Automate Your Show Calling: ShowCaller + Bitfocus Companion Guide

In the demanding world of live events, timing is everything. As a showcaller, you don't want to be constantly switching between tabs or manually entering cues on different devices. By using the powerful combination of the ShowCaller web-based cue sheet app and Bitfocus Companion, you transform your workflow from manual to fully automated.

What is Bitfocus Companion and why is it essential?

Bitfocus Companion is the industry-standard software that turns the Elgato Stream Deck into a versatile controller for professional video, audio, and lighting equipment. For a showcaller, Companion acts as the 'glue' between your digital run-of-show and the physical hardware in the production environment.

By linking ShowCaller to Companion, you can trigger your next cue, start timers, or even send simultaneous commands to other equipment with a single press of a physical button. This significantly reduces cognitive load, allowing you to focus on the content of the show rather than the technology.

Hardware Requirements for a Professional Setup

To automate your direction with ShowCaller and Bitfocus Companion, you need the right hardware. Companion supports the full line of Elgato hardware:

• Stream Deck (Classic/MK.2): The 15-button standard, ideal for most production setups.
• Stream Deck XL: With 32 buttons, the best choice for complex productions with many macros.
• Stream Deck +: Equipped with rotary knobs, perfect for scrolling through your cue list or adjusting volumes.
• Stream Deck Pedal: Hands-free control to trigger the 'Next' cue while keeping your hands free for your script.

Because ShowCaller is a fully web-based platform running on Firebase real-time WebSockets, a stable internet connection is crucial. For maximum reliability, we recommend connecting your production laptop via Ethernet and using a 4G/5G failover router in case the local Wi-Fi fails.

Installation and Initial Configuration

Start by downloading and installing the latest stable version of Bitfocus Companion from the official Bitfocus website. Follow these steps for basic configuration:

1. Start the Companion GUI and open the admin interface in your browser (default at localhost:8000).
2. Go to the 'Connections' tab and search for the 'Generic HTTP' module. Although ShowCaller has specific integration, the HTTP method is often the most flexible for custom API calls.
3. Ensure your ShowCaller project is open in a browser that has access to the local network where Companion is running.

Connecting to the ShowCaller API

ShowCaller uses a secure API to receive commands. In your ShowCaller dashboard, under settings, you will find your unique API key and Project ID. Communication occurs via HTTP POST requests to the ShowCaller servers, which push the action instantly via WebSockets to all connected screens.

An example of an API endpoint for triggering the next cue looks like this:

Building Your First Button Page

Now that the connection is established, let's lay out the Stream Deck. An effective layout for a showcaller includes at least the following buttons:

The 'GO' Button (Next Cue)

This is your most important button. Configure it in Companion as follows:

• Label: GO $(showcaller:current_cue_number)
• Action: HTTP Request (POST)
• URL: The specific URL for the 'Next' action from the documentation.
• Style: Green background with white text for maximum visibility in dark production environments (Slate-950 theme).

Previous and Reset Actions

Mistakes happen. Provide a 'Previous' button (yellow background) and a 'Reset Show' button (red background, preferably with a 'Step and Hold' safeguard to prevent accidental presses).

Advanced Automation: Multi-Action Sequences

The real advantage of automating your direction with ShowCaller and Bitfocus Companion is the ability to control multiple devices simultaneously. You can add Companion modules for:

• Video: vMix, OBS, or Blackmagic ATEM switchers.
• Lighting: GrandMA, ETC EOS, or Chamsys.
• Media: Resolume, CasparCG, or PlaybackPro.

Imagine: you press 'GO' in ShowCaller. Companion immediately ensures vMix switches to the next input, the correct slide is advanced in PowerPoint, and the timer on the backstage screen (via ShowCaller features) starts running. This level of synchronization is what elevates a production to a professional level.

Real-world Layout for Corporate Events

For a typical corporate event, we recommend the following layout on a Stream Deck XL:

• Row 1: Direct links to specific show segments (Opening, Keynote, Panel, Outro).
• Row 2: ShowCaller controls (Prev, NEXT, Hold, Blackout).
• Row 3: Audio controls (Mic Mutes, BGM volume via vMix or Dante).
• Row 4: Emergency scenarios (Spare laptop switch, 'Technical Difficulties' slide).

Check our pricing page to see which plan supports advanced API integrations for your team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which Stream Deck model is best for show calling?

For most showcallers, the Stream Deck XL is the best choice due to its 32 buttons. This gives you enough space for both your ShowCaller cues and direct control over other equipment like vMix or ATEM without having to constantly switch pages.

Can I have Companion trigger automatically from ShowCaller?

Yes, via the 'Outgoing Webhooks' function in ShowCaller, you can send commands to the local IP address of your Companion installation. This means if you click 'Next' in the web interface, your Stream Deck and all connected devices sync accordingly.

What happens if the Companion connection drops?

Because ShowCaller is fully cloud-based, the web interface always continues to work via your browser. Companion is an extra layer for physical control. If the local connection to Companion drops, you can immediately fall back to the browser interface of the show-caller software.

Is there a limit to the number of devices I can link?

Bitfocus Companion technically has no limit on the number of modules. You can link ShowCaller simultaneously to your lighting desk, media server, and video switcher, as long as they are on the same network or reachable via an API.

Conclusion

Automating your direction with ShowCaller and Bitfocus Companion is an investment in the quality and stability of your productions. By linking physical hardware to your digital workflow, you eliminate margins for error and create a streamlined experience for the entire crew. Need help setting it up? Contact us via our contact page or view the full manual in our blog section.