Fanstream

Aim

Fanstream is a live video platform where live performers and their fans work together creating fantastic live video experiences

Fanstream's mission supports live performers by helping them create desirable rewarding experiences

Fanstream allows performers whether they be bands, deejays or solo artists to set up an online version of their event where they can stream their own cameras to live. Performers can also enable fans who are attending the event in person to stream live video from their smartphones or devices to the online event. Or, if they want performers can use Fanstream to find and employ dedicated videographers in their area, or at remote locations, to add to or exclusively handle live video streaming on Fanstream. This combination of live streaming activity means the online version of the event can have multiple live streams for viewers to watch, giving viewers different perspectives or different stories live from the event. This makes the event so much more interesting, engaging and enjoyable for paying fans and viewers.

Prior to or during the gig fans and viewers who can’t attend in person can sign up to the event on Fanstream and gain access to live coverage. The beauty from the performer or promoter point of view is that the gigs are “ticketed” - in other words, fans pay to participate in the online event. Using the Fanstream pay-for-view system the performers or promoter sets the ticket price for each event themselves. This allows the performer or promoter to decide how much they want to leverage their fans and viewers for support at any particular event. For fans watching via fanstream this means they support the performers while getting instant up-close and intimate action from their events. 

Another ingenious piece is that fans in attendance at events who stream quality live video for the performers from the event via Fanstream get rewarded with real currency. Essentially making the Fanstream platform a tool that live performers use to engage with their active fan base, to utilise them as live event elevators. The artists reward an ‘active fan’ based on the success of the event and how popular the fan's stream is. Fans can use their smartphones to stream live video, or if they are into videography bring their own HD cameras and streamers, setting up at the gig and pumping out quality live streams for viewers. To remove the age old problem of poor audio quality from fan acquired video, Fanstream is testing audio technology that allows fans who are streaming live high definition video within a 250 meter radius of the stage to pickup high definition stage audio.  

The environment Fanstream creates generates a new type of active relationship between the artist and fan, one that leverages current behaviour, we’ve all see the phones in the air at events. This relationship is mutually beneficial and rewarding to both performers and fans and the result is viewers from around the word get a new and exciting way to watch live events.

Another feature of the Fanstream platform specifically targets brands and sponsors who are involved with live events. This technology allow Fanstream to capture the brand or sponsor’s presence at an event and show it to viewers in a clickable engaging manner. This means brands and sponsor messages become active components of a live event and we harness this in a way that is beneficial to both brand and viewer.

We are currently live trialling the platform and expect general public release later this year.

In our future, due to the way Fanstream has built its technology, users will be able to use virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift or Gear VR to absolutely immerse themselves in live video experiences, moving around the event navigating from stream to stream or plugging themselves in live 360 video. Fanstream is also working on wearable technology that allows active fans to acquire and broadcast high definition video in a non-intrusive way from live events (bye bye phones in the air). We anticipate performers giving these wearables out free or selling them as self-branded merchandise prior to or during their events.

The Need

• People desire experiences they can’t attend - location, ticket price, sold out
• Viewers want a more engaging and social live streaming experience
• Performers and promoters want to maximise revenues generated by events
• Those who like to be sociable enjoy reality television

Our Value Proposition

• Provide viewers with a different live experience
• Give performers and promoters a new mechanism for revenue generation
• Allow performers and fans to work together
• Rewards fans who create quality live content

Business Model

• Company applies a service charge; takes a percentage of revenue generated by:
  • Digital tickets sales
  • Surf mode (pay-as-you-go hopping between events)
  • Advertising revenues

Current Status & Accomplishments

• Multiple live trials successfully executed with bands, solo performers and DJs
• First festival live pilot broadcast completed May 2016 (photo below)

• Global spread of bands and artists signed up during trialling 
• Public release of live streaming Android App and Web interfaces in 2016, iOS App early 2017

Next Steps

• Expand team - Sales & Marketing Executives, UX Engineers
• Continue to sign-up bands and venues
• Deliver event management interface for 3rd party applications 2016
• Explore and schedule live 360 video and VR applications
• Sports fans watch this space

Management Team

• Team has enterprise-sized project experience in media, broadcasting and finance
• History developing and rolling out media platforms
• Access to a global network of performers and promoters
• Advisers run some of Europe's biggest digital platforms
• Team has domain knowledge and is committed to creativity and innovation

Caroline, one of videographers and vloggers.

Live performance and music by Otherkin 

 Adding Life to Live Events

This project closed unsuccessfully on 12th August 2016