When the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) asked us to help capture their biggest fundraising event yet, we knew this wasn’t just another Melbourne live video production—it was a story worth telling.
Over 16 hours of continuous live video production, our Melbourne team managed cameras, lighting, sound, and streaming logistics to share moments of courage, generosity, and community spirit.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how we planned, filmed, and delivered one of Melbourne’s most meaningful live video productions—proving that with the right crew and purpose, every frame can make an impact.
When they asked if we could help with this year’s Telethon, we didn’t hesitate. It wasn’t a commercial project. We weren’t there for exposure or to fill a gap in the calendar. We were there because the ASRC’s work matters, and if we could help bring their stories to more people, that felt like the right thing to do.
Getting Ready for a Big Day
There’s a lot that happens before the cameras roll. We spent days planning, prepping, testing gear, running through contingencies. A 16-hour live stream isn’t something you take lightly. It needs solid systems, backup plans, and a crew ready to adapt as the day unfolds.
We set up eight cameras across the building — for performances, interviews, and live crosses. We integrated pre-recorded stories, graphics, music, and video content. Everything had to flow, from the main performance area to the kitchen upstairs, to the people behind the scenes keeping the operation moving.
The ASRC building itself has an energy about it. You can feel the sense of purpose the second you walk through the doors. People there aren’t just talking about change — they’re working towards it every day.
Stories That Need to Be Heard
The day’s lineup included artists like Clare Bowditch and Paul Dempsey, who generously gave their time and talent. But for us, it was the quieter stories that stood out — the people with lived experience, sharing what it’s really like to seek asylum, to rebuild from nothing, to find your footing in a new country.
The courage it takes to tell those stories publicly shouldn’t be underestimated. For many, speaking up means reliving incredibly difficult experiences. But they do it, because shining a light on those journeys helps build understanding — and empathy.
And then there’s Kon, the founder of ASRC. If you’ve met him, you’ll know — his energy and commitment never seem to run out. He was everywhere on the day, keeping the momentum going, reminding everyone why they were there.
The Reality of Live Production
Even with all the prep, live streams have a way of keeping you on your toes. That’s just part of it.
About ten hours in, one of our main encoders stopped working. Luckily, we’d built redundancy into the system — backups kicked in and the stream stayed online without missing a beat. LinkedIn’s platform limits kept us juggling, the run sheet evolved as the day went on — but that’s what happens with live production. The important thing is to stay steady, keep the workflow moving, and make sure the focus stays where it belongs — on the people and the cause.
Our crew quietly worked through the technical curveballs. No drama, just problem-solving and keeping the day running.
The Small Moments That Stay With You
Big events like this are full of schedules and setlists, but it’s often the unplanned moments that stay with you.
Partway through the day, a woman who had come to the ASRC for support approached one of the volunteers. She emptied $1.70 in coins onto the table. It wasn’t about the amount — it was what it represented. Someone who’s walked through incredibly tough times, giving what she could to help others.
Moments like that remind you why these events matter. It’s about community. About people backing one another however they can.
What the Day Achieved
By the time the stream wrapped, over $1.26 million had been raised.
That money goes straight to practical support — food, legal services, healthcare, housing, and advocacy. It helps keep the doors open for people facing some of the hardest challenges imaginable.
And beyond the money, there’s the awareness. Thousands of people tuned in to hear stories they might not otherwise encounter. Stories that can shift perspectives, start conversations, and hopefully, drive change.
Lessons for Next Time
Every production teaches you something new. A 16-hour live stream teaches you a lot.
Next time, we’d look at bringing in even more crew to help manage rotations and reduce fatigue. We’ll keep refining the backup systems, testing new ways to strengthen the tech, and simplifying how we work across different streaming platforms. We’re already looking at better ways to manage mobile network stability — possibly building out a dedicated building agnostic internet setup for future events.
But beyond the tech, what days like this really reinforce is how vital teamwork is. It takes a lot of people — quietly working in the background — to make an event of this scale come together.
The ASRC Team and Volunteers
While we were behind the cameras, the ASRC team and volunteers were everywhere — on phones, coordinating guests, managing the flow of people through the building, keeping the energy up. Their dedication was clear from start to finish.
Running a Telethon like this isn’t easy. It’s long hours, complex logistics, and constant problem-solving — but they pulled it together, and the results speak for themselves.
Why We Wanted to Be Involved
For us, this wasn’t about recognition. It was about using the skills and resources we’ve built up over the years to support a cause that aligns with our values.
The ASRC’s work matters. It changes lives. And while we were only a small part of the bigger picture on the day, being involved in helping share those stories felt worthwhile.
Looking Ahead
We’ve already said we’ll help again next year. It’s a big commitment, but there are some projects that stay with you long after the gear’s packed down.
The people we met, the stories we heard, the small acts of generosity we witnessed — they remind you why community matters. Why taking the time, using your skills, and being part of something like this is worth every bit of effort.
Live broadcasts leave zero room for error, and that high-stakes discipline carries over into every project we touch. Whether it’s a 16-hour stream or a 30-second spot, our full-scale video production Melbourne team treats every frame with that same level of scrutiny.
To everyone at the ASRC — the team, the volunteers, the performers, the donors — thanks for letting us be part of the day. We’ll see you next year.