Case Study

Digital CitizenCon 2952

Key Points

Client: Cloud Imperium Games (CIG)
Project: Digital CitizenCon 2952 – Star Citizen Annual Conference
Location: Manchester, UK
Time Frame: October 2022

The Challenge

Digital CitizenCon is a key annual event for Cloud Imperium Games, offering the global Star Citizen community updates on the largest crowdfunded game in history. The 2022 event required a flawless, engaging livestream combining live developer discussions, pre-recorded interviews, and community-focused content.

CIG’s high standards, refined from years of production in LA, set the bar for quality and precision. Additionally, many developers appearing on camera were first-time speakers, requiring a thoughtful approach to help them feel at ease. The project also included managing a complex five-hour livestream and accommodating last-minute production changes, such as a Steadicam-guided tour of a newly revealed spaceship set.

The Plan

We worked closely with CIG to deliver a polished broadcast that showcased their creativity and technical brilliance while resonating with their passionate audience.

Four Days of Pre-Shot Interviews: We filmed in-depth interviews with developers from across the company, ensuring they felt comfortable and confident on camera.
- Our proven methods included detailed pre-briefs, assigning a friendly point of contact for each speaker, and creating a relaxed environment through thoughtful touches like introductions, refreshments, and low-pressure filming techniques.
- For particularly nervous subjects, we used discreet approaches like rolling the camera early and framing the session as a conversation rather than a performance.
Directing the Livestream: We directed the full five-hour broadcast, managing:
- Live interviews with developers in the UK.
- Seamless integration of VT inserts featuring pre-shot interviews and other content.
- Transitions to LA for real-time discussions with developers based there.
- Precision coordination to ensure the entire production ran smoothly and on schedule.
Last-Minute Spaceship Set Tour: With less than 24 hours’ notice, we organised a Steadicam-guided tour of CIG’s new spaceship set with Managing Director Chris Roberts, securing equipment and personnel to deliver a professional, cinematic addition to the program.

The Results

Digital CitizenCon 2952 was a resounding success, with the live stream captivating CIG’s 533,000 YouTube subscribers and garnering hundreds of thousands of views. One segment alone has amassed over 322,000 views since the event.

The audience response was overwhelmingly positive, with fans sharing their enthusiasm through comments like:

“Actually INCREDIBLE!! Huge thanks to all teams, and especially to those who came to speak in front of the camera, lot of pressure I'm sure!”
“Astonishing. You've outdone yourselves!”
“A stunning insight into the minds of passionate, talented people. CIG have the cream of the crop working on our 'verse!”
“I love the approach to this demo. It gives something specific to everyone while giving a great overall picture of the game.”

Jared Huckaby, Creative Content Lead at Cloud Imperium Games, commended our work:
“Communication was concise and timely. Product was delivered on time and at the quality bar we expected. The staff was a delight to work with during in-person production, and professional relationships have been maintained through subsequent years.”

This project demonstrated our ability to manage complex, high-pressure productions with precision and adaptability. By combining our expertise with a personal touch, we ensured nervous speakers delivered authentic, engaging performances, and flawlessly executed the intricate livestream—making Digital CitizenCon 2952 a standout success for Cloud Imperium Games.