About the Client: 70000TONS OF METAL®
• The world’s largest heavy metal cruise
• Aboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas
• 3,000 metal fans
• 60+ bands from around the world
• Multiple stages, artist meet-and-greets, interviews, and press events
• A global audience via video highlights and media coverage
The event brings together music lovers for four days of nonstop performances and exclusive artist interactions—on a moving cruise ship in the middle of the ocean.
The Challenge: Audiovisual production for Music Festivals at Sea
Running AV for a music festival is already a challenge. Doing it on a ship? That takes things to a whole new level.
Here’s what the festival organizers needed:
• Flawless live sound across multiple indoor and outdoor stages
• High-quality video coverage of performances and fan moments
• Rapid daily content creation for social media and media outlets
• Broadcast-ready footage for global distribution
• Real-time coordination between performers, crew, and media
• Photography to capture the essence of the experience
• On-the-fly event production to handle shifting schedules and logistics
And they needed a team they could trust to make it all happen without interruptions—even at sea.
Our Response: Event Production and Audiovisual Strategy services
We were brought in as a full AV and event production partner. We provided:
1. Video Production
• Multi-camera coverage of each performance
• Cinematic footage for highlight reels
• Interviews and behind-the-scenes content
• Quick turnaround editing to publish content the same day
2. Live Sound Reinforcement
• Complete sound setups for each stage
• Audio mixing for both live audiences and recordings
• Monitoring and adjustments throughout the event
3. Photography
• On-stage and crowd photography
• Artist meet-and-greet sessions
• Press and media kit imagery
4. TV Broadcast & Media
• Broadcast-ready files for syndication and post-event releases
• Managing media zones and press conference setups
• Supporting interviews with top artists
5. Event Production
• Real-time communication between teams
• Coordination with cruise staff, performers, and management
• Solving tech issues fast—before the audience even noticed
We used professional video production software, industry-standard audio systems, and a skilled AV team with festival experience to deliver top-tier results.
Execution: Implementing AV Solutions Onboard
We Planned for the unexpected. Cruise environments are unpredictable. We mapped out:
• Equipment backup plans
• Alternative setup locations
• Mobile rigs for capturing roaming footage
We Created a Central Command Center. Our AV command center acted as a hub for all video, audio, and production needs. From here, we:
• Mixed live performances
• Edited highlight videos
• Stored backup footage
• Managed press interviews and scheduling
We Prioritized Speed + Quality Content had to be posted quickly, especially for social media. So we built an onboard post-production workflow to edit and deliver content fast.
Results: AV Outcomes for Music Festivals
With our help, 70000TONS OF METAL® achieved:
• Flawless sound for 60+ band performances
• Engaging daily highlight videos that drove online traffic
• Widespread press coverage using our media kits
• Professional interviews and artist footage for post-event content
• Smooth on-site logistics, even during schedule changes
Our efforts helped the festival maintain its global reputation while elevating the AV experience for both fans and performers.
Key Takeaways: What You Can Learn from This
If you're planning a large event, here’s what this case study proves:
• Experienced AV teams make the difference. We've worked on high-pressure productions before. That background helped us deliver under tight timelines and unexpected changes.
• Post-production workflows matter. Having an editing setup on-site saved hours and helped push content to social channels almost instantly.
• AV is more than equipment—it’s coordination Audio and video gear are tools. What really matters is the team behind them, keeping everything synchronized.
Q&A: AV and Production for Music Festivals
Q: Do you need different AV setups for indoor and outdoor stages?
Yes! Outdoor setups often need weather-resistant gear, directional microphones, and stronger amplification systems.
Q: How do you handle sound for multiple performances at the same time?
We use dedicated AV teams for each stage with a central coordinator to prevent audio interference and ensure quality.
Q: What equipment do you use for video production?
For this event, we used an Adobe Premiere Pro workflow with wireless intercoms, gimbals and portable lighting for interviews.
Internal Resources You Might Like
https://www.streamcity.ca/blog/event-success-through-professional-production-how-expert-services-make-your-event-unforgettable/
https://www.streamcity.ca/blog/supporting-the-bc-achievement-foundations-polygon-awards-for-first-nations-art/
Final Thoughts: It’s All About the Experience
A festival like 70000TONS OF METAL® is more than just music—it’s an immersive experience for attendees and artists. The right AV team brings that experience to life.
At StreamCity.ca, we combine technical expertise, creative vision, and seamless coordination to deliver AV solutions that elevate your event.
Ready to Elevate Your Next Event? Let’s talk about how we can help. Whether it's a music festival, hybrid conference, or corporate gala—we’ll make sure your message is seen, heard, and remembered. 👉 Book a free consultation with StreamCity.ca
