Gear TV Content Guidelines

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Just like the show floor of The NAMM Show, Gear TV will showcase what so many around the world want to see: the latest products and gear.

Here are some guidelines to consider as you plan your content experience.

Identify Your Opportunity

Curated Block

Blocks are sold in 5, 10 and 20 minute intervals. Be sure to precise with your editing, as the system will move to the next content segment in those increments. Remember to use all the time you have invested in. If your story doesn’t fill the allotted time, consider running a commercial or slideshow to fill the gap and maximize visibility.

Product Feature

A Product Feature is a 5-minutes curated block on Gear TV, played 2x daily.

Exhibitor Event

An Exhibitor Event is a 20-minute curated block on Gear TV, played 1x daily.

Video Frame Ad (image)

For a video frame, your brand will need to create a static overlay, which will be displayed 4x daily during NAMM-created content. (16x9 ratio, 1920x1080)

Set Up YouTube or Vimeo

The platform supports content feeds from YouTube or Vimeo, so you just need to copy your URL into our content stream.

We recommend utilizing YouTube, as it is the world’s most popular streaming site, and its Content ID software helps spot any copyright issues with your content.

Consider Copyright Issues

To support our global artist community, NAMM adheres to all laws outlining use of intellectual property, music, licensing and use of copyrighted works.

For commercials and other content in need of music beds, consider downloading from royalty-free music sites, such as Audio Jungle or Getty Images Music.

We have obtained ASCAP and BMI licenses that cover certain use of copyrighted material, but to ensure proper use of any material, please adhere to the following guidelines:

  • Ensure you own or validly possesses the right to make, use, perform, sell and display any patented products, copyrighted works, trademarks, service marks and trade names (collectively, “Intellectual Property”), to promote content, activities, and affiliated events
  • Secure any and all necessary licenses or consents for (a) any performances, displays or other uses of copyrighted works, trademarks or patented inventions or designs and (b) any use of any name, likeness, signature, voice or other impression, or other Intellectual Property owned by others
  • Do not use any musical work protected by copyright to be staged, produced, or otherwise performed, via either “live” or mechanical means, by or on your behalf at Event or any Event-related activity, unless you have previously obtained written permission from the copyright owner or the copyright owner’s designee (e.g., ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC) for this use
  • Accept full and complete responsibility for the content you provide and all obligations under any agreement permitting the use of the music, including but not limited to all obligations to report data and to pay royalty fees

Edit Your Video

In preparing for a successful Believe in Music event, we’re pre-recording all content and sessions to ensure they run smoothly; present you, as a speaker, in the best possible light (literally); and represent quality video production for the music, sound and entertainment technology industries.

To achieve this, we’re creating an experience for attendees more akin to YouTube or Vimeo videos rather than traditional webinars. This means good lighting, the right background and a little editing will be essential. Also, presentations will be of different lengths, ranging from a 5-minute micro concert to long-form presentations or interviews.

Ideally, this means presenters will film their sessions with a professional camera in a video studio or similar setup. If that’s not available to you, here are guidelines to help you get started. And note: Many speakers have also produced good videos using simply an iPhone, PowerPoint and basic editing software.

And if you have questions about video or production, please contact Pete Johnston in NAMM’s production team at petej@namm.org.

Session Length

Video contributions must stick to the agreed length. We will be running a back-to-back “livestream” throughout the duration of Believe in Music Week and might need to make room for NAMM messages or sponsor messages, and attendee messaging. If a video comes in longer than the agreed-upon length, NAMM will likely ask you to edit it for length and/or reshoot, or reserve the right to edit for length ourselves.

Format

  • All sessions must be filmed in a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is the standard size of video. (Picture an iPhone in horizontal mode.)
  • Use only Helvetica or Arial fonts in your PowerPoint slides or video text overlays to maintain consistency across presentations. These are universal fonts and in line with NAMM’s style and brand.
  • Please don’t include any company logos, unless they are on products used by musicians/artists playing in a video. If hosting a product launch please note that companies who are features must be participants in Believe in Music Marketplace.
  • Do not add video bumpers at the beginning and/or end of the video. NAMM will add Believe in Music formatting and intros to the beginning and ending of the videos.

Backgrounds

We ask that presenters do not use Zoom-style virtual backgrounds, as they tend to create fuzzy edges around the person on-screen. Assuming the area is well-lit, potentially good-looking backgrounds include recording studios; music store showrooms (an instrument wall); nice-looking offices without clutter; or a plain wall. And, of course, a video studio or professional setup with a plain background is ideal.

Camera Angle

Please note: Do not shoot with a laptop, iPad, phone or computer below the speaker, which results in a “fish-eye” look.

Lighting

Professional lighting is ideal. Still, if you need to record your presentation without auxiliary lighting, always shoot facing the window during the day for natural light, not with the window behind you. You will likely be washed out and silhouetted.

Audio

Using a professional microphone is ideal for audio. That said, we’ve seen presenters get good results with a computer or phone. Demo your audio before you begin recording, and watch for echoes in a room.

File Type

Please deliver your video files in HD (1080p). We really look forward to working with you!

Again, if you have questions about video or production, please contact Pete Johnston in NAMM’s production team at petej@namm.org.