Live Streaming a Funeral
In these uncertain times, we have seen the numbers of people allowed to attend the funeral of a loved one cut down dramatically and for most, being at a loved one's funeral is closure for them. Whilst it has been the case for some years that a web link has been provided within crematoria, these have often been of low quality and akin to watching a CCTV camera.
With this change in society, live streaming a funeral will become the new normal. While historically in Britain, we “don’t’ talk about death”, it’s time to start a conversation on how we can say goodbye to loved ones in the future.
Until fairly recently, the only way of viewing a funeral online was via a web link provided by the crematoria - this is changing for the better. It is helpful that so many crematoria now have a discreet camera for live streaming, usually capturing the view from the back of the room. However, in most cases, the video quality is very poor. Using portable, discreet equipment, it is now possible to live stream a celebration of life from anywhere, including graveside and green burial sites. These new systems are fully self-contained and require no cables or external power sources, just a good phone or Wi-Fi signal.
We spoke to award-winning filmmaker Adam Prescott about his experience of using live streaming to connect the bereaved during Covid-19. “Recently I provided a live stream service for a family who were having a graveside committal, but due to the current social distancing rules, only 5 mourners were allowed to attend. The service was streamed from the cemetery via a secure link onto my own website, where around 80 computers, iPhones and tablets then connected to the stream. This service connected people from all around the world and allowed them to say goodbye to their loved one.
The Pastor conducting the service was made aware of the live stream and this enabled him to tailor his ceremony to not only his direct audience, but also to the much wider one; making everyone feel part of the day.”
Unfortunately, it seems social distancing is here to stay for a while. We must, therefore, embrace the use of technology to help ease the passing of loved ones, so we can say goodbye in the most difficult of circumstances in as best a way as possible.