Sonoma Community Center
When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to shut down Sonoma Community Center’s most critical annual fundraiser, MAXMedia Partners and Globestream Media engineered a fully remote, IP-based broadcast that transformed crisis into opportunity. The 2020 Laugh-a-Thon delivered a seamless, multi-hour telethon experience—without an audience, without physical interaction, and without compromise.
At-a-Glance
Services Provided
IP-based broadcast system design and execution
Remote multi-camera production and live switching
Cross-state show-calling and intercom integration
Telethon format development and run-of-show planning
Pre-recorded content coordination and playback management
Broadcast redundancy and streaming reliability engineering
Our Role & Scope of Work
In partnership with Globestream Media, MAXMedia Partners served as the broadcast architect and technical lead. We designed the end-to-end remote production workflow, managed live direction and switching from Texas, and coordinated real-time communication with on-site crews in California.
Our team curated weeks of pre-recorded performances into a cohesive, live-feeling event while ensuring absolute COVID safety and broadcast reliability.
Deliverables
Three-hour live-to-stream Laugh-a-Thon broadcast
Four-camera stage capture routed to remote control room
Fully integrated telethon flow with hosts, acts, and donation prompts
Pre-produced performance segments from 25+ performers
Real-time switching, graphics, playback, and timing control
Stable, high-quality live stream delivery
Timeline
2020
Location
Sonoma, CA and Dallas, TX
The Challenge
The challenge was binary: cancel the fundraiser or reinvent it entirely. We chose reinvention.
Our solution centered on a fully IP-driven broadcast model. Camera feeds from California were transported live to a Texas control room, where the show was directed, switched, timed, and streamed. Unity intercom enabled real-time show-calling across state lines, allowing the production to function as a single, unified team despite physical separation.
Pre-recorded performances were collected over several weeks, then strategically sequenced to mimic the rhythm and energy of a traditional live event—complete with host segments, transitions, and donation appeals.
The Strategy
Our solution centered on a fully IP-driven broadcast model. Camera feeds from California were transported live to a Texas control room, where the show was directed, switched, timed, and streamed. Unity intercom enabled real-time show-calling across state lines, allowing the production to function as a single, unified team despite physical separation.
Pre-recorded performances were collected over several weeks, then strategically sequenced to mimic the rhythm and energy of a traditional live event—complete with host segments, transitions, and donation appeals.
Execution
In partnership with Globestream Media, MAXMedia Partners engineered and operated a distributed production model that connected a four-camera stage setup in California to a Texas-based broadcast control room. All camera feeds were transported live over IP for real-time switching, playback, graphics, and timing.
A Unity intercom system enabled seamless show-calling between the Texas director and technical team and the California-based stage manager, production supervisor, and camera operators. This cross-state communication allowed the production to function as a single, cohesive unit despite physical separation.
To maintain strict COVID safety protocols, more than 25 performers recorded their segments independently over several weeks. MAXMedia Partners curated and integrated these performances into a tightly timed, three-hour telethon run of show. Host segments, donation prompts, volunteer phone banks, and transitions were structured to simulate the flow and energy of a traditional live event.
Redundant systems were implemented throughout the signal path to ensure uninterrupted streaming. The entire broadcast was executed without in-person audiences or performer interaction while maintaining broadcast-grade quality and pacing.
The Outcome
The 2020 Amuse-a-Thon raised nearly $500,000 in a single night, preserving Sonoma Community Center’s primary annual revenue source during the pandemic. The remote broadcast eliminated COVID exposure risk while delivering a polished, emotionally engaging fundraising event that sustained SCC’s ability to serve its community at a critical moment.
Key Results
Nearly $500,000 raised in a single night
SCC’s primary annual revenue source preserved during the pandemic
Zero COVID exposure risk for performers and crew
Proof that complex, multi-hour fundraisers can succeed remotely
A meaningful, uplifting community event delivered during a global crisis