In the church environment, we typically deal with skimpy budgets, tight deadlines (can you do this in the next 15 minutes before service?) and people who have absolutely no clue about what it takes to produce even a short, David Letterman-style run out video.
Want to know a secret? The average church attendee expects you to produce world-class stuff for them. Surely, that can't be right. They know the budgets, and that proves that they have low expectations (did I hear someone say 'ouch!?).
But it is right. Americans are the most spoiled society in the world. In fact, one of the things we're most spoiled with is something we take for granted: TV. The 30-second commercials you'll see at this year's Super Bowl will cost $4 million each. That's just the airtime. Don't forget the cost of making them! The American viewer has a very developed sense of ‘quality' when it comes to TV shows or commercials.
So how do you, as the local church, compete with that? You can. I'll prove it.
Quote me on this: "The church will rarely compete with the production quality of the footage that Hollywood produces. But, we can use the same production values that Hollywood uses."
If I spend time story-boarding (creating a detailed shot list) a shoot, I will know the timing of the events, the types of shots I'll need and a good estimate of the time necessary to actually bring it all together. However, if I grab my camcorder, walk down the hall to the offices and ask someone to tell me why they love our church, I'll most likely be disappointed with the project.
So what does that tell us? Planning is essential.
Did you ever watch a movie and feel like you were actually there? You'll know that the guy fixing to come around the corner had a briefcase in his right hand, his Fedora hat was hiding his shifty eyes and his pace was quick as he stepped through the puddles – and he has something to hide.
How in the world did you know all of that? You saw 'cutaways'. Cutaways, also known as 'B-Roll', are used to show sections of the image for a brief moment. The tight grip on the briefcase in the right hand. The close-up of the brim of the Fedora casting a shadow on the eyes darting back and forth. The puppy-dog view of the shoes clicking and splashing along a wet sidewalk.
It was by including those extra shots that made the tension build. Had you only seen him walking along a street corner, you'd never know the details that fill this moment with tension.
When you plan your work, pre-think what B-Roll you're going to need.
Experiencing Worship, The Study
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
One user said..."Your 5 week study course has made a tremendous impact on my life in the study of worship... I would like to express my thanks for a well written study course that leads into a higher realm of praise and worship."
Experiencing Worship, The Study