Before we get into the nitty gritty, we want to take a moment to tell you how thankful we are for you. This video truly wouldn’t happen without you. You are making an impact inthe lives of many because of this! Thank You!

Examples

Because seeing something can sometimes be more clear than simply reading, below are videos of previous video projects.

Love Week

Testimony: Teen Challenge

Event Recap: Beach Bash

Sermon Series Recap

Video Announcements

Series Bumper

Shooting Guide

Video will be mostly b-roll with interviews, voice over, and music laid underneath. Because we have multiple shooters, this guide was prepared to provide style guardrails so the finished piece feels like one cohesive narrative.

B-Roll

When shooting b-roll, think in sequence. At every location, capture wide/master shots, medium shots, closeups, and detail shots. For example, if the project is putting on a new metal roof on a house, get a wide shot of the house, people carrying the metal, handing it up, and close-ups of screws going in.

Additional Notes

  • Please hold on every shot for at least 10 seconds.
  • Everything worth shooting is worth getting a wide, medium and tight shot.
  • In addition to that standard format of coverage, think though a visual exploration of your topic. How can you add some movement – either in frame or a camera movement?
  • Make the most of the locations, objects and people you feature.
  • Look for smiling faces. Serving others is one of the most joyous things you can do, so lets make sure to show that by capturing happy faces.
  • To avoid confusion or awkwardness, feel free to introduce yourself.
  • Don’t be afraid to interact with people. Ask them to wave, smile, or stage a shot by having them perform their task while you record at multiple focal lengths.
  • Be aware of the subject’s body placement and direction. Position yourself to capture at the best angle.

Interviews

We want to make sure that all interviews are concise and to the point. Don’t be afraid to ask the interviewee to restate the answer in a shorter more compact version.

Conducting the Interview

  • We won’t be using the interviewers voice so please prompt your subject to work the questions into their answers. For example:
    • Question: “What is your name?”
    • Answer: “My name is ___________.”
  • Watch for good posture and fidgeting.
  • Watch for eye-lines that drift to look into the camera. We want them looking just off-camera at all times during the interview.

Framing

  • For multiple interviews in one segment, each interview should be done individually (one person at a time) and on different backgrounds.
  • For single interviewees, standing or seated is fine, whatever frame gives you the better background.
  • Because of the background noise, get as close to you can to the interviewee.
  • Keep your interview shot between 24mm and 35mm.
  • Interviewees should be shot on left or right of frame, eye-line off camera. If you have multiple interviewees please try to vary camera direction.
  • Keep camera eye level with the talent. If camera is too low it will be unflattering, too hig and it will be disorienting.

Zoom Lenses

  • Zoom lenses are great to use during Serve Day, but please do not use zooms during your shots.

Audio

  • We understand that it can be loud with serve projects going on, but please make sure the audio has minimal background noise. Feel free to move to a location where audio is clean, even if that means moving further away from the project.
  • If you do have an interruption (i.e., overhead airplane or loud vehicle), please ask the interviewee to pause and begin that question again.

Background

  • Immersive backgrounds are best since we want to provide a sense of context and place. However, movement in the background should be minimal, unless it’s a critical part of your story and is consistent and distant enough so it’s not distracting.

Tech Specs

Please use these settings as a guide to setting your camera.

Frame Rate and Resolution

30fps for normal speed

60fps for slow-motion

1080p or 1920 x 1080 resolution

Shutter Speed

If shooting a DSLR double your frame rate

30fps = 50 shutter speed

60fps = 125 shutter speed

White Balance

If possible, please set white balance at each location and maintain that setting the entire time you are at a location. If you are not familiar with setting a white balance, feel free to use the Auto White Balance feature.

Color Profile

Use a profile that is Flat. If using a Canon Cinema Camera, use the “CP9” Profile.

If using Nikon, go to Set Picture Control > Flat.

If using a DSLR, edit your picture profile setting to take all the contrast and sharpness out of your image.

Focus Mode

Set your focus mode to Auto Focus with the Full Time-AF feature.