to leverage new technologies like AI, VR, and the metaverse to help a promotion grow and engage its fanbase in new ways. You can reach out to me via info@harold-williams.com, and you can see samples of my work here:
https://www.clippings.me/haroldwilliams
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https://www.harold-williams.com/2012/05/samples-of-my-work.html
3. Production Quality Matters:
Multiple camera angles: Use multiple cameras to capture the action from different perspectives. Switch between angles to keep viewers engaged.
The look and feel of the stream must reflect the quality of the wrestling product. This means avoiding single-camera shots if possible and leveraging production elements. A basic professional setup is best with three cameras:
Camera 1 (Main Hard Cam)- Centered, elevated shot behind the commentary table. This is the primary shot for 90% of the match.
Camera 2 (Opposite Corner/Tight Cam)- A lower-angle, mobile camera used for tight facial reactions, signature move setups, and near-fall drama.
Camera 3 (Entrance/Utility)- Primarily for entrances, but also used for wide crowd shots, brawls outside the ring, and capturing post-match celebration/havoc.
Clear audio:
Audio is 50% of the product, so invest in good microphones to capture clear commentary and ring sounds. Minimize background noise.
Place shotgun mics (or similar directional microphones) above the ring to capture impact sounds, chops, and wrestlers hitting the mat. This helps the physicality be heard. In addition, use wide-pattern condenser mics pointed at the audience to capture atmosphere and heat. Mix the crowd noise high enough to sound exciting, but low enough that it doesn't drown out the commentary or ring action.
Professional lighting:
Ensure enough lighting to create a visually appealing stream. Avoid harsh shadows or glare.
Graphics and overlays:
Use graphics and overlays to display match information, wrestler names, and promotional messages.
Your graphics should be clean, legible, and consistent with your brand colors. Standardized graphics for wrestler names, weight, and hometown (lower third)- these should be quick to cue and change smoothly. There should be a consistent template for displaying the match type and participants before the bell. In addition, a clean, easy-to-read on-screen clock is fundamental for matches with time limits.
Smooth transitions: Use smooth transitions between camera angles and segments to maintain a professional flow.
Utilize replays- professional replays reinforce the impact of the action, enhancing its impressiveness and allowing the audience to process key moments. But only run replays during pauses in the action (e.g., when a wrestler is applying a wear down hold) or immediately after a definitive, match-ending move. Also, use slow-motion to emphasize the force or athleticism of the move being shown.
4. Engage Your Online Audience:
- Encourage viewers to share their experiences.
- Have commentators who are knowledgeable, engaging, and passionate about wrestling. Their goal should be immediate, real-time adaptation and emphasis on feuds, using their commentary to reinforce important situations or character developments as they unfold, giving the show a distinct and cohesive feel.
- Show exclusive pre-recorded segments (vignettes, backstage interviews, profile videos) during intermissions and transitions to add production value to the stream.
If you want to learn how promotions monetize their content without angering their paying subscribers, why promotions invest heavily in unique documentaries and original programming to drive subscriptions, and what TNA, NJPW, Stardom, and Diana do to carve out valuable niche audiences, read my full industry analysis/overview, which is available by subscribing to my paid Substack, and can be read by clicking here.
By following these best practices, you can create a professional and engaging streaming experience that will attract viewers, build your brand, and generate revenue. Remember to continuously improve your production and marketing efforts to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of wrestling streaming. And to learn more about how wrestling promotions interact with the world of streaming, as well as ticket sales, merchandise branding, TV rights, talent relations, technology, and more, check out my ebook/audiobook, "The Business Side of Wrestling: A Look Behind the Curtain".
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