Many Churches; including the one I go to, cannot put together the massive funds required to use Video to it’s extreme. Now I am not discounting those that use Video very well without forking out the cash – used wisely and strategically even the lowest Video Budget can be very engaging and useful. If you use Video, Visual Effects, I-Mag, etc, please feel free to offer your comments below.
I have been involved in Video for almost half a decade and have constantly struggled with the balance of budget and usefulness/overuse. There have been many lessons learnt and certainly lots of experience.
Here are some points/thoughts I have on this matter:
- For a purpose. No point in using video for the sake of it. Like many things in the Church there must be purpose and strategy.
- Start Small. Unless you have a dedicated and full time team or person to film and edit you are more likely going to burn out volunteers – if you start Big. Money aside you need to nurture and grow, that can’t happen if you have volunteers burning the midnight oil too often.
- Have a plan. You can’t stay small, you need to plan to grow. This helps the volunteers or staff who work in this area to know that they are going somewhere and that they are important.
- Involve. Make use of special projects that involve more than just the current team. This show cases the opportunity to be involved and also incorporates many other talents, like make up artists, set design etc
- Teach. Editing, Visual Effects and Filming is an art and a skill. While there is a lot of ability involved in composing a shot there is also a lot to be learnt from the experts, textbooks, workshops, messing around.
- Don’t over use. People can switch off if they keep seeing the same stuff over and over again or that video is used to much. It needs to be used when necessary and in a way that engages the audience.
- Keep it Professional. Not only is this a God Honouring principle it is also people honouring. People will want to see more if you do the job very well.
There is also the notion that it is better to stick to what you know and do it well, and that may be the excuse for many Churches in not getting involved too much in Video. This is a very noble principle however I personally think that it will lead to stagnation. That is why you start small, with a purpose and with a plan to grow.
